6. Observatory Weathervane

Installation of a Cassegrain type telescope of 8.5 inches (22 cm) aperture was proposed. However, the aperture of the original dome was deemed too narrow for effective use.for a telescope of this aperture to function effectively. Vetterlein was commissioned to design a new dome which was constructed at R N Irving.

"The dome rotated by means of ballraced wheels mounted on a circular track and driven by a small electric motor. The dome could be locked against rotation from the wind. There was also provision to prevent the dome from lifting.
The Dall-Cassegrain telescope was completed towards the end of 1966.

Suffice to say the instrument was something of a prototype (the forerunner to the now familiar Schmidt-Cassegrain). Dall was a highly competent optical draftsman and the system, once adjusted, gave good results."



For more information about them you can visit his site:
John Fuller Follies