SSO Update

Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue47 1–31 December 2023

Last month saw a sudden reversal in weather fortunes and technical problems.  About half of November was lost to stormy weather – a lightning strike fried our new all-sky camera – and there have been issues with 2dF at the AAT and WiFeS and the Nasmyth rotator on the 2.3-metre telescope. 2dF is currently offline and several observing runs have had to be cancelled.
 
On a more positive note, progress is being made in manufacturing the pieces for the new 2.3-metre focus selector. Funded through a LIEF grant, the mechanism will allow one to switch between the three foci in a matter of minutes.

Over the past month, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting a couple of year-10 work experience students. The work experience students stay with us for a week and get to see and participate in all the work that is needed to get the telescopes ready for the night.
 
Next year, SSO will be hosting its first four interns. In addition to seeing how an astronomical observatory works, they will do a small project involving data from WiFeS. 
 
Finally, on a personal note, I want to wish everyone a safe, happy and relaxing holiday season.
 
Chris Lidman on behalf of the SSO team

Image: The central part of the new tertiary focus selector as seen in the workshop in Canberra where it is being made. Credit: Chris Lidman