observatory

Be careful with concrete and bracing to other structures. Concrete
holds heat for a long time and can ruin the view (called seeing) for
hours, or even forever (the telescope/building never cools
completely)..

An independent structure is often better with the telescope on a pier
or another independent structure. Otherwise it is very often the case
that the other structure(s) will shake the telescope. Even
professional astronomers have this problem. The 4-meter telescope on
Kitt Peak is on an "independent" pier separate from the 180-foot
building that houses it. Ends up when the dome turns, the telescope
shakes a little. It shouldn't do that, but somewhere there is a
connection between the dome/building and the telescope pier. I don't
know if they ever fixed that problem or not...

Older telescope were often put on a metal framework rather than a very
expensive pier. It really takes an engineer to design a good one,
Otherwise ask other builders for their advice and use what you can
afford.

Saul Levy


On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 23:12:56 GMT, Eric wrote:

Tom McDonald wrote:

Benign Vanilla wrote:

"Tom McDonald" wrote in message
...

Eric wrote:


I am just beginning to plan o utanobservatoryatmyhouse.
I will remove a closet that is unused, put a doorway in and that will
go to a short set of steps up to a platform at the rooftop.
I was wondering if anyone had plans or recommendations for a small
observation platform where i could place a 12 or 14" reflector type
telescope and leave it there knowing it will be protected from
wind/rain and sometimes snow (This means a opening/closing roof)
Thanks

snip

I'd add that if the observatory is not cement from the second floor down,
the shakes will be a problem as well.

BV.


BV,

True. Would the anti-vibration pads that are placed under the
legs of the tripod help? (I'm assuming that the OP doesn't want
to pour a cement pillar from below the basement to the observing
platform.)


Maybe this isnt such a good idea. It seemed ok when i first thought of it as
i have a lot of trees nearby and being up at that level would have given me
access to lower areas of the horizon, plus a short run from there to my
computer room would have let me do some imaging to my desktop. The proposed
location of the platform actually would have had a straight shot down to
the ground so i suppose it could be Beam supported right off a concrete pad
below. If i supported the platform with 6x6 wood stilts sitting on a
concrete pad and braced to the side of the house would vibration still be a
problem?
Eric

Tom McDonald wrote:

Eric wrote:

I am just beginning to plan o utanobservatoryatmyhouse.
I will remove a closet that is unused, put a doorway in and that will
go to a short set of steps up to a platform at the rooftop.
I was wondering if anyone had plans or recommendations for a small
observation platform where i could place a 12 or 14" reflector type
telescope and leave it there knowing it will be protected from
wind/rain and sometimes snow (This means a opening/closing roof)
Thanks
Eric


Eric,

My first thought is, how well insulated is you home? If there
is not enough insulation in the top floor of your home, and/or
if there is inadequate ventilation of the attic, you will
probably find yourself looking through shaky air. In warm
weather, the question becomes how quickly does your roofing
material cool off after sunset. In either case, ISTM that you
will have to address thermal radiation from your house as you
plan your observatory.

good point, i hadnt thought about that. Thanks.