Farming Photons: Going Dark[er] & Seeking Shelter - Our Rural Observatory so Far

Thu, 18 May, 2023 at 07:30 pm

Calgary Central Library | Calgary

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Calgary Centre (RASC) - Page
Publisher/HostRoyal Astronomical Society of Canada - Calgary Centre (RASC) - Page
Farming Photons: Going Dark[er] & Seeking Shelter - Our Rural Observatory so Far
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This meeting will take place in-person and online.
Summary:
In September 2021 Kimberly and Laurie Sibbald packed up and moved to an acreage SW of Medicine Hat. They had been pursuing their love of astrophotography from a Bortle 8 suburban Calgary backyard and darker sites in Western Canada and the US with a more-than-fully loaded RV.
The plan was to have a more productive and comfortable site to further the now out-of-control hobby which had extended to include the astronomy science of Exoplanet Transit Measurement.
While adjusting to acreage life, the planning and construction of a large roll-off roof observatory facility was undertaken. It was an ambitious project. They used the help of experienced friends, paid attention to key details and employed professional contractors.
The facility was completed in the fall of 2022. It has 3 permanent telescope piers in an observatory building which opens to the skies when its roof is rolled off. Adjacent to this is a large climate-friendly control room with workstations to run the show.
Surrounded by real agriculture, Kimberly and Laurie now think of themselves as “Photon Farmers” and are furthering their Astro-pastime with community outreach including dark sky promotion.
The Sibbalds are excited to share details and anecdotes of the rural observatory experience with RASC Calgary.
Joining this meeting:
Come down to the main program room at the library at 7:00pm for refreshments and socializing before the main event at 7:30pm.
If you would like to participate online you can use the following link to join the webinar.
[https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85684911769 [us02web.zoom.us]]
RASC Calgary Centre:
Each month, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Calgary Centre brings you astronomy events just like this, which are free for anyone to attend. To unlock additional RASC member benefits, including the Telescope for Rent program, access to a members-only observatory, and much more, visit the RASC Calgary Centre Website for information on how to join.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Calgary Central Library, Calgary, Canada

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