During the XIX National Meeting of Amateur Astronomers OZMA 2015, opening ceremony was held of a large telescope designed to observe the cosmos. The telescope in Niedźwiady with a diameter of 60 cm is one of the largest amateur telescopes in Poland.
Marek Nikodem, President of the Pałucko-Pomorskie Astronomical-Ecological Association (PPSAE), said in an interview with PAP that this is one of the largest amateur telescopes in Poland. First Steps, plans to build, were initiated in 2003.
"The construction took so many years, because we have been raising funds gradually, and we have built the telescope ourselves, working on weekends. Only some parts were ordered, such as a mirror from the Italian manufacturer Reginato, which then was polished in Poland, and then coated and hardened in Italy" - said Nikodem.
The exact parameters of the telescope are: mirror diameter of 603 mm, focal length of 2802 mm. The telescope was constructed in the Newton system and works on an equatorial mount. It is housed in a building with a rotating dome and has full electronic control.
"The main constructor and designer of the telescope is Karol Wenerski, but every member of our association has contributed to the construction process. Many people and companies from outside also helped us" - added Nikodem.
The telescope was named Roland, to honour the memory of Roland Kubacki, a passionate astronomy enthusiast and a member of the association, who died at a young age.
For now, the association members do not yet have specific plans for the telescope. As they say, for now they want to enjoy it. Then perhaps they will search for supernovae in other galaxies, and observe variable stars. A professional CCD camera will also be installed.
The inauguration of the telescope on August 13 was attended by members of the association, several dozen participants of the OZMA 2015 meeting, as well as representatives of the local government authorities. (PAP)
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