Capella Observatory is privately owned astronomical
facility which is located about 20km southwest of Windhoek (Namibia) at the
Kupferberg (Copperhill), about 2100m above sea level. The observatory is
hosted at the Amani-Lodge, a beautiful place (the highest inhabited location
in Namibia!) which offers the suitable surroundings for relaxation and
"adventure" after an astronomer's night shift. Where else do you have the
chance to visit cheetah right after breakfast? Alain - one of the few
Frenchmen in Namibia - is an extraordinary host and it is always worth to
visit Amani Lodge when you are close to the area.
The Observatory Building
The observatory is a solid building, which consists of two rooms: the control
room and the observation room. The roof of the Observation room can be shifted
away on iron wheels. When the roof is open, the control room still remains
closed so that no unnecessary turbulent air (from the observers and the PCs)
affects the seeing. A room size of about 15m squire for the squire observation
room and 8m for the control room are not overwhelming but o.k. for a
comfortable work.
A 1m cube of concrete serves as a base for the telescope. This cube is placed
in the base plate of the observation room and is decoupled mechanically from
it, so that no vibrations of the building are transferred to the telescope.
Stargazing note: Star gazing is only done in the
winter months and it is only exclusively for the guests staying
overnight.
