September 15, 2001
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
We celebrate Robert Ortega's generous contributions to the Albuquerque Astronomical Society, and to the General Nathon Twining Observatory or GNTO. Robert served as the director of our observatory for three years. During this time, a remarkable amount of progress was made at our observatory. |
||
 |
 |
|
| Robert was behind all of the GNTO improvements in the last few years. He drove the tractor to grade the observing area, he controlled the gravel feed from the gravel truck, and concrete feed from the concrete truck to the observing pads. He encouraged Ted Schuler-Sandy throughout the Eagle Scout project, resulting in the construction of a lecture and picnic areas and improvements to the observing field. | ||
 |
 |
|
|
Robert assisted in the installation of the photovoltaic power system, designed and constructed the computer room on the first floor of the dome building, renovated the dome shutter and dome rotation systems, and encouraged us to refurbish the Isengard 16" reflector. Robert was instrumental in obtaining the donated 6" Astrophysics refractor and our new ST-9E CCD camera. He directed construction of the pier for the new Astrophysics refractor as well as numerous small improvements throughout our observatory. |
||
 |
 |
|
|
This building now serves as a new focal point for our observatory. It provides us with a meeting place, bunkhouse, and warm-up area in the wintertime. It also serves as a control room for taking CCD images with our new camera. Robert has served us well as Observatory Director for these last few years. He got so much done because he provided the inspiration for all who worked alongside him, and because he encouraged all to pitch in and help with every project. |
||
 |
 |
|
| But Robert's greatest contribution is probably our new 16x28' meeting building. Robert oversaw the design and construction of this new building, and got a remarkable construction effort out of a bunch of us folks who are more amateur astronomers than we are members of the construction trade. I'm sure he had some funny stories to tell his family, about the fun he had turning us into amateur construction workers. | ||
 |
 |
|
| Robert's contributions to TAAS go well beyond those at GNTO. He served us on the Board of Directors, and was an active participant at our general meetings and many star parties. He helped out with many school star parties, and I know he touched the lives of many children and adults when he shared great views through his telescopes at many of our public events. | ||
 |
 |
|
| Robert has many friends in the astronomical society, and these friends will remember him for his kindness, generosity, caring, enthusiasm and his great sense of humor. For all of these reasons we would like to celebrate Robert's contributions through the dedication of our new building as the Robert O. Ortega Building. | ||
|
|
||
|
|
||
