Telescopes

3", 6", 8", 10", 12", 16" and 36" TELESCOPES. For varied projects, we have seven different scopes in our observatories along with a multi-deck observing platform to accommodate visitors.

Jeannie next to a 10" LX-200 on the observing deck,
and a 12" LX-200 is in the Skypod behind.

Roof-top view of Whispering Pine Observatories, June '09, with
observatory domes in the foreground and the older roll-off roof observatories
in the distance, still in use.

This 10-foot diameter Pro-Dome houses a 14" Meade LX-200 GPS.

Our sign that greets visitors and guests.

Meade 14" LX-200 GPS

Deep-sky object M-27 through the 14" using an SBIG ST-8 CCD.

ST-9 CCD and flip mirror system attached to our 12" LX-200 in the Skypod.
These scopes are used primarily for ccd photometry of variable stars.

8" LX-200 and binoculars on the back deck.

Meade 12" LX-200

16" F/4.2 Newtonian Reflector Telescope, custom built by Tut and Vern Campbell
using an aluminum casted fork-armed mount, 15" diameter Byers worm drive, and
superb optics by Dan Joyce of Chicago.

PHOTOS BELOW: This 36" F/5 fully computer driven Alt-Az telescope is now undergoing testing and evaluation here at Whispering Pine Observatories. It is the largest telescope in Arkansas, and several surrounding states, and has now successfully taken 20-second unguided exposures thus far in the initial testing stages. As improvements are made, it should do even better. It represents the 8th research instrument here on site... and by far the largest. We have other instrumentation for varying astronomy programs and imaging platforms ranging from 6" to 16" telescopes.

36" F/5 Dobsonian being rebuilt by ISS Enterprises into an
Alt-Azimuth computer driven mount for CCD imaging.

A 12" flat tilted 23-degrees folds the optical path back and out the side.

The focus point is thus located a bit closer to ground level and can be
reached with a regular step ladder.

ISS Enterprise employees carefully handling the 36" mirror, weighing over 200 pounds.

As it nears completion, our 36" F/5 scope is undergoing testing at ISS Enterprises' observing site, Mayhill, NM.

Tut and Jeannie Campbell; owners of Whispering Pine Observatories. Andy and Susan Saulietis; 36" builders (ISS Enterprise, Mayhill, NM)

Cody Hudson and Sarah Scott; telescope assembly and observing assistants; Harrison, AR.

Full moon rising in the east, making an appearance smiling over us in the background, right before sunset. Tut observing with the 36" while the scenery is lit by moonlight in a time exposure made by Cody Hudson. Very surreal.