Northmoor Observatory Renovation

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A photo collage of the installation of new dome completed March 2009.
Thanks to the amazing efforts of PAS members and community volunteers, the Northmoor Observatory has a new dome.
Our gratitude goes out to Rich and Margo Tennis for their fund raising efforts in making the dome a reality.
A special thanks to Terry Beachler and Ash Dome personnel for all their help in getting the dome installed.

Our Thanks to the many volunteers who made the new dome possible.

• Don Howerter of ENTEC
• N. E. Finch
• Caterpillar, Inc.
• Apprentices from the local Steamfitters
• Peoria Park District
• Apprentices from Ironworkers Local 112
• Ash Dome personnel
• PAS members and volunteers

Winter 2008

Evaluation

Dome Inspection

Birds, Rust, and lack of quality electronics were big motivators in renovating the Northmoor Observatory.

It took the efforts of many volunteers, years of fundraising, and member support to finally get the new dome.  Drive down Sheridan Rd. and you can see the shiny, new dome.  What a Glorious site it is!

The old dome was 9,000 lbs of steel. It was operated by pulleys and man power. The new aluminum-clad dome is 20 feet, 6 inches in diameter and weighs 4400 pounds with an entirely mechanical door mechanism.

January 23, 2009

Ash Manufacturing Company

Peoria Astronomical Society members Rich Tennis and Terry Beachler visited ASH Manufacturing Company in Plainfield, IL on Friday, January 23.

The purpose of the visit was to inspect the rotating dome being built for the Northmoor Observatory

Renovation Project and to make arrangements for delivery to the Observatory site on Donovan Golf Course.

Terry Beachler, PAS Construction Coordinator; Rich Tennis, PAS Chairman of fundraising for the Project; Bruce Marshall, ASH Dome field Supervisor.

Bruce is a member of the team who brought the dome to Peoria and assisted with the assembly and placement.

February 25, 2009

The Big Lift

Local news media covered the events.

The 40 ton Crane arrived at 7:00am.

March 3, 2009

Installation Day

The first piece is in place!

The end of a very productive first day!

March 3, 2009

Completion

We look forward to returning the telescope to it's renovated home and welcoming many guests through the Observatory doors.

The observatory is open to the public beginning the first Saturday in May, weather permitting until the end of October.