[CMAS] 16" mirror near complete, Foss Hill

[Colin Caissie]

Recent test report here. I don't 100% trust the readout, but it's
good enough to put a coat of silver on it and load it in the scope for star
testing.  It went from about one wave error to 1/4 wave when I silvered it
and tried it out at the Maine State Star Party in 2023.  Wasn't perfect but
boy did it pull in the light with the fresh coatings.....Silver is about
97% reflective, and with the secondary also silvered, it was like an 18"
scope.  Now, it's smooth and should be fun to use.

So, this mirror needs to go into a more portable 16"f/4.5 scope for
outreach, my PreCambrian truck may not be in service, and the original
MEADE Starfinder 16 dob OTA and mount is just too heavy and is
failing.....There are designs for compact portable dobs, and the idea of a
tracking equatorial base is exciting.  We have all the materials for all of
this. The titanium truss tubes I suggest came from the spare seawater
condenser from Maine Yankee Plant 20 years ago.

We checked out the fit of the new motor mount for the Foss Hill roll-off
roof drive and need to drill a few more holes.  Josh and I gave it the OK.
Then it snowed on us. WE have had large star parties in the old days,
especially when we offered food and beverages, so maybe a GALA OPENING with
barbecue (STARBECUE) could be a big kick for CMAS membership and
involvement.
The building and site is impressive and could draw a huge crowd.  Josh
mentioned camping...Wow. Organizing is not my forte...I'm just a member...
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