Siding Spring Observatory Update
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue55 1–30 September 2024
2dF
As noted in the last two editions of lunations, 2dF was brought back to a working state in early July. Since then, we’ve used 2dF twice. In August, we tested the performance of the instrument on sky. 2dF performed well and we decided to offer it to astronomers to use. Last week, we took our first scientific data. While the weather was not great, the astronomers were happy to have 2dF back. In a sense, the night was a double success. We used a special mode called nod-and-shuffle, which had not been used in 10 years.
We would not have reached this point without the expert help of Chris McCowage and Rob Patterson and the dedicated support from SSO staff. On behalf of the 2dF user community, I want to thank everyone for their work.
2dF will remain available for a few scheduled directors' nights over the next couple of months. After that, we will take 2dF offline to refurbish it. The refurbishment includes manufacturing and installing new, more modern components, thereby increasing the longevity of 2dF.
The instrument will be available again for astronomers to use in June 2025.
New IDEAs at SSO
Following James Cameron’s departure, SSO has two new IDEA representatives, Gayandhi De Silva and Sharna Persson. The IDEA is to get all staff together over tea or lunch, in a relaxed, social and enjoyable environment while being informative, meaningful and engaging. The IDEA is to have some fun activities, games, quizzes etc with nice food to eat as well as food for thought. :)
The first event was held 28 August, which was also a celebration of having 2dF up and running again. We enjoyed sweet and savoury treats while we discussed Positive Psychology, see attached photo. The next event is planned for October. In the longer term, we hope to get more involvement from RSAA and the broader ANU community, including media events, visitor engagement and career conversations. If you would like to get involved, please feel free to reach out.
AAT 50th Anniversary Symposium and Starfest
Next week will be a busy week at SSO. The AAT 50th Anniversary Symposium will run from October 02 to October 04. Over 100 people will be there to celebrate the anniversary. We look forward to meeting up with people who worked at the AAT over the past 50 years and listening to their stories. Immediately following the Symposium will be Starfest, consisting of the Bok Lecture and Science in the Pub, both of which are sold out, and Open Day.
Of note, is this year’s Bok Lecture, which will be given by Krystal De Napoli under the stars in the Warrumbungle National Park.
SSO would not be able to run Starfest without the support of volunteers. This year, we’ll have almost 60 volunteers, a record! I hope that the volunteers have a great time. We will also receive significant support from the local community, including 2357, Coonabarabran Stargazing, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
I especially want to thank Zoe who has been working very hard over the past 6 months organising the zillions of details needed for the Symposium and Open Day.
New Display Panels at the Exploratory
As these lines are being written, new display panels are being installed at the Exploratory by staff at SSO. This marks the culmination of six months of effort from staff and students at RSAA in designing content for the panels.
The panels are part of a bigger project to enhance the visitor experience at SSO which also includes the new playground completed earlier this year, new exhibits, a new viewing deck and refurbished toilets.
I want to use this opportunity to thank Sasha and Sindu who have ably managed the entire project, Design Community who designed the panels, all the staff and students that have been involved in providing content, and Ian, Zac, Glen, Marty and Zoe for installing the panels. Also, to Guy Andrews Electrical for installing all the new lighting.
Welcome Steve Chapman and Sharna Persson
It is with great pleasure that I welcome both Steve Chapman and Sharna Persson to SSO. Both Steve and Sharna have worked at SSO in the past. Steve was part of the electronics team at SSO and will now lead that team. Sharna had been working for a company that provided cleaning services at the AAT. We now employ Sharna directly. Steve started with us on September 2nd. We wish both the very best.
Figure 1 (top): Some goodies at the recent IDEA meeting at SSO.
Figure 2 (bottom): A photo showing some of the new display panels at the Exploratory
