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Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

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RobVG
professor emeritus
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Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 618
Loc: Seattle Washington
List of Observatories
      #1558014 - 04/21/07 12:34 PM

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The "Links of Interest" thread above is good but is out of date and contains comments and other posts of interest.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.


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csa/montanaModerator
Astro Ambassador
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Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 28626
Loc: montana
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1558024 - 04/21/07 12:40 PM

Sounds like a great idea!

Carol

--------------------
Carol


AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
AstroTech 66ED / Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Tak LE 5mm B/TMB 3.2
7mm Pentax XL, 10mm Pentax XW
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
22mm Pan, 35mm Pan

DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2



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GordonCopestake
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Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 2623
Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: csa/montana]
      #1558069 - 04/21/07 01:08 PM

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


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RobVG
professor emeritus
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Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 618
Loc: Seattle Washington
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: GordonCopestake]
      #1558080 - 04/21/07 01:18 PM

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.


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llanitedave
Humble Megalomaniac
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Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 10475
Loc: Amargosa Valley, NV, USA
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1558484 - 04/21/07 05:56 PM

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

--------------------

"S.O.E." (Sauron's Other Eye) 16" Royce conical mirror: A permanent work in progress.
10" Homebuilt dob, old Coulter mirror


Next Project: The "Eye of Sauron" Observatory!


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RobVG
professor emeritus
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Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 618
Loc: Seattle Washington
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: llanitedave]
      #1558556 - 04/21/07 06:45 PM

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.)


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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
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Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 4833
Loc: Wherever the boss sends me.
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1558622 - 04/21/07 07:25 PM Attachment (186 downloads)

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

--------------------
Scott.

My Gallery
12.5" f/8 EQ w/Byers gears
178ED/LXD750
102ED
100mm f/13 Carton refractor
PST
DSI, ST7
www.backyardobservatories.com
www.m1OASYS.com



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RobVG
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Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 618
Loc: Seattle Washington
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Scott Horstman]
      #1558947 - 04/21/07 11:06 PM

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".


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erik
telescope surgeon
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Reged: 01/30/04
Posts: 24019
Loc: Hawaii 19 N lat -155 Long.
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1559922 - 04/22/07 03:12 PM

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

--------------------
-Erik Wilcox
Homebuilt 16" Truss Dob
SV 80mm ED Nighthawk NG on M1 ALT/AZ
Nikon Prostaff 65mm spotter on Trekpod
Konusvue 20x80 binos/Peterson pipemount
Orion 10x50 binos
Homebuilt 80mm f/5 refractor
Mirador 60mm f/12 1960's refractor



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GordonCopestake
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Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 2623
Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: erik]
      #1560102 - 04/22/07 04:43 PM

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

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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
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Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: GordonCopestake]
      #1561211 - 04/23/07 08:49 AM



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

--------------------
-Marcus

The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.

http://jatobservatory.org


12" LX200R on a Paramount ME


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StarManSteve
professor emeritus


Reged: 09/21/06
Posts: 504
Loc: White Hall, MD
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: JAT Observatory]
      #1561866 - 04/23/07 02:15 PM Attachment (165 downloads)

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

--------------------
"I'm not afraid of the dark"

www.sola-virtus-observatory.org



Sola Virtus Observatory
3942.15N LAT 07632.68W LONG
Elevation 738ft


"Alba Gu Brath"






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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
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Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 3169
Loc: Ireland
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: StarManSteve]
      #1566110 - 04/25/07 12:43 PM Attachment (118 downloads)

Rokeby Observatory construction thread:

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

--------------------
Nikon 18x70s / UA Millennium                                       Colorado:
Solarscope SF70 / TV Pronto / AP400QMD                       Coronado SolarMax40 DS / Bogen 055+3130
APM MC1610 / Tak FC-100 / AP1200GTO                        Tak Mewlon 250 / AP600EGTO


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Bob Antol
member


Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 48
Loc: Poughquag, New York
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1566665 - 04/25/07 05:10 PM Attachment (124 downloads)

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


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Erix
Toad Lily
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Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 20451
Loc: Ohio, USA
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Bob Antol]
      #1630277 - 05/28/07 03:15 PM Attachment (114 downloads)

PCW Memorial Observatory, Zanesville, Ohio

Details of construction and info

Built by Backyard Observatories May 2007

--------------------
Erika



10" LX200 Classic, ETX70-AT, DS Maxscope 60mm, 12" Truss Dob, Orion ED80, WO Binoviewers, 10x50's and 7x50's Binoculars, Rebel XT 350
Having Fun in the Sun!
More solar fun: 2007 July - tracking NOAA10963

Support bacteria. It's the only culture some people have.


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Chris Graham
mmmm...Haggis


Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 4869
Loc: Stirling, Scotland
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Erix]
      #1630352 - 05/28/07 04:04 PM

The Birch Tree Observator - Stirling, Scotland

Built May 2007



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

--------------------
-Skywatcher 8" Reflector on HEQ5 with Skyscan
-Orion ED80 Refractor
-70mm Guidescope/grab and go scope
-Canon EOS 350D
-Toucam Pro 2

Astronomy & Veggies

Edited by Chris Graham (05/29/07 07:22 AM)


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JerryWise
Postmaster
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Reged: 12/26/03
Posts: 6876
Loc: Lexington, SC
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Chris Graham]
      #1632898 - 05/29/07 10:06 PM Attachment (166 downloads)

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

--------------------
Jerry
LX200ACF 14", Tak FS 152 & TOA 150
AP-1200 & Mach1




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Joel
Carpal Tunnel
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Reged: 07/08/04
Posts: 2329
Loc: Merrimack, NH
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: JerryWise]
      #1632906 - 05/29/07 10:11 PM

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?

--------------------
Joel

10" LX200GPS UHTC-SMT
Vixen 80EDsf
Canon unmodded 350D
QHY8
Turkey Hill Observatory


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droid
rocketman
*****

Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 3121
Loc: ohio
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Joel]
      #1633393 - 05/30/07 09:01 AM Attachment (114 downloads)

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.

--------------------
andy


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bluestar
scholastic sledgehammer


Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 773
Loc: Pat Kelly in Maryland
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1669801 - 06/18/07 06:29 PM Attachment (113 downloads)

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.

--------------------



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John P
sage


Reged: 01/27/04
Posts: 234
Loc: Honeoye Falls, NY USA
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: bluestar]
      #1705620 - 07/08/07 01:48 PM Attachment (110 downloads)

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

progress post4

progress post5

progress post6

progress post7

Edited by John P (07/09/07 09:13 AM)


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Mike Lewis
sage
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Reged: 01/20/05
Posts: 309
Loc: Near Mulliken, Michigan USA
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: RobVG]
      #1706139 - 07/08/07 07:47 PM

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

--------------------
Mike
.......................
Meade 7" Mak
Home built 8" Dob
120mm Sywatcher refractor
76mm Borg
Home built 12.5" Truss, F/5.6 Zambuto
PST
Dunham Hill Observatory


"Most people never look up, what a shame...."


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jrcrillyAdministrator
Refractor wienie again
*****

Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 22464
Loc: NE Ohio
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Mike Lewis]
      #1706147 - 07/08/07 07:55 PM Attachment (101 downloads)

Urban Observatory (completed 2002).

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

--------------------
John C
Urban Observatory
Tele Vue Pronto
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 152ED F/9 "APO"
152mm F/10 achromat
Tak CN-212 8" F/12 classical Cass/ F/4 Newt
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
LXD750, EM-200, CI-700
ST-10XME

Edited by jrcrilly (07/08/07 07:56 PM)


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RogerRZ
Whatta you lookin' at?
*****

Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 2165
Loc: West Collette, NB, Canada
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: jrcrilly]
      #1706804 - 07/09/07 05:52 AM Attachment (105 downloads)

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

--------------------
-Roger Pitre-


1 X 7 binocular
Meade 2080 LX10
5" Celestron SCT
Skywatcher Equinox 66
Starblast OTA


EQ6 Pro mount (spiffed up with ADM stuff)

8X42 Bushnell binos (pretty decent for 25$)
Canon Rebel XT (AKA 350D)
Starshoot autoguider

Tolerant Spousal Unit (AKA The Lovely Mrs. RogerRZ)


----------AJP Observatory----------


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Colonel Bogey
sage


Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 282
Loc: Sweden
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Mike Lewis]
      #1707458 - 07/09/07 02:18 PM Attachment (92 downloads)

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

S.C.R.A.P.

--------------------
Obs: Paramount ME/C-14/TCF-S/FW8-STL BVRI/STL-1001E + TV85/STL guider
Portable: Giro Gr-III/TEC140/Pentax XW line
Binocs: Fujinon 16x70
Grab&go: Manfrotto tripod/FS60C
SW: Mira Pro, IRAF, MaximDL, CCDSoft, TheSky6, VisualSpec etc etc

S.C.R.A.P - Stocksund Centre of Rooftop AstroPhysics


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Manie
sage


Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Colonel Bogey]
      #1715358 - 07/13/07 01:32 PM

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



Edited by Manie (07/16/07 01:06 PM)


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Kaizu
sage


Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 253
Loc: Finland
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Manie]
      #1783349 - 08/17/07 02:02 PM

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

Edited by Kaizu (08/17/07 02:10 PM)


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Chris SchroederModerator
Postmaster
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Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 5098
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
Re: List of Observatories new [Re: Kaizu]
      #1785521 - 08/18/07 06:43 PM Attachment (77 downloads)

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

--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M102ED S.V., ZS 80FD 10th Anniv, ZS 66SD, PST
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com



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dietmar
Carpal Tunnel
*****

Reged: 01/21/05
Posts: 2032
Loc: linz, austria europe
Re: List of Observatories - Dietmar's obs. new [Re: Chris Schroeder]
      #1801193 - 08/26/07 10:44 AM

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



--------------------
clear skies,

Dietmar

www.stargazer-observatory.com


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Galaxyhunter
scholastic sledgehammer


Reged: 01/02/06
Posts: 894
Loc: Northern Illinois
Re: List of Observatories - Dietmar's obs. new [Re: dietmar]
      #1801285 - 08/26/07 11:35 AM Attachment (73 downloads)

The main construction, Broke ground 4-22-06. Moved scope in 7-