Inclusive Telescope Dome

Our aim is to install an Australian made Sirius dome with a wide door to enable wheelchair access to a fixed telescope. The telescope will be mounted on an electric lift pier that can be adjusted to suit the observers viewing height. The observatory will have all services under-floor leaving a clear path to move about the building to reach any position unaided. The observatory will also assist with our school, cubs, scout and public education programs. The ability to offer wheelchair access telescopes on our monthly public viewing nights would be invaluable to the community at large.

There are no observatories in Melbourne that can accommodate wheelchair access to the eyepiece of a telescope. This project will now enable mobility impaired school and research students the ability to access the night sky first hand, which is required for most astrophysics and space research syllabuses. With the recent emergence of Space Australia, increased demand for this type of educational equipment is anticipated.

MPAS has been educating the community for nearly 50 years in space & astronomy and this project will enhance our inclusive program to our regular school, scout and public visitors.