| SkyShed Observatories |
| When not performing as the bassist for Juno Award winning band Glass Tiger, Wayne Parker spends much of his time pursuing his other passion – astronomy. His love of astronomy led to the creation of SkyShed Observatories, an observatory company that designs and builds telescope observatories for astronomers. Together with his partner Lorelei Power, who he also found through astronomy, they have built a company that ships product across the world. Since launching the company in 2003, SkyShed designs have become popular all over the world, and have been featured in international astronomy magazines and on TV. NASA even uses SkyShed products, as do MIT, and Harvard-Smithsonion. SkyShed Observatories has received many awards, including the Sky & Telescope magazine “Hot Product” award for 2005, and again in 2008 for is Wayne’s new invention the SkyShed POD. The POD is manufactured by SPI Plastics of Shallow Lake, and is made of non toxic, long lasting plastic with a light steel frame. It can be used as a temporary or permanent structure to house an astronomical telescope and can be ready for use in minutes. The biggest hurdle for an astronomer is the time needed to set up equipment which requires calibration and the harmonious operation of all accessories. Wayne and Lorelei specifically chose a local manufacturer to keep and create jobs here in Ontario and to help strengthen the local economy. |
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