Status of the Frisco Peak Observatory

ORAL

Abstract

The University of Utah has constructed an astronomical observatory located at an elevation of approximately 9600 feet of Frisco Peak west of Milford, Utah. This site was chosen after performing a survey of potential observatory sites throughout Southern Utah. At the time of writing this abstract, the dome and control buildings have been completed. Installation of a 32'' telescope manufactured by DFM Engineering is scheduled to start October 5, 2009. Commissioning of the telescope will take place this fall. A study of the photometric quality of the observatory site will be performed as well. A description of the observatory site survey and the construction and commissioning of the Frisco Peak Observatory will be presented.

–

Authors

  • Paul Ricketts

    University of Utah, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Wayne Springer

    University of Utah, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Kyle Dawson

    University of Utah, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Dave Kieda

    University of Utah, University of Utah, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Paolo Gondolo

    University of Utah, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Adam Bolton

    University of Utah, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Salt Lake City, Utah