Part 3: The Lyra Observatory is born (September–October 2025)

The Lyra Observatory takes its name from the constellation that holds the bright star Vega, shining above the Vega del Tuerto, the land where this project stands. “Lyra” also refers to Hermes, the creator of the lyre in Greek mythology — the name of my son — and thus brings together three roots: our family, our place in the world, and the power of music as a symbol of harmony and beauty.

It is precisely that music which gives meaning to this dedication.I wish to pay tribute to my friend Nicolás Turienzo Robles, composer and great lover of music, who passed away last August. His talent and sensitivity will continue to resonate, like a melody quietly accompanying each step along this path.

“Some friends never truly leave; they simply change their place and keep shining up there, among the stars.”

From now on, every time the roof of the Lyra Observatory opens to the night sky, I will remember that, in some way, Nicolás remains present — in every note, in every memory, and in that eternal music that binds the heavens and remembrance.

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With the structure completed, one of the most exciting and complex stages of the project began: installing the sliding roof, setting up the electrical system, and giving the observatory its final touches.Each step brought me closer to turning this dream into a working observatory under the stars.

Building the Sliding Roof (September 14–15, 2025)

The 14th and 15th of September were intense and highly rewarding days. Together with my friend Iván Campo, we built the sliding roof completely by hand, using pergola wood, sandwich panels, and a set of metal tracks that allow it to move smoothly and securely.

On September 14th, we assembled the main structure and aligned the rails along which the roof would slide. The next day, we finished by placing the sandwich panels, adding reinforcements, and securing the top with a stable locking system.

The entire process was captured in two time-lapse videos, where you can see the observatory take its final shape in just a few seconds of footage.

Electrical Installation and Internet Connection

Once the roof was in place, it was time to bring the observatory to life. I personally handled the electrical installation, distributing outlets, switches, and dedicated power points for the telescopes, cameras, computers, and control systems.

I also ran a direct internet line from the house to the observatory — essential for remote telescope control and data transfer. From that moment on, the observatory became a fully functional, autonomous space, ready for long observation sessions and astrophotography nights.

Floor Painting and Interior Finishing

After completing the electrical work, I focused on improving the interior appearance. I applied a special concrete floor paint designed to resist moisture and make cleaning easier, and then added a protective varnish layer to seal the surface and give it a professional finish.

The result was a clean, bright, and practical workspace — one step closer to its final form.

Installing the Automatic Roof Motor

With the floor finished and the electrical system up and running, Beatriz and I moved on to installing the motor that automatically opens and closes the roof. This system, connected to the main power supply, allows the observatory to be opened or closed at the push of a button.

In the blog post, I’ll include a video demonstration showing the motor in action, smoothly moving the roof just as I envisioned. It was one of the most satisfying moments of the entire project — seeing the mechanism finally come to life.

Moving in the Telescopes

Once everything was ready, it was time to move in the equipment. First came the Newtonian and the ED80 refractor, two of my most frequently used instruments.Later, I brought in the FF107, which was mounted on the central pier, carefully aligned and ready for its first light.

Each setup felt like a small victory — proof that the observatory was now truly operational.

A Dream Beneath the Stars

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, with all telescopes installed and the roof motor fully functional, the observatory was officially completed. I turned on the lights, opened the roof for the first time, and looked up at the sky from this new space built with my own hands.

Every brick, every screw, and every late night of work have shaped something far greater than just a building —a place where dreams and stars meet.

Today, the observatory is not only a space to look at the sky, but also a reminder of what can be achieved with passion, patience, and perseverance.

Now, every time the roof opens and the telescope points toward the heavens, I feel that this small corner of the yard has truly become a window to the universe.

From an old family barn to a modern astronomical observatory — this project became the realization of a lifelong dream, a blend of effort, passion, and love for astronomy.