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.

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