(professor emeritus)

04/21/07 12:34 PM

List of Observatories

It's getting hard here at CloudyNights to keep track of all the observatories being built these days and those already completed. Would it be a good idea to start a "sticky" thread where members could post their observatory name,a picture, links to their websites or links to construction threads- with no replies.

The "Links of Interest" thread above is good but is out of date and contains comments and other posts of interest. "Observatories only" would make searching a little easier IMHO.

(Den Mother)

04/21/07 12:40 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Sounds like a great idea!

Carol

GordonCopestake

(Carpal Tunnel)

04/21/07 01:08 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Bill Arnett has a good list over at his site: http://obs.nineplanets.org/obs/obslist.html

Not all CN members to be sure, but it's a good starting point

(professor emeritus)

04/21/07 01:18 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Thats quite a list!

But I think it would be helpful here at CN to have a succinct index of the observatories built by members.

(Humble Megalomaniac)

04/21/07 05:56 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Rob... that sounds like a member project. And it sounds like you just volunteered!

(professor emeritus)

04/21/07 06:45 PM

Re: List of Observatories

What! me do the work?

I'd be happy to but how about people posting about their obs ala "post a pic of your observatory" but make it sticky?
No replies allowed.

I don't have time to dig for threads right now. I'm setting my pier blocks. (If you use batter boards for layout, be sure to offset them far enough beyond where you dig your footings or you will be moving them and starting over again.)

(Vendor- Backyard Observatories)

04/21/07 07:25 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I'll start. Here's the Horstman Observatory Cluster.....

(professor emeritus)

04/21/07 11:06 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Perfect.

Is there a website with construction details or a construction thread about your obs here on CN?

Well I guess I'll PM the moderator and ask that this post and those before Scott's be deleted as well as making it "sticky".

(telescope surgeon)

04/22/07 03:12 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Great idea. We'll leave this thread as a sticky. Please limit posts to pics and construction details of your observatory.

GordonCopestake

(Carpal Tunnel)

04/22/07 04:43 PM

Re: List of Observatories

And perhaps delete all the "talk" posts (this one included!)

JAT Observatory

(Got Cookies?)

04/23/07 08:49 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Above is picture of my Sirius observatory. The system is computer controlled and capable of autonomous and remote operations.

Construction photos and genera info can be found here

(professor emeritus)

04/23/07 02:15 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here's my Clear Sky's observatory.
While work inside continues, First Light was last evening. The ISS sensor pack to my weather station can also be seen.

More info on the Observatory & weather station can found here. Sola Virtus Observatory and Farpoint Weather Station

(Post Laureate)

04/25/07 12:43 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Rokeby Observatory construction thread:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=544994

(member)

04/25/07 05:10 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Observatory Name: Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
Location: Poughquag, NY at 41 degrees 36 minutes 49 seconds N, 73 degrees 40 minutes 16 seconds W
Type: Dome
Manufacturer: Ash-Dome

Web Site: http://www.stargate4173.com/
CN Thread: http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=679077

Interior View: http://www.stargate4173.com/Phase3/JAlbum/07_GrimaldiTowerDetails/slides/PE110129.htm
Phases of Construction: http://www.stargate4173.com/Phase3/JAlbum/index.htm

Bob Antol

(Toad Lily)

05/28/07 03:15 PM

Re: List of Observatories

PCW Memorial Observatory, Zanesville, Ohio

Details of construction and info

Built by Backyard Observatories May 2007

(mmmm...Haggis)

05/28/07 04:04 PM

Re: List of Observatories

The Birch Tree Observator - Stirling, Scotland

Built May 2007

http://backyard.8m.net/website/Observatory/obs%20main%20page.html

(Postmaster)

05/29/07 10:06 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here's my humble abode. It was used as a film warehouse in the 90s. At any one time there would be 1000s of 500 foot Kodak and Cinerex medical film rolls stored inside. Heavy insulation and air conditioning kept conditions right. The industry now uses CDs for imaging making this my Observatory base. Those steps on the front come up 9 feet covering the ground floor. Then the second floor has a 10 foot ceiling with an 8 foot floor on the third. The warm room is in the roofed in 4th. floor area with folding steps to the observatory. Let's just say moving a 14" LX200 GPS up all those steps (57) to the observatory is a ..... challenge. But it does make a nice platform.

I'm redoing the website right now and will post a link later. (Answered Joel below by PM).

The link will be www.Astro.Medical-Dynamics.net

(Carpal Tunnel)

05/29/07 10:11 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I've always thought your observatory was unique in it's setting Jerry. I'd love to see more pics of it and the dark room. How is your pier configured?

(rocketman)

05/30/07 09:01 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Heres mines in North East Ohio, tentatively called the " Sagan Memorial Observatory" in honor of Carl Sagan obviously, formerly called BYO#86. : http://tinyurl.com/25ca9s
built by Back Yard Observatorys in lodi Ohio.;
http://www.backyardobservatories.com/ , it fills all my needs and settles one of my dreams.
Has yet to see first light ,but soon.

(Pooh-Bah)

06/18/07 06:29 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Cloudy Nights construction and info thread for BlueStar Observatory is in my signature.

This is an immediate post-construction pic; much interior customizing has taken place since.

(sage)

07/08/07 01:48 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Stoney Lonesome Observatory reached move in around July 8, 2007. The observatory is located in Honeoye Falls, New York, approximately 20 miles south of Rochester. It's a wood frame, roll off, stick built structure of my own design. The basic dimension is 8' x 12' with a roof having a slope of 12/12. The observatory currently houses my MK-91, 9" Maksutov Cassegrain and smaller aux. telescopes on an early vintage, pre-goto AP 900. There is sufficient room for a full width desk/work bench as well as a second observer utilizing equipment that is tripod mounted.

The photo shows the observatory on "move in day."

progress post

progress post2

progress post3

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progress post7

(sage)

07/08/07 07:47 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Dunham Hill Observatory
Construction details here; http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1119
Best skies
Mike

Administrator

(Refractor wienie no more)

07/08/07 07:55 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Urban Observatory (completed 2002).

http://www.astroshorts.com/view_video.php?viewkey=47e897f954495eab16a8

(Whatta you lookin' at?)

07/09/07 05:52 AM

Re: List of Observatories

One down the business end of AJP Observatory. Taken yesterday, now that the concrete pier has been cut down, and big Cave has been shoehorned in...

More at http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1192128&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=all&vc=1

(sage)

07/09/07 02:18 PM

Re: List of Observatories

SCRAP - Stocksund Centre of Rooftop AstroPhysics, the modest beginning of a web page:

S.C.R.A.P.

(sage)

07/13/07 01:32 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Construction and progress reports on the HCS Observatory, Hazyview, South Africa. HCS = "Hazyview and Clear Skies". A fifty year long wish comming true !
Manie

HCS Obs. starts off - page 1

Cardboard Polygons/Rings/Guid wheels - page 2

Dome/Pier starting - page 3

Pier Construction Starts

(sage)

08/17/07 02:02 PM

Re: List of Observatories

My little aluminium hut
Cityobservatory
Before the drawing is a link to the list of Finnish amateur observatories (only those which have their own homepages)

Kaizu

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

08/18/07 06:43 PM

Re: List of Observatories

My Blue Spruce PODservatory
http://tinyurl.com/339o3c

(Carpal Tunnel)

08/26/07 10:44 AM

Re: List of Observatories - Dietmar's obs.

this is a cool thread!
there are lots of fascinating observatories presented here and some guys really have a "castle" as dome - whow.

so here is my humble observatory:
building

more about that and what is inside can be found here
Stargazer-Observatory

(Pooh-Bah)

08/26/07 11:35 AM

Re: List of Observatories - Dietmar's obs.

The main construction, Broke ground 4-22-06. Moved scope in 7-3-06. Finished tweeking & accessorizing--- well that will never be done

CN Thread = http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/913602/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1

http://Hawkeye-observatory.com

(professor emeritus)

09/12/07 12:23 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Peekaboo Ridge
CN Construction Thread

(professor emeritus)

09/15/07 05:52 PM

Re: List of Observatories

The Blue Moon Observatory: My goal was to build it, adding up every receipt, from the first pour on the pier to the carpet on the floor for $1,000. I went over budget by 36 bucks.

Richard

(Vendor - Deep Space Mods and Composites)

09/22/07 11:19 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Rob asked me to add mine to the list so here goes

StonyHill Observatory

It's a start to almost finished (Are they really ever finished?

) thread.

CS's

starsplitter2000

(super member)

09/23/07 06:32 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I have one question regarding many of these observatories.
What do you do in the wintertime?

I would love to put an observatory in and am considering a shed from Home Depot measure 8x12. I was thinking about creating a small warm room for computers and me.

(Vendor/Clothing)

09/25/07 11:28 PM

Re: List of Observatories

This is our first observatory. Our first scope, purchased in 1997 was a 114 EQ clone. cheap. I thought at the time that it was too heavy to carry in and out of the house, so this roll off was the result. It did a fine job until a year ago, when I replaced it with an Explora Dome.

(Vendor/Clothing)

09/25/07 11:30 PM

Re: List of Observatories

And then the ED dome...under construction, the roll off is in the background. It's since been removed.

(Member)

09/27/07 03:43 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is the Almira Observatory. Details (including construction photos and useful links) can be found by following the link in my signature at the bottom of this post.

(super member)

09/30/07 12:51 PM

Re: List of Observatories

here's mine in Puerto Rico.

(Den Mother)

09/30/07 06:10 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is my Montana Observatory, the DreamCatcher. It was built by Scott Horstman & family & is his BYO #99! Built Sept. 2007.

It is 10'X10' with a motorized roll-off roof. It's a special design for Dobs; the walls are 3' high.

Here is the link for the building of it.

The DreamCatcher

Carol

(Texas Wildflower)

10/01/07 11:45 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Hmmmm, I never added mine to the list! Serenity Observatory was started (the pad) in March 2007 and built (the real thing) in April 2007 by Scott and Kenny from Backyard Observatories as BYO #85. The CN construction thread is here.

I've finally started doing some more minor improvements to the inside and will take and post pics somewhere to show those, but here is an interior pic showing a wonderful sign made for me by CN's own Mike Lewis.

(Post Laureate)

10/02/07 09:06 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Just realized mine's not here either!

Wilder Skies Observatory: Bolton, Massachusetts. Built by Backyard Observatories (Scott and team!) end of July 2007.

Introductory thread with site pictures, and debates about location: Just got Permission

Construction and launch thread, with many pictures (and barbeque!): Thus Begins Wilder Skies Observatory

Clear skies all - and to those CONSIDERING an observatory - just do it - best investment in viewing you can ever do

(Carpal Tunnel)

10/02/07 01:54 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is my little scope shed... Skunky Acres Observatory. More like a sliding roof shelter than a full fledged observatory. I squeezed my 10" SNT and a computer in there.

(Astronomess)

10/06/07 02:10 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Treehouse Observatory

Stealth mode by day

Screens out, and ready for the nighttime..

(super member)

10/11/07 05:49 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I would like to add West Hill Observatory in the Berkshires of western Mass that I began 20 years ago. I am a little more experienced now so my mistakes cry out to me. But I'm working on it.

Meade DS16
Orion 80mmED
Orion Starfinder 6" Dob
Celestron 114mm Nexstar

(professor emeritus)

10/29/07 10:32 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Just thought I would add the Lily Lake observatory in Northern Illinois. This is a roll off that opens in both directions. It holds two telescopes. It is built using normal specs. The roof sections are pretty heavy but roll on a gate track on whells that are grooved for the track. Very little friction.

(professor emeritus)

10/29/07 10:37 PM

Re: List of Observatories

This is the interior. The piers are steel set on concrete pads. They are made of two sections. One section slides into the larger base. The hieghts can be adjusted with spacers. The piers are filled with sand. The taller pier has a top section that can be adjusted. The adjustable sections allow the pier too be directly aimed at Polaris, with the fine tuning handled by the wedges.

(professor emeritus)

10/29/07 10:45 PM

Re: List of Observatories

The Dark Sky observatory is in North Central Iowa on our farm. This one is a POD. It was just finished last week.

(professor emeritus)

10/29/07 10:49 PM

Re: List of Observatories

This is an image of the Thinking Outside plastic shed observatory, also in Iowa, that was replaced by the POD. It is still there and will be used for smaller scopes and as a warm / storage room.

(professor emeritus)

10/29/07 10:50 PM

Re: List of Observatories

A picture of the POD withe the Meade 12 inch Supercharged LX200.

(Pooh-Bah)

10/29/07 11:16 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here's my contribution - Mount Jennings Observatory a.k.a. BYO #100.

Construction link: Mount Jennings Observatory

Don

(Vendor - Spike-a Focusing Mask)

11/16/07 10:18 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here's my observatory. Three members share construction and equipment costs. We're renting land from a farmer with mag 6+ skies- it's working out extremely well for us so far. We've been in for almost exactly a year now.

More construction photos are available here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/johnwunderlin/ObservatoryConstruction

(scholastic sledgehammer)

11/17/07 11:06 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Corydon Ridge Observatory in SE Indiana

(super member)

11/20/07 10:30 AM

Re: List of Observatories

I noticed you live in a cold area and I assume the interior of your house is kept warm. How does that affect viewing? I am sure it helps tremendously for cool down period, that is if there is any.

Thanks.

(super member)

11/20/07 10:31 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Absolutely well constructed observatory. Congrats!

(Post Laureate)

11/20/07 11:26 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Quote:

Corydon Ridge Observatory in SE Indiana

Nice photo. I love the Airedale avatar.

(sage)

11/24/07 08:45 AM

Re: List of Observatories

I'm new to Cloudy Nights so this is my first post.

I started building my dome 10/01 and finished it in five months. The 42" was added almost two years later as the mirror was late coming in (naturally!) Starting in Amateur Astronomy Magazine issue #33 I wrote a large two part article on designing and building your own wooden dome.

The 24' dome sits in my front yard on the edge of the Chiefland observing field in north Florida.

The scope is a big ugly 1500 pound beast. It uses a square tube to help move the balance point closer to the center of the tube. The tube is fully baffeled, and has internal doors that close over the mirror. The go-to drive was built by Sky Commander.

On nights of good seeing the views are quite good, as nearly 1000 astronomers have seen so far.

If someone will let me know how to add a second photo, I will add the photo of the scope. Thanks!

(scholastic sledgehammer)

11/24/07 09:57 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Welcome to Cloudy Nights Tom! Way to kick the door in when you make a entrance

By the sounds and looks you certainly have some setup! On the picture thing I guess the simplest way would be just to add another post using your other picture. There is other ways but their at a loss to me.
Once more Welcome Tom!

(sage)

11/24/07 12:46 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Thanks, Kent. Why didn't I think of that?

Sorry about the door!

Anyway, here is the big ugly beast. If anyone knows how to build an uglier scope please let me know!

However, being a die-hard visual observer, to me it works beautifully. A 42" brings in a lot of light, and on nights of good seeing the views are wonderful. On other nights, when the seeing is bad, it can't keep up with smaller instruments. Those nights make you wonder if it was worth all the trouble. Oh well, we live for the good nights, right?

So why a dome instead of the more normal roll-off for a Dob? After 20 years of observing, I was tired of the weather, and wanted out of it. What good would six foot high walls be when you are 14' high at the eyepiece? The dome is warmer than being out in the elements, and there is never any dew in a dome. When you miss the open sky you can simply walk out the door.

(scholastic sledgehammer)

11/24/07 04:52 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I guess Tom, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I think she looks like a beaut to me. How could you not like 42" of amperture!

As far as the dome it works for me. I was in my very first dome just last Saturday night, at the UPEI in Charlottetown and it certainly took the chill off. So no arguments from me.
Beautiful scope, seriously and a really nice ladder to go along with it!

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

11/24/07 08:53 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Welcome Tom and the scope looks good to me

(sage)

11/27/07 10:17 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I am presently constucting a triangular roll-off building for my 12" Meade LX200 GPS. I guess I have to post the photos that I have to a photo hosting site. So I will wait until I have finished. I have a 7.5' x 16' observation deck which encompasses a 1000 lb. slab of concrete (triangular). Just made the two sides. The back and the casters get done tomorrow. Roof and door (third side) nexr day. Then I have to wait for my backordered wedge.

The name is Night Wolf Observatory, because I am always out hunting at night, as are we all.

(professor emeritus)

11/27/07 10:33 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Sounds like a interesting obs. design and I like the name too!

Good Luck and post some pix soon!
Ken

(super member)

12/01/07 02:30 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Ps19:1 Observatory. I need to get a more up to date image of my observatory, as it wasn't quite done yet, but from here on out any shot I take will have snow all over it. It's not as impressive as the observatories posted here, but it's my home away from home.

(sage)

12/01/07 02:42 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Mac - nice observatory, very unique! I have to ask the questions... why is it on stilts, and where is the entrance??

James

(Den Mother)

12/01/07 11:18 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Well, it certainly looks very impressive to me! What a unique Observatory!

Thanks so much for posting your Observatory.

Carol

(super member)

12/01/07 11:33 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Hi James,

Here are the reasons I made it 6ft off the ground. 1) I wanted to get up off the ground which is at the lowest spot in my yard, getting out of the vapor. I can turn a hammer in to rust in no time back there. 2) I didn't want rodents under living under it and I doubt a mouse can inside. 3) The extra lift off the ground gave me a little more visibility over my tree line, not much but it helps. 4) Resale of my property will be boosted as this thing would make a wonderful play/tree house�as somebody may not want an observatory. 5) my last reason was that the area I built it was once a flood plane, and not far from a creek, so I wanted it up out of danger. Isn't it funny how our priorities change? Reason #5 quickly became reason # 1. Thats right, I almost named it Uraniborg (see pic). It figures that right after I get the structure done but before the roof is on, it pours for days like we haven't seen for hundreds of years. I hope this observatory is good at catching rare celestial events too

My shed has a trap door instead of a front door. I used a pull down attic ladder as my steps. That works pretty well. I thought it was easier than a door until I built the trap door cover. At that point I think I added work for myself�but I like it and it offers extremely good venting for cool down

When I get around to adding this to my web page, I'll post some links.

Duane

(Vendor- Backyard Observatories)

12/01/07 01:26 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Wow! Good thinking on the raised deck! Looks like there my be occasions you'd need to canoe to view.

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

12/01/07 05:39 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Don't they say the view over the water are more stable

Looks kind of cool sitting there in the middle.

(Carpal Tunnel)

12/01/07 10:39 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Turkey Hill Observatory built by Backyard Observatories. 11.5' x 15.5' with a 11.5' x 5.5' warm room. After this picture was taken I added some shutters on that front window. The warm room is carpeted and observatory floor is foam tile.

(sage)

12/02/07 02:34 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Duane,

They say a picture speaks a thousand words - and yours explained lots!

James

(Undercover Saboteur)

12/02/07 09:52 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Gee, I had thought I put my Observatory in this list.. Guess not, so here it is..

7x7 Rubbermaid (Tupperware) BigMax shed, converted to a lift and roll off roof design.

Click my Obs. name in my sigline for the thread on it.

(Post Laureate)

12/02/07 12:23 PM

Re: List of Observatories

My split transverse roll off attached to our home. Dimensions 15'-4" x 13'-4". Concrete block construction from frostline footings to an elevation of 8'-6" above grade. East section neatly telescopes under and neatly into the west section. Built to exactly match the home's roof and eaves.

Mike

(Post Laureate)

12/02/07 12:40 PM

Re: List of Observatories

View of the observatory from our kitchen stoop. Access to the observatory is via an enclosed breezeway from the lower living level. The picture of the 8" and 6" refractors was before the counterpoise tube weights were added etc. etc.

Mike

(member)

12/02/07 02:21 PM

Re: List of Observatories

My observatory is an Arrow 8'x8' metal shed that is reinforced with 2x4's. Originally I used it as a place to store my scopes, then I made it into a flip-top and just this fall,I converted it to a roll-off.

(member)

12/02/07 02:25 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is a view from the inside with my good ol' Meade LX10 that has been moved out to make room for my Orion XTi 12" Dob.

(super member)

12/02/07 04:52 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Dale, I'll bet cool down in your shed is close to zero! That's a nice advantage.

Duane

(member)

12/03/07 12:02 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Yes, it is, Duane. Just the other night I was out and it was 16 degrees F. And lo and behold, it was 16F in the shed too!

(sage)

12/03/07 07:25 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I,'m sure everyone's tired of seeing it but here it is for sake of the list. Thanks

(Vendor - Explora Dome)

12/03/07 07:30 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Rock and Roll Wayne,
I never get tired of seeing this awesome set up.

Remember imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

Clear skies,

(professor emeritus)

12/03/07 11:18 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I'm not tired. Nice building.

(super member)

12/04/07 12:51 AM

Re: List of Observatories

I'm glad you posted it as I've not seen it. Pretty cool. Definitely the best of both worlds.

Duane

(sage)

12/04/07 03:23 PM

Re: List of Observatories

GEEEZZ, You guys expecting a Christmas present from me ? Thanks for the vote of approval. Wayne

(professor emeritus)

12/15/07 07:18 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Mikey,
That is a great idea, split roll off. it looks like it belongs as part of the house. It is one of my favorites, Andy

(Sith Lord)

12/16/07 01:01 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Well, I finally got around to taking some pictures of my finished roll-off! I completed it about 4 weeks ago and I built it with the skyshed plans.

Thanks for looking!

(Post Laureate)

12/16/07 01:16 PM

Re: List of Observatories

jon, thats a beauty! Don't forget the snowshoes and hot chocolate!

(Sith Lord)

12/16/07 01:40 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Thank you Karen!! It has made cold nights enjoyable again.

(Post Laureate)

12/16/07 02:59 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Jon......Dang them there pictures look cold! That low sun angle and all. Don't forget to seal it good too maintain that rich color!

Mike

(Sith Lord)

12/17/07 07:11 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Thanks Mike! Yeah, its a bit nippy here at night! Luckily I was able to get it stained and sealed before it got too cold, but I am thinking I might need another coat.

(super member)

12/31/07 07:43 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Wow! Very nice all! I really enjoyed looking at your observatories. I will be putting one up this spring or early summer. You all have given me a lot of ideas. Thanks! Very good forum!

(scholastic sledgehammer)

01/13/08 11:43 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is mine, again as I am sure I posted this before somewhere on here.

(scholastic sledgehammer)

01/13/08 11:45 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Here it is opened up. Only plans I used, or borrowed, was Chris Veldars roller details.

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

01/13/08 01:25 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Very Nice Dean

(newbie)

02/25/08 01:39 AM

Re: List of Observatories

How could anyone complain about 42" /

(member)

02/25/08 11:03 PM

Re: List of Observatories

G'day from Australia
My Own design with drop down walls

(Sith Lord)

02/26/08 10:02 AM

Re: List of Observatories

WOW! Very nice Robert! Your siding looks cool!

(sage)

04/06/08 09:47 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Well, here is my contribution to the growing list of personal observatories. Please allow me to present to you Summit View Ranch Observatory...

Summit View Ranch Observatoty

James

(journeyman)

05/18/08 09:34 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here's a link to my Explora-Dome observatory in Millville NJ

www.HollyDome.com

Matt

(member)

06/11/08 03:55 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Thats nice...and you can fish while you're photographing...

John Fitzgerald

(In Focus)

06/12/08 03:02 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Headwater Observatory. First light May 30, 2008

(newbie)

08/16/08 10:58 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Slope Rock Observatory, Finland
In operation since august 2007.

Images:
Slope Rock Observatory images

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

08/21/08 08:07 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Welcome to Cloudy Nights and the Observatory Forum!
I had trouble trying to open either of your links, you may a server issue.

(sage)

09/10/08 06:11 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is MP-observatory. Location Finland.

Mikko P�ivinen
Finland

(professor emeritus)

01/22/09 02:40 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here's Brown Avenue Observatory located on Brown Ave., in Johnston RI. It houses a C-11 on an Atlas mount.

(Vendor- Backyard Observatories)

01/22/09 04:21 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Update from my first pic from April 07 with the Sirius removed and the Ash installed.

CNsters at our star party, BEOTS.

(Vendor- Backyard Observatories)

01/22/09 04:22 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Blast From the Past

(sage)

01/22/09 06:53 PM

Re: List of Observatories

This is my little Observatory
Uses a garage door motor to move the roof back &
forth

Alan

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

01/22/09 08:17 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I sure do love the color of the leaves in photo Alan

(sage)

01/23/09 09:08 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Thanks Chris,

That year the colors were very bright and vivid.

Some years they are very dull.

I just caught it at the right time.

Alan

(super member)

01/31/09 03:02 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Not too late to join the party.

Here is Starsoverlimetree Observatory.

And link to my website in my signature.

Regards, Neil.

(journeyman)

01/31/09 03:12 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Here is a picture of what we call the Williams Observatory. Skypod with 5 bays. We also have an area on the pad for guest scopes. Ultima 8 on steel pier on the inside.

http://wrx-now.tripod.com

(Den Mother)

01/31/09 03:19 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Welcome to Cloudy Nights! Glad to have you join us!

Thanks for the photo of your Observatory, beautiful, indeed. Looks like you have fantastic open skies!

(Vendor - Explora Dome)

01/31/09 05:30 PM

Re: List of Observatories

That is one awesome pad site and the views look great. And welcome to Cloudy Nights.

Clear skies,

(journeyman)

01/31/09 08:02 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Thanks for the compliment.
The property is in some rolling hills and this spot is at the top of the hill that the farm house and barns are located on. To the north we are above everything, East there is the house and barns, but that just means that we can not see the last 20 degrees or so, west there is a rise and trees but but only 10 degree above us. To the south we have no obstructions as per the north. With the solar panel and 2 Deep cycle batteries we have plenty of power for the three of us. Once the 4 feet of snow are melted off we hope to use the site alot more. Just a note about the pad. It was cheaper than building a wood platform and obviously low maintaince and very stable.

(professor emeritus)

01/31/09 09:40 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Beautiful set-up!, Neil and Piaras!!!

(super member)

02/06/09 07:11 AM

Re: List of Observatories

The Cederberg Observatory,
240 km from Cape Town
South Africa.
16" Parkes newt (main dome)
12" Meade SC (roll off roof)
12" Home-made cass (new dome left of pic)
14" Home-made dob
12" Home-made dob

Owned and run by 7 amateur astronomers.
Open most Saturday nights to the public. (The sources of our visitors are the holiday and camping farms in the area)

Chris

(Vendor - Explora Dome)

02/06/09 07:29 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Chris,
Very,very nice set up. I am jealous. I bet those skies are incredible.

Kudos to you folks for offering such an awesome place for people to visit.

Clear skies,

(Carpal Tunnel)

02/08/09 12:09 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I might as well add my POD observatory.
It is nothing unusual but it is new to me and as important to me as all of your very nice setups I have been browsing through! Anyway, here it is down here in cloudy South Florida.

(Carpal Tunnel)

02/08/09 12:12 PM

Re: List of Observatories

I find the POD very roomy and I am able to set up my 8" SCT on the pier and my 4" Stellarvue on the LXD75 mount and operate them both without interference!
I may even put a second pier in to get more walk around room.

(professor emeritus)

03/01/09 03:27 PM

Re: List of Observatories

That really is a GREAT set-up, George! Maybe, someday I'll get my 'approved funding' and go the same route!!

(sage)

03/17/09 01:22 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Because of the cloudy nights and days, I built the Cityobservatory again.
The Cityobservatory
The building site

Kaizu

(scholastic sledgehammer)

03/17/09 08:37 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Lost my image on Tiny Pic for some reason. Here it is again:

Chris Schroeder

(Postmaster)

03/18/09 08:34 AM

Re: List of Observatories

Yeah, I'd say you you have a bit of a light pollution problem Kaizu. Nice obsevatory by the way

(member)

11/02/09 06:20 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Grampian Stars:
Robert: Your design inspired my observatory. I saw a picture of it somewhere and noticed the drop-down sides. But couldn't find it again so just used it as an inspiration. Mine is 10x12 and works great. Really like the openness you get with the sides down (great for star parties) but the wind protection where it is needed.

So, thanks for the inspiration! I will post a picture of mine when I have one!

(member)

11/02/09 06:20 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Moderator removed duplicate post.

(member)

11/02/09 06:20 PM

Re: List of Observatories

Triplicate post removed by Moderator

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