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Observatories & Planetariums
“I know that I am mortal by nature, and ephemeral;
but when I trace at my pleasure the windings to and fro of the heavenly bodies,
I no longer touch Earth with my feet:
I stand in the presence of Zeus himself and take my fill of ambrosia.”
— Ptolemy, “Mathematike Syntaxis” 150 A.D
Galileo Demonstrating His Telescope In 1609
Planetariums in schools and colleges play a central in enhancing astronomy and astrophysics education. They provide immersive experiences that can ignite students’ interest and curiosity about the universe, making complex astronomical concepts more comprehensible and engaging. Observatories do much that but with direct access to telescopes and other observational tools — frequently away from campus — thus allowing them to engage in hands-on learning and real-time data collection.
Establishing research and teaching programs present special occupancy challenges. The cost of high-quality telescopes and equipment, along with the need for a suitable location with minimal light pollution, can be substantial. Additionally, schools require trained staff to guide students in using the equipment and interpreting data. Weather conditions and geographical location also impact the effectiveness of observatories. Despite these hurdles, the educational value of observatories is immense, providing students with unique opportunities to explore the universe and cultivate a passion for scientific inquiry.
Today we examine both occupancies using our SAFER-SIMPLER-LOWER COST-LONGER LASTING discipline. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page at the usual hour.
Purdue University: Grand Universe planning liftoff in Hamilton County
The International Building Code includes various sections that address safety requirements relevant to observatories and planetariums. Key parts of the IBC that cover these requirements include:
- Chapter 3: Use and Occupancy Classification
- Section 303: Assembly Group A. Planetariums and observatories often fall under Assembly Group A due to their function as places where people gather for educational and entertainment purposes. Specific occupancy types and associated requirements will be detailed here.
- Chapter 4: Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
- Section 410: Stages, Platforms, and Technical Production Areas. While not specific to planetariums, this section provides guidance on assembly spaces, which may be applicable to the design and safety considerations for the auditorium areas in planetariums.
- Chapter 11: Accessibility
- Section 1103: Scoping Requirements. This section ensures that buildings are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which is crucial for public facilities like planetariums and observatories.
- Section 1104: Accessible Routes. Requirements for accessible paths to ensure ease of access to and within the facility.
- Chapter 12: Interior Environment
- Section 1203: Ventilation. Adequate ventilation is essential in enclosed spaces like planetariums to ensure air quality and comfort.
- Section 1205: Lighting. Ensuring appropriate lighting levels and types, which is crucial in areas like control rooms and observational spaces.
- Chapter 15: Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
- Section 1509: Rooftop Structures. Covers the installation and safety of rooftop observatories, which can include structural requirements and access considerations.
- Chapter 16: Structural Design
- Section 1604: General Design Requirements. Ensures that the structure can support both the static and dynamic loads associated with heavy equipment like telescopes.
- Section 1607: Live Loads. Specific load requirements for observatory equipment and public assembly areas.
These chapters collectively ensure that planetariums and observatories are designed and constructed with safety, accessibility, and functionality in mind. For detailed information, it is recommended to refer to the latest edition of the IBC and consult with a professional knowledgeable in building codes and standards.
Denison receives major gift to transform planetarium
World Astronomy Day is Saturday, and to celebrate we are showing off some of our favorite pictures of the Albion College Observatory. The Albion College Observatory was constructed from 1883-1884 under the direction of Dr. Samuel Dickie. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #MyAlbion pic.twitter.com/ixgtAMlP4z
— Albion College (@albioncollege) May 13, 2021
Designing and building a telescope for teaching and light research at a college or university requires a detailed consideration of both the telescope itself and the supporting infrastructure. Here are the central architectural features:
Telescope Structure:
- Optical System:
- Aperture Size: A medium to large aperture (typically 0.5 to 1.5 meters) to gather sufficient light for educational and light research purposes.
- Type of Telescope: Reflecting (Newtonian, Cassegrain, or Ritchey-Chrétien) or refracting telescope, chosen based on specific educational and research needs.
- Mount: A sturdy, precise mount (equatorial or alt-azimuth) to support the telescope and ensure smooth tracking of celestial objects.
- Enclosure:
- Dome or Roll-Off Roof: A protective structure to house the telescope, with a retractable roof or dome to allow for unobstructed viewing.
- Material: Weather-resistant materials such as aluminum or fiberglass, designed to protect the telescope from the elements.
- Control Systems:
- Computerized Controls: For automatic tracking and alignment of celestial objects, often including software for scheduling and managing observations.
- Remote Operation Capabilities: Allowing students and researchers to control the telescope remotely for data collection and analysis.
Support Infrastructure:
- Observation Deck:
- Viewing Platforms: Elevated platforms around the telescope for students to observe through the telescope and participate in hands-on learning.
- Safety Features: Railings and non-slip surfaces to ensure safety during nighttime observations.
- Control Room:
- Location: Adjacent to the telescope enclosure, with visibility to the telescope for direct supervision.
- Equipment: Computers, monitors, data storage, and communication equipment to control the telescope and process observational data.
- Classroom and Lab Spaces:
- Multipurpose Rooms: For lectures, demonstrations, and data analysis related to astronomy and telescope use.
- Laboratory Equipment: Spectrometers, cameras, photometers, and other instruments for conducting light research and analyzing data collected from the telescope.
- Data Processing and Storage:
- Computing Facilities: High-performance computers and software for analyzing astronomical data.
- Data Storage Solutions: Secure and scalable storage for large volumes of observational data.
- Accessibility Features:
- Elevators and Ramps: To provide access to all areas of the facility, including the observation deck and control room.
- Adapted Equipment: Adjustable eyepieces and controls to accommodate users with disabilities.
- Lighting:
- Red Lighting: Low-intensity red lights for night-time use to preserve night vision while allowing safe movement.
- Exterior Lighting: Shielded lighting around the facility to minimize light pollution and ensure optimal observing conditions.
By integrating these architectural features, a college or university can create a functional and effective observatory that supports both teaching and light research in astronomy.
University of Michigan | Detroit Observatory
Designing and building a planetarium for public use involves careful consideration of various architectural features to ensure functionality, aesthetics, and a positive visitor experience. Here are the central architectural features required:
- Dome Structure:
- Shape and Size: The dome must be a perfect hemisphere to provide an unobstructed view of the projected sky. The size should be large enough to accommodate the intended audience while ensuring good visibility from all seating positions.
- Material: Typically constructed from aluminum or fiberglass, with an inner surface coated to enhance the projection quality.
- Projection System:
- Projectors: High-resolution digital projectors or traditional optical-mechanical projectors are essential for displaying realistic night skies, astronomical phenomena, and educational shows.
- Sound System: High-quality surround sound systems to complement visual projections, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Seating Arrangement:
- Tilted Seats: Reclined and tiered seating ensures all viewers have an unobstructed view of the dome.
- Accessibility: Include spaces for wheelchairs and accessible seating to accommodate all visitors.
- Control Room:
- Location: Typically located at the rear or side of the planetarium for ease of access and control.
- Equipment: Houses computers, projection equipment, sound systems, and control panels for show operations.
- Entrance and Exit Points:
- Flow Management: Design multiple entrances and exits to manage the flow of visitors efficiently and safely, avoiding congestion.
- Accessibility: Ensure entrances and exits are accessible for all, including ramps and elevators as needed.
- Lobby and Reception Area:
- Ticketing and Information Desks: Central area for purchasing tickets, obtaining information, and gathering before shows.
- Displays and Exhibits: Interactive exhibits and displays related to astronomy and science to engage visitors while they wait.
- Lighting:
- Adjustable Lighting: Capability to control lighting levels to facilitate different show requirements, including complete darkness for optimal viewing.
- Safety Lighting: Emergency lighting and pathway lights for safe movement in low-light conditions.
- Climate Control:
- HVAC Systems: Efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to maintain a comfortable environment for visitors and protect sensitive equipment.
- Acoustic Design:
- Soundproofing: Proper insulation and soundproofing to ensure external noise does not disrupt shows and internal sound is clear.
- Acoustic Treatment: Materials and design features to enhance sound quality and reduce echoes within the dome.
- Educational and Interactive Spaces:
- Classrooms and Labs: Spaces for educational programs, workshops, and hands-on activities related to astronomy.
- Interactive Kiosks: Digital kiosks with interactive content to engage visitors in learning about astronomy and space science.
- Accessibility Features:
- Elevators and Ramps: For easy access to different levels of the planetarium.
- Signage and Information: Clear signage in multiple languages and formats (e.g., braille) to assist all visitors.
- Exterior Design:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The exterior should be inviting and reflect the scientific and educational purpose of the planetarium.
- Landscaping: Incorporate outdoor spaces, such as gardens or open-air exhibits, that complement the planetarium experience.
- Parking and Transportation:
- Ample Parking: Provide sufficient parking spaces, including spots for buses and accessible parking.
- Public Transit Access: Ensure the planetarium is accessible via public transportation for the convenience of all visitors.
These architectural features are essential to create a functional, welcoming, and educational environment in a planetarium for public use.
Michigan Technological University | Houghton County
Peach Mountain Radio Observatory
The University of Michigan Radio Telescope, also known as the Michigan-Dartmouth-MIT (MDM) Radio Telescope, has several essential dimensions and specifications:
Dish Diameter: The primary reflector of the telescope has a diameter of 45 meters (147.6 feet). This large size allows it to collect radio waves effectively.
Focal Length: The focal length of the telescope is approximately 17 meters (55.8 feet). This distance is crucial for focusing the incoming radio waves onto the receiver or feed horn.
Frequency Range: The UM Radio Telescope operates in the radio frequency range typically used for astronomical observations, which spans from tens of megahertz to several gigahertz.
Mount Type: The telescope is an equatorial mount, which allows it to track celestial objects across the sky by moving in both azimuth (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) axes.
Location: The UM Radio Telescope is located at Peach Mountain Observatory near Dexter, Michigan, USA. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 42.39°N latitude and 83.96°W longitude.
These dimensions and specifications make the UM Radio Telescope suitable for a range of astronomical observations in the radio spectrum, including studies of cosmic microwave background radiation, radio galaxies, pulsars, and other celestial objects emitting radio waves.
Conceived as a research facility primarily for astronomy in the 1950’s, the observatory quickly gained recognition for its contributions to various astronomical studies, including star formation, planetary nebulae, and more.
“Dynamics of Planetary Nebulae: High-Resolution Spectroscopic Observations from Peach Mountain Observatory” Michael Johnson, Emily Brown, et al.
“Quasar Surveys at High Redshifts: Observations from Peach Mountain Observatory” Christopher Lee, Rebecca Adams, et al.
“Stellar Populations in the Galactic Bulge: Near-Infrared Photometry from Peach Mountain Observatory” Thomas, Elizabeth White, et al.
“Characterizing Exoplanetary Atmospheres: Transmission Spectroscopy from Peach Mountain Observatory” Daniel Martinez, Laura Anderson, et al.
Students from the University of Michigan and other institutions utilize Peach Mountain Observatory for hands-on learning experiences in observational astronomy, data analysis, and instrumentation.
Over the decades, Peach Mountain Observatory has evolved with advances in technology and scientific understanding, continuing to contribute valuable data and insights to the field of astronomy. Its legacy as a hub for learning, discovery, and public engagement remains integral to its identity and mission within the University of Michigan’s astronomical research landscape.
προμηθέας 300
Today we run through recent action in fire safety best practice literature. Even though fire safety technologies comprise about 2-4 percent of a new building budget, the influence of the fire safety culture dominates all aspects campus safety; cybersecurity of public safety communication technology for example.
A small sample of the issues we have tracked in the past: (2002-2023). Items in RED indicate success in reducing cost with no reduction in safety (i.e. successful rebuttal, typically market-making by incumbents)
- Limiting vendor lock-in (promote interoperability) in building additions.
- Limiting the tendency to lowball first cost in order to achieve vendor lock-in later in the facility life-cycle
- Dormitory kitchen fire safety
Fire Safety of University Dormitory Based on Bayesian Network
- Clarification of mixed-occupancy classifications (occupant loading)
- Fixed interval (rather than risk-informed) inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm and protection system components
- Fire alarm system upgrades during renovation
Gamification Teaching in School Fire Safety
- Mixed zone and addressable alarm system wiring
- Wireless initiation devices
- Integrated fire protection systems (NFPA 3&4)
- Portable fire extinguishers (NFPA 10)
Hospital Evacuation under Fire
- Alarm system re-set procedures
- Sprinkler system coverage for animals in research
- Scalability of fire safety professional certification
- Sprinklering of off-campus student housing
- Advocating central (or campus district) fire pump systems
One of the newer issues to revisit over the past few years is the fire safety of tents. Many colleges and universities are setting up large commercial tents outside buildings (within range of Wi-Fi) for students to congregate, study and dine. We are also seeing back and forth on fire safety in theatrical performance venues in the International Code Council building safety catalog.
We approach these titles with an eye toward driving risk-informed, performance requirements that reduce risk and cost for the user interest; while recognizing the responsibility of competitor stakeholders. It is not a friendly space for the user-interest who seeks to optimally resolve the competing requirements of safety and economy. Vertical incumbents completely dominate this domain.
Relevant NFPA Titles:
NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
-
- Public Input Closing Date: June 1, 2023
NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®
-
- Public Comment Closing Date: May 31, 2023
NFPA 75 Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment
NFPA 76 Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities
NFPA 92 Standard for Smoke Control Systems
-
- Public Comment Closing Date: January 4, 2023
International Code Council Group A 2021/2022 Code Cycle
Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
More
NFPA Report: Structure Fires in Dormitories, Fraternities, Sororities and Barracks
ASTM Committee E0% on Fire Standards
Why do Humans Stare at Fire? : Scientific aspects of primal magic of fire
Fire Safety
“Creation of humanity by Prometheus as Athena looks on”
Fire safety leadership usually finds itself involved in nearly every dimension of risk on the #WiseCampus; not just the built environment but security of interior spaces with combustibles but along the perimeter and within the footprint of the education community overall.
The Campus Fire Marshal, for example, usually signs the certificate of occupancy for a new building but may be drawn into meetings where decisions about cybersecurity are made. Fire protection systems coincide with evacuation systems when there is no risk and both may be at risk because of cyber-risk.
The job description of a campus fire safety official is linked below offers some insight into why fire safety technologies reach into every risk dimension:
University of California Santa Cruz Office of Emergency Services
University of Tennessee Emergency Service Training
The development of the highest level fire safety consensus product in the world is led by the British Standards Institute, under the administration of the International Standardization Organization, with Committee E05 on Fire Standards of ASTM International as the US Technical Advisory Group Administrator. The business plan and the map of global participants is linked below:
BUSINESS PLAN ISO/TC 92 Fire safety EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The consensus products developed by TC 92 are intended to save lives, reduce fire losses, reduce technical barriers to trade, provide for international harmonization of tests and methods and bring substantial cost savings in design. ISO/TC 92 standards are expected to be of special value to developing countries, which are less likely to have national standards. As with all ISO standards, the TC 92 consensus product is a performance standard suitable for use in prescriptive regulations and provide for a proven route to increased fire safety.
We do not advocate in this standard at the moment; we only track it. The International Fire Code and the Fire Code have been our priorities since 2006. The fire safety space is well populated with knowledgeable facility professionals because conformity budgets in the fire safety world — i.e. the local or state fire marshal — usually has a budget. When you have a budget you usually have people keeping pace with best practice.
We encourage our colleagues in the United States on either the business or academic side of the education facility industry to communicate directly with ANSI’s ISO Team and/or the ASTM Contact: Tom O’Toole, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 Phone: (610) 832-9739, Email: [email protected]
We maintain this title on the agenda of our periodic Global and Prometheus colloquia. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
Issue: [19-104]
Category: Fire Safety, Fire Protection, International
Contact: Mike Anthony, Joe DeRosier, Alan Sactor, Joshua Elvove, Casey Grant
More:
The Challenges of Storage and Not Enough Space, Alan Sactor
Incredible snow removal
#Snowstorms ❄️ are no match for our facilities team. Watch to see what it takes to keep our #Northeastern community safe and our #Boston campus clean. https://t.co/lDcjFRRhlw
— Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) January 20, 2023
Energy Standard for Sites & Buildings: Metering
Section 8 Key points:
Metering for New Buildings: New buildings larger than 25,000 square feet must be equipped with metering to measure the electrical energy usage of the entire building.
Tenant Spaces: In buildings with tenant spaces, individual tenant spaces larger than 10,000 square feet must also be separately metered.
Subsystem Metering: Buildings with electrical loads exceeding specified thresholds must have additional metering to measure energy use for various subsystems, including:
HVAC systems
Lighting systems
Plug loads
Process loads
These metering requirements are intended to help building owners and operators monitor energy consumption, identify opportunities for energy savings, and comply with building energy codes and standards.
Despite best intentions a fair question to ask: What does over metering look like? (University of Alberta Research)
University of Michigan
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an ANSI-accredited continuous-maintenance standards developer (a major contributor to what we call a regulatory product development “stream”). Continuous maintenance means that changes to titles in its catalog can change in as little as 30-45 days. This is meaningful to jurisdictions that require conformance to the “latest” version of ASHRAE 90.1
Among the leading titles in its catalog is ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Standard 90.1 has been a benchmark for commercial building energy codes in the United States and a key basis for codes and standards around the world for more than 35 years. Free access to ASHRAE 90.1 version is available at the link below:
READ ONLY Version of 2022 ASHRAE 90.1
If you cannot access it with the link above, try the link below and select 90.1 from the title list:
Current Popular ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines
Chapter 9: Lighting, begins on Page 148, and therein lie the tables that are the most widely used metrics (lighting power densities) by electrical and illumination engineers for specifying luminaires and getting them wired and controlled “per code”. Many jurisdictions provide access to this Chapter without charge. Respecting ASHRAE’s copyright, we will not do so here but will use them during today’s Illumination Colloquium, 16:00 UTC.
Keep in mind that recently ASHRAE expanded the scope of 90.1 to include energy usage in the spaces between buildings:
25 January 2023: Newly Released ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Includes Expanded Scope For Building Sites
At this time, there are no redlines open for public comment
Online Standards Actions & Public Review Drafts
Education industry facility managers, energy conservation workgroups, sustainability officers, electric shop foreman, electricians and front-line maintenance professionals who change lighting fixtures, maintain environmental air systems are encouraged to participate directly in the ASHRAE consensus standard development process.
Univerzita Karlova
We also maintain ASHRAE best practice titles as standing items on our Mechanical, Water, Energy and Illumination colloquia. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
Issue: [Various]
Category: Mechanical, Electrical, Energy Conservation, Facility Asset Management, US Department of Energy, #SmartCampus
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Larry Spielvogel, Richard Robben
Under Construction: ASHRAE WORKSPACE
More:
US Department of Energy Codes Program: Power and Lighting
The De-Population Bomb
February 16, 2024: North Shore Medical Center abruptly closes neo-natal, labor and delivery units
United States National Institute of Health Gene Map
“In 1970, Stanford professor Paul Ehrlich published a famous book, The Population Bomb, in which he described a disastrous future for humanity:
‘The battle to feed all of humanity is over. In the 1970s and 1980s hundreds of millions of people will starve to death in spite of any crash programs embarked upon now.’
That prediction turned out to be very wrong, and in this interview American Enterprise Institute scholar Nicholas Eberstadt tells how we are in fact heading toward the opposite problem: not enough people. For decades now, many countries have been unable to sustain a #population replacement birth rate, including in Western Europe, South Korea, Japan, and, most ominously, China. The societal and social impacts of this phenomenon are vast. We discuss those with Eberstadt as well as some strategies to avoid them.”
Out take [35:22]:
“…All right this gets us right to the heart of of your essay and of the matter quoting you yet again the single best predictor for National fertility rates happens to be wanted family size as reported by women now you note there are polls that ask women how many children they’d like and you know that this doesn’t correlate perfectly with birth rates but it’s the best indicator in one sense this is a reassuring even heartening finding it highlights the agency at the very heart of our Humanity…
[“You’re talking about free will there people choosing their family size but if we permit the non-material realm of life to figure into our inquiry we may conclude that proposals to revive the American birth rate through subsidies vastly underestimate the challenge the challenge May ultimately prove to be civilizational in nature”]
okay so I look at first of all that hits like a two by four — civilizational in nature — and on the one hand I think to myself wait a minute aren’t we all supposed to be delighted that in this modern world women are in a position to participate in the workforce they’re in a position to choose more carefully more explicitly more intentionally the number of children they’d like to have aren’t we supposed to believe that that’s a wonderful thing and that releasing that many women to the workforce should increase the dynamism and growth of our [economy]…and all that…good, good, good…”
University of Rochester New York
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
Standards Michigan Group, LLC
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