The 2009 Saab Owners Convention Observatory Tour

Posted on 12. Jul, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009, Events

As part of the fast approaching 2009 Saab Owners Convention, the Rocky Mountain Saab Club and Saab History site sponsor, Mile Hi Body Shop, are promoting this self-guided observatory tour if the elevation at Copper Mountain is just not enough for you.

This tour gets you to a possible 14,125 feet on Mount Evans and allows you to see the observatory and of course the 360 views! This tour reminds me of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan global launch back in 2003 where it was held at an observatory, although on the La Palma mountain on the Canary Islands.

For more information read the details below and plan ahead!

Self-Guided Observatory Tour

What does the Saab Owners Convention have to do with astronomy, you ask?

It’s here at the lofty elevation of 14,125 feet; you’ll find the world’s highest, permanently installed Saab sunroofs (the peak of Mt. Evans stands a smidge higher at 14,268 ft). Only these sunroofs are used for cooling the dome of the Meyer-Womble Observatory and it’s 28 ½ inch refractor telescope. The chief building contractor proposed the sunroofs when the design called for contoured ventilation doors intended to control image distortion. This epiphany occurred, naturally, when the contractor observed a corresponding radius in the roof of his very own classic 900! Jerry Danner and the crew at Mile Hi Body Shop happily donated the roofs of six decommissioned Saab 900s for the noble cause.

Excursion Planning

A paved state highway leads to the site, but drivers should be reasonably comfortable with narrow mountain roads and high altitude (persons with breathing difficulties should seek medical direction). From Copper Mountain, allow approximately four hours round trip. The area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway and requires a nominal toll. The summit is accessible most of the summer; however, this is one of the rare occasions when the University of Denver opens the observatory to the public.

Midday traffic can be congested on weekends and weather conditions can change rapidly. Regardless of the weather at Copper Mountain, come prepared for any of the following: intense sunlight, cold temperatures, snow, rain, and extreme wind. To combat high altitude conditions, remember to drink plenty of extra water!

When you receive this message. Please take time to pass it on. If you are a club member, member of turbo, Saabhistory, Saabnet, or any other chat room, pass it on

Do not delay registering for this years convention. Visit the official convention web site at www.rockymtnsaabclub.com . Accommodations are available through our web site

For more details, visit:

* < http://mysite.du.edu/~rstencel/MtEvans/ the Meyer-Womble Official
Website
* < http://www.mountevans.com/Index.HTML MountEvans.com
*
< http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/scenic-drives/ccrd/mountevans.shtml Forest Service Visitor Information
* < http://www.mountevans.com/Mount-Evans-PlanningBestTimes.HTM Best
Times to Visit

< http://www.mountevans.com/Mount-Evans-PlanningAccessFees.HTML Visitor
Access Fees

Tags: Canary Islands, Copper Mountain, La Palma mountain, Meyer-Womble Observatory, Mount Evans, Mt. Evans, Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, official convention web site, Saab 900s, University of Denver