10 replies to this topic

[SpacedCowboy]

So I'm moving back to the UK from the USA and I have my eye on a house in Crosby, fairly close to where the kid will be attending school. The house has had an 'observation deck' added to the rooftop, and it'd be (just about) big enough to put a dome on... You can see where I'm going...

 

I think I know the answer to this question But here's a picture, screen-grabbed from the promotional video of the house (those two are the agents...) - this is the best photo I have.

 

 

I guess, from reading, problems I'd be likely to run into would be thermals from the house itself, and lack of isolation of the pier with the rest of the house - there's no way I'd be putting a pier through the house to the ground... 

 

The house does have grass around it, perhaps a purpose-built ROR building would be better, it just seems a bit of a waste to have the platform (which is probably fine for looking out to sea by eye) but not use it for a telescope

[RalphMeisterTigerMan]

Remember the old 50's song, "shake, rattle and roll". I cannot see you having a decent view especially at higher magnificatios.

 

Clear skies and keep looking up!

RalphMeisterTigerMan

[TOMDEY]

It would be wonderful for visual use of handheld and larger tripod mounted binos --- using it as it is now. But telescopic or imagery not recommended for a number of reasons. I'd build and christen something on terra firma for those activities. Regardless, I'd invite a structural engineer to critically examine and bless the entire addition there.

 

PS: When I was a lad, I would climb out and around an attic dormer and scramble up the steep tile roof to admire the stars. My parents were unaware, but eventually asked me how my stuff got up there. I had attached an antenna to one of the chimneys. They didn't seem particularly surprised.    Tom

[jerobe]

That would not be an optimum location for any permanent, pier mounted telescope or imaging equipment but would be great for a Seestar or a grab and go observing opportunity.  And also great for sharing some "sky time" with your family.

[SpacedCowboy]

I think I knew that was going to be the case

 

The house is in about 1/2 an acre, and there's actually a strip of land that's sort of hidden behind some landscaping on one side and has a private road on the other side (so not much traffic) so that might be a better place for an observatory. 

 

The grab-and-go / see star / origin idea is a good one though  And it has a nice clear view ...

 

 

Thanks all

Edited by SpacedCowboy, 18 May 2025 - 07:39 PM.

[Bill Weir]

Besides the skinny legs it’s on those two chimneys say wonderful seeing.

 

Bill

[SpacedCowboy]

Besides the skinny legs it’s on those two chimneys say wonderful seeing.

 

Bill

The chimneys are just decorative these days. The house has central heating, and the fireplaces are present but not functional.

Edited by SpacedCowboy, 18 May 2025 - 10:16 PM.

[PIEJr]

I'd say no to the deck for a telescope, and yes to the yard (Lawn) for your mount.

[Spaceman 56]

 And it has a nice clear view ...

I feel that you could try AP and short exposures.  if you control the mount from a distance, and don't walk out there while your imaging.

 

it might work ok. the only way to know is to try.  

 

Spaceman

[mich_al]

I tried using my deck which was much better supported and attached to the house.  When observing I could tell when my normal sized cat first stepped onto the deck (for instance) .  After 2 attempts at shoring up the deck I saw very little if any improvement and abandoned using a tripod on the deck.

[SpacedCowboy]

FWIW, I wouldn't expect to be on the deck. I'd be in the house, at least while it was imaging...

 

But I'll give it a try when I get there, without too much in the way of expectation...