The Magellan Observing Complex

As stated on the main article, the observing complex is every amateurs' "wet dream". Zane has taken amateur astronomy to the limit in providing for every convenience you could ever think of. Situated on a 60x60 concrete pad are three structures, the Dome containing a equatorial mounted NGT 18", complete with digital setting circles; A 15x15 roll-off observatory with a Losmandy mount, and a 18x30 structure containing all the comforts of home.

The Dome, while manually operated (elbow grease), it actually moves easier than it's bulk implies. I found observing in a dome to be a wonderful experience, keeping the wind off me and the scope, and providing for a nearly 80% dark environment as the walls are painted black. DC power is fed to the dome and powers the equatorial drives, the digital setting circles and a junction box, so you can connect any DC powered equipment. Powered by two 6v heavy duty batteries (which also power lights in the structure and losmandy), we only had to change the batteries one time in the 9 days I was there.

The NGT 18 is a fantastic scope. With only a small stepping stool required when at zenith, and a rotating cage, it offers the most comfortable viewing position, allowing you to observe for hours and hours without getting tired. Equipped with a various extension tubes, astrophotography is a breeze with this solid scope. Many of the pictures linked in the main article were taken by Zane with this scope.

The roll-off observatory is equipped with a Losmandy mount, capable of handling the most demanding configuration. While I am not personally into astrophotography, Zane took many pictures during my stay while I was observing with the NGT. Zane has a full complement of telescopes to mount to the NGT, including a Schmidt Camera, a 12" straight Cassegrain and a 4" refractor. Below you can see the Schmidt piggy backed to the Cassegrain, with the refractor mounted to the side, for a total of THREE simultaneous pictures of the same object, all at differing focal lengths and FOVs. I was truly impressed with the Schmidt, and the fact that Zane also has a dark-room in his house so you can develop photos right on site without having to go into town.

The "structure" is really a large shed. It contains storage for the telescopes, a display case where Zane has pictures he's taken, meteorites and various other astronomical oddities. It also has a VERY comfortable couch, for those times where you simply want to relax and take a load off, resting your eyes. Equipped with both white and red lights, it also has a stove, refridgerator and water available to satisfy those late night cravings for coffee or soup! Zane has also amassed quite a few slides of excellent pictures, which he uses on those cloudy nights.