Mt. San Antonio College Observatory
Customized.
Optimized.
Next-generation.
Sea West built an observatory at Mt. San Antonio College in California to expand their astronomy curriculum programs.
About the observatory
Mt. San Antonio College in California required an observatory on campus that would play a vital role in their Earth Sciences and Astronomy Department curriculum. The goal of the observatory also had to function as a public outreach center for the local community. The location of the observatory was selected to be installed atop their science building to maximize accessibility for students, faculty, and the public. In addition to variable star research led by faculty and students the observatory also provides monthly stargazing programs that are open to the public.
Dome
20.5′ Ash-Dome
Research
Public Outreach
Astrophotography
Robotic Research
Project Scope
Sea West was brought in for the construction and installation of a 20.5’ Ash-Dome. The college faculty and students were trained on how to safely operate the dome for their research and public stargazing programs. Multiple additional piers were installed outside of the primary dome to allow for smaller telescopes to be set up for viewing and student use.
PARTNERS
Sea West partnered with United Riggers to assist GDL Best Contracting with the crane lifting the dome into place. Sea West consulted with NTD Architecture on the integration and installation of the dome and connection details. In 2022, Greg Stafford of Observatory Automation Solutions to provide a robust dome control system upgrade.
