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The Astronomical Society of Frankston, Inc.
For many years, The ASF has been without a focus (excuse the pun) for our viewing activities, and has been developing an Observatory Site at The Briars Historic Park in Mount Martha, Victoria. This is to serve as a replacement of previous sites, which have either burned down, blown away or buried by unfeeling non-astronomer-type persons.
In 1996 the ASF had two concrete slabs laid: One as a viewing platform and the other as a foundation for the proposed Observatory. Today we have... two concrete slabs... and a little shed called the ASF, or, Advanced Storage Facility. And an old caravan which seems to have become a haven for huntsman spiders, which are large hideous creatures which like dropping on people in the dark...
The aim of this page is to document the activities at the Observatory Site.
1996 - 1998
First image shows the site looking N/E, then the view west. The buildings, tree and water-tower have now gone. Peter sits proudly on the bottom slab in Image 3 while a group photo is taken on the top slab.
2001 Panorama of our site: click to enlarge! Compare it with the 1997 panorama!
Working Bee - 4 November 2000
The latest addition: Stage 1 of the Observatory building.... David Girling tackles the weeds....Richard Pollard (me) tries out the trusty Rover mower, while Trevor Unwin goes for a more intense approach... Sally and Graham Zetter do a little planting.
The grassed areas must be kept short over the summer months to discourage snakes. These photos show a marked contrast to the condition of the grass in the first two images on this page, particularly in the background paddocks.
From left rear: David Girling, Phil Snelling, John Cleverdon, Roger Cleverdon, Trevor Unwin. Centre: Mrs Skilton (Pete's Mum), Ros Skilton, Peter Skilton. Front: The Skilton and Girling Kids.
Putting the finishing touches on the Peter Norman 12": Our first solar projection and the finished article.
February 11, 2001: Working Bee and Solar Day
Ian Sullivan mesmerises a keen little bunch with his shadow stick and sundials on our Solar Day.
April 20, 2002 - Telescope Learning Day
David Girling instructs the membership on the use of Telescopes and their accessories (check out the Pronto and it's surveyors tripod!)
For our International Guests: This image of a Rainbow Lorikeet was a chance event using a Kodak DC3200 digital camera held the a Televue Pronto scope in the previous picture. You can see the scope aimed at the top of a dead tree, where the lorikeet was nesting. The Briars is a haven for native birds like lorikeets, rosellas and cockatoos.
Our Briars
Observatory site is certified by the Astronomical Society of
Australia, the premier body of
professional career astronomers, as a Designated Observatory for
educational purposes.
More pictures to follow soon....
Last updated: Sunday, 09 June 2002
Back to:ASF Official Web Page or Richards Astropage
