Meyer–Womble Observatory
![]() Meyer–Womble Observatory on Mt. Blue Sky | |||
Organization | University of Denver | ||
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Observatory code | 707 | ||
Location | Mount Blue Sky, Colorado | ||
Coordinates | 39°35′13″N 105°38′27″W / 39.5870°N 105.6409°W | ||
Altitude | 4,326 meters (14,193 ft) | ||
Established | 1995 | ||
Website | Mt. Evans Meyer–Womble Observatory | ||
Telescopes | |||
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Meyer–Womble Observatory (MWO) is an
Through a gift of $3.8 million from the estate of William Womble, construction of the facility began in 1995 and was completed in 1996. Eric Meyer, M.D., an anesthesiologist who designed the dual-aperture 0.72 m (28 in) f/21
During the 2011–12 winter, the dome over the telescope was damaged by high winds, allowing snow to enter the observing area. The telescope was secured in early April 2012 by a mountaineer who hiked to the summit.[4] A complete inspection of the damage did not take place until the road to the summit opened in May. During the following summer, the remains of the old dome were demolished and a new dome was fabricated. Installation of the new structure occurred on October 20, 2012.
Decommissioning
Citing a lack of funds and interest, the University of Denver began decommissioning the observatory in 2018. The facility will be razed and the site will be abandoned.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "The Mt.Evans Meyer–Womble Observatory, University of Denver Astronomy". Denver University, Department of Physics and Astronomy. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
- ^ "Meyer–Womble Observatory | Natural Sciences & Mathematics | University of Denver | University of Denver". University of Denver. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
- Bibcode:1999JAVSO..27...61S.
- ^ Keller, Sarah Jane (April 23, 2012). "Jet Stream Damages Country's Highest Astronomical Observatory". Wired.com. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
- ^ "Repair Blog Mount Evans Womble Observatory". Denver University, Department of Physics and Astronomy. Retrieved 2018-07-24.
External links
- University of Denver - Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Meyer–Womble Observatory Clear Sky Clock Forecasts of observing conditions.