The road up to the telescope domes.
Radcliffe Telescope dome, flanked by the 20 inch and 40 inch telscope domes in the background.
Radcliffe entranceway, with SALT in the background.
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Oh, well, I didn’t really expect to be asked, but the first thing is you need to take the photos at sunrise or sunset – the light is so much better then!
Secondly, if you have a tripod, use it! if you don’t, use anything you can to steady the camera, especially at sunrise or sunset as you’ll need some longish exposures to get a good picture. I can’t remember now, but I don’t think there are too many things you can use to sit a camera on at SAAO, but if there is (a bench/table/anything) is makes a huge difference because the picture is so much sharper.
Thirdly, and this is a kind of arty thing, what I try to do is use the sky or background as the important thing and have the telescope/observatory there as a point of reference, so put the dome off to the side of the picture and make sure the wonderful SA sunset or sunrise can be seen.
Wish I was there again. I had a wonderful time observing with the Radcliffe 15 or 16 years ago and would love to go again. It’s a very special place.
I hope the run goes well but I know how frustrating the weather can be!
Tom
These are so darn cool. I am really happy that get to have this experience.
To be honest, I don’t know. I was under the impression it hadn’t changed much, but I could probably be wrong… It certainly is an excellent design. Testament to that is the fact that it still works perfectly well!
And, my friend, I would always welcome any tips on photographing observatories from you. What would you suggest…? :)
Has the Radcliffe dome changed over the last 15 years or so? I don’t remember it looking like Subaru so much but I’m an old guy with memory issues.
I seem to remember it being more traditionally shaped.
The Radcliffe-type telescope used to be found in several places around the world, it was an excellent design. Sadly, I think the one in Stromlo was destroyed by fire a few years ago (I used both the one at SAAO and Stromlo).
Hope the weather improves and if you want some tips on photographing observatories, let me know! ;)
Tom