Why Astronomy » Project: Home Observatory

Home Astronomy Observatory update 2

Steve Dangerfield — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:49:54 +0000

The bolts for the pillar have finally arrived and have been set in place in the shuttering. I’ve also run in some external grade power cable and some cable ducting to hopefully minimise running wires.

Once I’ve got the concrete delivery arranged and then laid that’ll be the base finished.

Until the next post, Clear Skies…

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Home Observatory update

Steve Dangerfield — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:13:10 +0000

At last I’m starting to make some progress with my Home Observatory. I’ve got the foundations dug out, built the shuttering for the base and the block (that the pillar will connect to), and I’ve laid some hardcore; all with the help of my next door neighbour.

Here is a picture of the base with the shuttering and hardcore;

And here is a picture of the shuttering for the block on top.

I’m fairly fortunate in one respect that I didn’t have far to dig to get to solid ground.

Just waiting for the steel rods, nuts, and bolts to arrive and then I can finish off the base preparation ready for the concrete.

Next steps;

1) Build shed, modify roll-off-roof, and preserve (hopefully before the winter sets in)

2) Build and Mount pillar including mount for scope

3) Mount scope

4) Enjoy first night’s observing

I visited a friend’s home observatory a couple of weeks ago and got lots of ideas for developing my home observatory.

Until the next post, Clear Skies…

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New Project: Home Observatory

Steve Dangerfield — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:41:48 +0000

As most astronomers find out sooner or later, time spent setting up your telescope is wasted observing time. The frustrations of clouds rolling in just as you finish setting up, or missing the object you planned to observe, amongst other issues, lead many astronomers to want their own observatory. Well, I’m no different. As a result I’ve decided to do a feasibility study for the construction of a Home Observatory in my back garden.

I did a quick internet search at work in my lunch break for “home observatory” to get some ideas of what people have already done and the first link Google returns is this one; plenty of links to other astronomer’s observatories. Most seem to be the roll-off roof design; I guess for good reason. A couple of people at my local astronomy society have a roll-off roof observatory too.

So, on with the feasibility study. I will be documenting the project so other people can hopefully learn from my experience.

Until the next post… Clear Skies!

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