The Asiago Astrophysical Observatory is one of the most important and fascinating astronomical sites in Italy. It was founded by the University of Padova in 1942 as a dedicated site for astronomical research, and at that time it hosted the largest telescope in Europe, a reflector with a 122-cm primary mirror, named after Galileo Galilei. The observatory sits on a hill on the Asiago Plateau, at an altitude of 1040 meters. In this context, the observatory asked us to install one of our OUTPOST 3M domes. The dome will host a telescope dedicated to the outreach activities that the institute carries out with the visitors of this professional observatory. The goal is to bring the public closer to astronomy, in a real research site, with a modern and reliable dome that protects the telescope and makes it easy to use.

 

The dome arrives at the installation site, lifted into position with a truck crane. In the background you can see one of the historical domes of the observatory. The concrete base was already prepared, ready to receive the structure.

 

 

The two halves of the dome are joined together. Like all our domes, OUTPOST 3M is assembled and tested in our headquarters in Italy, then shipped pre-assembled and divided in just 2 parts. This makes the installation simpler and safer, even on site, because the complex work is already done and verified in our facility. On site we just join the two halves on the concrete base.

 

 

The dome is fixed to the ground and the door is installed. The door is equipped with a handle with safety lock and gives easy access to the inside of the dome for the maintenance of the telescope.

 

 

We install the technical compartment, designed to host any internal instrumentation, also in rack. This dedicated space keeps the support electronics protected and well organized.

 

 

Working from the inside, the dome is anchored to the concrete base with anchors all along the perimeter. Each fixing point is tightened one by one, to give the structure maximum strength and stability even with strong wind.

 

 

The control electronics are installed, managing the motorized opening and closing of the dome. In the photo the operator is using the control panel during the test of the fast opening and closing system of OUTPOST 3M. This is the moment when the dome comes to life and becomes operational.

 

 

To ensure a perfect seal between the dome and the concrete base, a silicone sealant is applied all along the perimeter. Together with the mechanical fixing, this step ensures the insulation of the structure and protects the instrument inside from water and moisture, even in the most difficult weather conditions.

 

 

And here is the OUTPOST 3M dome ready to use, among the telescopes of the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory. Its compact and modern shape fits into the historical site without disturbing it, ready to host the telescope for outreach activities with visitors.

 

 

We are proud to have installed our OUTPOST 3M at the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory, because it means bringing our solutions to one of the most important and fascinating astronomical sites in Italy, next to those who have been doing research and outreach for more than eighty years. Seeing our dome next to the historical domes of the observatory, and knowing that it will help bring the public closer to astronomy, is the best confirmation of the work we do.