The Lunn-Peterson Observatory
This observatory was the first building built on the MAC-Hunter site and was originally a joint project of Hap Griffin (Sumter, SC) and Gene Hunter (Bethune, SC). They have since built a larger observatory and this building is currently occupied by Clive Lunn and Brian Peterson. The pictures on this page document the construction of the first MAC-Hunter observatory during the Fall of 2000.
Day 1 - September 9, 2000
Dug hole for
Hap's
telescope mounting pier (Gene's was already in place). Mixed and poured almost
2000 pounds of concrete to minimize any telescope vibrations during photography.
Built most of floor framing.
Day 2 - September 10, 2000
Finished floor
framing. Built support posts and poured concrete footings. Laid plywood
flooring.
Day 3 - September 16, 2000
Built wall
framing. Applied most of wall sheathing and corner trim.
Day 4 - September 17, 2000
Applied remaining wall
sheathing. Painted interior walls black to minimize stray light. Painted outside
light blue/grey to minimize sun heating of the interior during summer
months.
Day 5 - September 30, 2000
Built steel track system for roll-off roof. Built wheel assemblies.
Day 6 - October 1, 2000
Built roof frame. Installed tin roof panels.
Day 7 - October 7,
2000
Installed steel tension cables to stabilize roof. Built South fold-down
wall section. Built and installed door. Installed Gene's 10"
LX-50 telescope.
Day 8 - October 8,
2000
Installed roof hold-down latches. Installed Hap's telescope mounting
plates on pier. Mounted Hap's 10" LX-200.
Completion! -
December 2000
Installed two
computers, florescent work lights, red floor lighting, etc.
Additions - Spring
2001
Built a back deck for relaxing and helping to keep dirt out of the observatory.
