The Griffin-Hunter Observatory

This observatory is a joint project of Hap Griffin (Sumter, SC) and Gene Hunter (Bethune, SC). It is the culmination of years of imagining by both of them about what it would be like to have a permanently mounted scope. The pictures on this page document the construction of the unique double observatory during the Fall of 2000. The project has since grown to include two additional double observatories on the same site.

Although Gene and Hap only met recently (after Gene advertised on the internet for fellow astronomers to come share his dark sky site), they immediately found that they had much in common. They both love astro-photography, but hate the hassle of setting up the equipment, carefully aligning it and then having to tear it all down again. They decided to pool their efforts (and money) and construct a double observatory.

They decided on the classic "roll-off roof" design after investigating many other amateur observatory designs on the web. A 12' x 12' "box" would allow room enough for both astronomers and their equipment along with occasional visitors. 6' walls would allow easy walking around with the roof closed. A fold-down section on the South facing wall would allow unobstructed views to the horizon (objects in all other directions will eventually rotate into view sometime during the night).

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. This scope has since been replaced (see Gene's Equipment).

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.

Recent Additions - Spring 2001
Built a back deck for relaxing and helping to keep dirt out of the observatory.

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