The Tenagra Observatories, Ltd. 32” is changing its business model for its 5th operating year. What does this mean?
For the first 4 years of operations Tenagra has charged users by the hour and
has not charged for down time due to weather or instrument problems. We have
always liked this model and it has served us and our dedicated users very well.
But we are forced to leave this way of doing business behind.
The model lacks a way for Tenagra to see guaranteed monies in any particular
season and has led to financial uncertainties. We need to make a change in
order to continue with our excellent service.
Beginning in the 2006-2007 observing season Tenagra will be selling “shares”. A
maximum of four (4) shares will be sold. A share is 25% of Tenagra 32” time for
the season. Each share costs $25,000 US.
How does this compare with the current cost of $175 per exposure hour? If one
assumes 250 clear nights with up telescope time during a Southern Arizona
observing season and an average of 8 hours of exposure time night, this is 2,000
hours of observing time. At the current rate this is $175 X 2,000 = $350,000.
A quarter share of this time would be $87,500.
We are offering a quarter share at $25,000, a huge discount even if we kept the
same hourly rates for the 2006-2007 season (which we could not – rates would
have to go up).
How is time scheduled? Tenagra time will be split into 4-night blocks. If you
purchase a quarter share you will get a full night of exposures: one night in
four. If you purchase 50% then you will have 2 nights in every 4. We will not
be splitting nights among users. The 4-night blocks are consecutive starting
September 15, 2006 and running through June 15, 2007. Users are charged for
their nights even when they are clouded out or there are telescope or instrument
problems.
We have already sold 50% time to one university and are committed to this new
model. Therefore we have two 25% or one 50% share still for sale. If you are
interested I suggest that you contact me with your questions ASAP. These two
25% or one 50% share will be sold on a first-come first-serve basis.
Finally, please note that the spectrograph is completed and may be used by any
Tenagra user during the coming season. A tentative limiting magnitude is about
13th given the low resolution grating.
We will continue with the old model through June 15, 2006 without change. Thank
you for your kind consideration. |
