Projects
Below is a chronological listing (in reverse order) of the ongoing projects at the SLL Observatory.
To make contributions, obtain more information, or to share your ideas as to how to assist with projects associated with the observatory, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
| Projects completed: | Date: | |
| Fire pit | 2008 | Situated just south of the observers pad, there are also movable benches to accommodate groups around a campfire. |
| Piers on observers pad are painted | 2007 | Primed and painted, these piers are now suited to stand the test of time. |
| Picnic pavilion | 2007 | Located toward the south east of the domes. This pavilion is large enough to provide shelter for 2-3 of our picnic tables. |
| Refrigerators for bunkhouses | 2006 | Each bunkhouse now has a refrigerator to help accommodate large groups staying multiple days. |
| Rock garden at entrance | 2006 | Made from local limestone, this rock boundary surrounds the flagpoles. |
| Flagpole installation | 2006 | At the entrance of SLL, there are now five flagpoles for the national, state and participating institutional flags. |
| Additional storage building | 2006 | Similar to the other buildings, this storage building is toward the west. |
| Entrance gate | 2006 | This gate completes a nice fence line extending along the parking area. |
| Tornado damaged buildings repaired | 2006 | Late October, 2005, an F1 tornado lifted the west bunkhouse and placed it in the western side of the classroom building. Repairs were made to each of the buildings. |
| ADA compliant restroom | 2006 | Complete with shower and water heater. |
| Running water / septic system | 7/2005 | Access to drinking water for emergencies and restrooms. |
| Doublewide trailer | 2005 | For curator/program leader. Also to serve as a mess hall. |
| Polar alignment of 12" Meade | 2004 | Permits better long-term exposure imaging using CCD cameras and reduces set up time for programs (not to mention greater precision). |
| More telescopes | 2004 | Five 10" Dobsonians (Orion Intelliscopes for public use) |
| Pier mount for 12" Meade | 3/2004 | No more tripod legs to step over! Now for polar alignment . . . |
| Observer pad piers | 3/2004 | Six piers added to the pad. Two set low for children and wheelchair accessibility. One with mounted wedge. |
| Install air conditioners in buildings | 3/2004 | One unit in need of repair. . . |
| Electricity to buildings | 2003 | Separate 200A box installed for any future construction. |
| "SLL Observers" email list begins | 8/2003 | Email announcements of SLL public programs are sent out to members of this list. To be added, send an email. |
| SLL Observatory entrance sign | 4/2003 | Welcome to the SLL Observatory! |
| Men's / Women's bunk house | 4/2003 | Ample space for 12 adults in each bunk house. |
| Classroom | 4/2003 | Several workstations and sizeable open area for tables and chairs. |
| Men's / Women's bathrooms | 4/2003 | Significant space for full bathrooms. |
| Seating (picnic tables) | 2003 | 12 in all; solid metal frame and pressure treated lumber benches and tabletop. |
| SLL Website | 2/2003 | Bare bones, but up and running! |
| Gypsum parking lot | 2003 | Large enough to allow a bus to turn around. |
| Observadome installation | 9/2002 | Casters still in need of repair. |
| Construction of Projection Screen | 2/2002 | First two attempts blown down by OK wind! |
| Working electricity to main pad | 9/2001 | Ash Dome now electrically driven! |
| Electrical wiring to main pad | 8/2001 | Outlets in place and ready for use. |
| Gypsum "pavement" at site | 8/2001 | For improved access to the domes. |
| Observer's pad | 8/2001 | Single 15' x 30' slab, 6" deep. |
| Ash Dome installation | 6/2001 | Two day project with much help. |
| Electricity to building site | 2001 | For future structures and power for tools. |
| Main pad for domes | 5/2001 | With electrical conduit, sound concrete footing, and sections isolated to diminish vibrations reaching mounted telescopes |
| Purchase of 12" Meade LX200 | 2001 | With CCD camera, on board computer, tripod and wedge. |
| Projects not yet completed: | Contact us if you or your group would like to help with a project. |
| Amphitheater seating | Just to the north of the projection screen. |
| Paint projection screen | This project has been put on hold--the Oklahoma wind has demonstrated its weathering capabilities! The screen is now slated to be removed. |
| Restoration of 5" refractor | |
| Wind blockade | For the observer's pad; 6' - 8' tall stockade or dog-eared fencing. |
| Cast iron artwork | Scale model of planetary system to be place along EW21 westbound from route 50 to the observatory. |
| Paint picnic tables | Protective stain to prolong life. |
| Construction of supporting / decorative walls for projection screen | This project is currently tabled. |
|
Lighted walkway from parking to domes |
Needs to be dim but bright enough for people to find their way easily to domes. |
|
To serve as a functional sculpture at the observatory. |