Amateur Astronomy in the UP

Munising, Mi.

Lookum Observatory

Lookum hill
33 feet above the surrounding area, located just south of Lake Superior, near Munising Mi.

Closed view.

Typical wood framing for walls and floor; while metal roofing keeps weight to
minimum. Floor is elevated on 4"X6" treated wood posts. A 6" stainless pier,
embedded in and filled with concrete, protrudes through floor to support the
main telescope.

Open view.

                                                        Somewhat of a modified "clam-shell"; I call it a "clam-shed". The front wall
                                                        and roof are hinged. The wall is lowered first, next the roof is raised; giving
                                                        an un-obstructed view from tree-line to zenith and from ESE to WSW.

Wall counterweights.
Two 35lb weights,one on each side, aid the raising and lowering of the front wall.

Roof counterweight.

A 45lb weight which is attached to the roof via a pulley at the top
of the mast, takes the weight off the roof when raising and lowering.

Telescope mountings

A 6" stainless steel pier and a 4" aluminum pier, which are isolated from the floor, support
the telescopes.

Observatory Inside.
                                                                    The interior is equipped with computer, monitor for video, electrical
                                                                    hookups and chart table which are partially protected from dew, even
                                                                    with roof in raised position.

Details of the construction of Lookum Observatory

Building Details:

Questions or comments welcomed by P.J. Anway at: Email

(Images and text may be used with written permission of the author)

Return to Home Page