JIM TRAINOR VISUAL OBSERVATORY
The Jim Trainor Visual Observatory (JTVO) is a major roll-off roof facility located at the ASV's Leon Mow Dark Sky Site (LMDSS). Named in honour of the late Jim Trainor, a much-loved and long-serving member of the Astronomical Society of Victoria, the observatory stands as a tribute to his passion, dedication, and contributions to amateur astronomy.
JTVO houses the ASV’s impressive 40-inch reflecting telescope, alongside several smaller instruments. Some of these are permanently mounted for immediate use, while others are stored onsite for members to access as needed. This makes JTVO a central hub for deep-sky visual observation at the site.
The observatory features a fully retractable roll-off roof, allowing the entire observing area to be exposed to the night sky. This design enables a wide, unobstructed view of the night sky and efficient cooling of the telescopes. The facility is operated by a team of trained ASV volunteers, who help manage the equipment, assist observers, and ensure the observatory runs smoothly during viewing nights and events.
The JTVO is easily accessed via a sealed tarmac path from the LMDSS car park, making it a key part of the society’s observing infrastructure.