Winchester Observatory Construction
February 2003 (#1)

First Light 2003 Feb 3
First Light
A hole was cut in the roof to drop in the plywood and other lumber needed for construction.
Sun Halo 2003 Feb 3
Solar Halo
The first thing I saw looking through the roof was this nice solar halo -- a good omen!
The Subfloor 2003 Feb 5
The Subfloor
The raised floor for the observatory chamber will be built on this platform. Holes will be cut later for direct access to the steel beams.
The Floor 2003 Feb 6
The Floor
At first it looked like a playpen, later a sarcophagus, eventually an observatory...
The Opening 2003 Feb 6
The Opening
Some joists were removed and the opening re-framed around the outer edges.
Grand Opening 2003 Feb 7
Grand Opening
Finally the day arrived where the roof was fully opened for the observatory...
Solar Halo II 2003 Feb 7
Solar Halo II
Yet another (though weaker) solar halo greeted our second roof opening...
North Sky View 2003 Feb 7
North Sky View
This is the view from the observatory looking north.
South Sky View 2003 Feb 7
South Sky View
This is the view from the observatory looking south. The near chimney blocks my view of a neighbour's tree so it is not a problem.