RIP Sirius Observatories

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

See message #14 and #15

[Nikolas (Nik)]

Yeah saw those but they only quote the 3 metre domes

[theodog (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

I was saddened to receive this email late today:

"It is with heavy hearts and deep regret that the owners of Sirius Observatories Australia Pty Ltd regret to inform you that they have decided to close down Sirius Observatories Australia Pty Ltd.

Our last day of business will be on Friday 31st March, 2017. After that date, Sirius Observatories Australia will no longer be offering our superior quality observatories for sale."


A real shame. It was a great product.

Bought mine second hand. It had been through Cyclone Yasi, yet all I had to do was clean off some mould, mildew and old lubricant and it was good and sound as new.
Just purchased the full automation mid last year. It was recently fitted in one weekend and operates like a steam-train.
I recon it's a quality unit and the people as Sirius were great to deal with.
Sorry to see them go.

[Peter Ward]

A flood of orders....With real deposits...might make them review their decision to close.

But I doubt the local Astro community will rally.

[Atmos (Colin)]

If I had a spare $25,000 and somewhere to put it, I'd put my name on that list!

[Slawomir (Suavi)]

Originally Posted by Atmos

If I had a spare $25,000 and somewhere to put it, I'd put my name on that list!

That pretty much sums it up for our local astro community.

[GrampianStars (Rob)]

Originally Posted by Atmos View Post
If I had a spare $25,000 and somewhere to put it, I'd put my name on that list!

Originally Posted by Slawomir

That pretty much sums it up for our local astro community.

Unfortunately Australia has only a niche Astronomy market and cannot support a profitable long term specialized business of this type without a streamlined export system in place.

[Peter Ward]

Actually a fully automated 2.3 metre is way under $25k, try about $15k

Not chump change, but given the longevity of the investment it's really peanuts.

That said, given parts of Sydney are looking more like Mong Kok theses days,
(a pox on developers and the NSW government for that) the notion of a backyard with a small observatory I have to admit is quaint at best...

[lazjen (Chris)]

Not only is the astronomy market niche, but really the people who can afford to buy one of these make a niche within a niche.

Another thing to consider is that realistically for most people, it is far cheaper to go with other options than one of these domes (ROR, etc).

I was lucky enough to get mine 2nd hand, so obviously a lot cheaper than new, but still probably significantly more than say a ROR.

[Slawomir (Suavi)]

Unfortunately I cannot see things improving in Australia, since the current draft for the national curriculum does not include astronomy in physics, but we will have to teach young Australian physicists about heating and cooling in year 11 physics. For example recommended pracs for yr11 physics in the new physics syllabus are based on measuring temperature change of water over time when it is heated in a beaker over a Bunsen burner, as we currently do in year 7 science. When I voiced out my disappointment, I was told that I need to be innovative and could vary the experiment and make it more exciting for the students by substituting water with tea or coffee...and all of that is happening while we, as a humanity, are mapping the Milky Way and the Universe and discovering new worlds.

[Peter Ward]

Guess I think differently about my hobby to most....even if I was to buy a 2.3 metre Observatory new, and assuming I'll get 20 years service from it, that's about $65 a month.

As I said peanuts.

Many people pay more than that for FoxTel...and have nothing tangible to show for their investment.

[troypiggo (Troy)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

Guess I think differently about my hobby to most....even if I was to buy a 2.3 metre Observatory new, and assuming I'll get 20 years service from it, that's about $65 a month.

As I said peanuts.

Many people pay more than that for FoxTel...and have nothing tangible to show for their investment.

Do they offer a $65/month no interest payment plan? The maths is different to having $15k available to drop in one hit.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Peter,
I only wish I had another twenty years available!!!

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

Peter,
I only wish I had another twenty years available!!!

I guess we've come to appreciate "tomorrow is promised to no one" more than most !

[beren]

Last Saturday got a chance to visit a mates Sirius ob, I was just awe struck by the set up . The next night I was in my backyard shivering cold, fighting the wind, mozzies and thinking its time to start saving for one. Then I see the news here, sad that such a iconic brand/product will finish up.

[Peter Ward]

I'm toying with the idea of still making the Sirius product available, but only in the 2.3 metre and 3.5 metre versions.

So a poll would be useful.

Size? 2.3 meter or 3.5 metre ?

Price limit ? $2.5k $5k, $7.5k $10K $15k $20K ??

[lazjen (Chris)]

Is that for the base unit? Or with the automated bits as well?

[simon_rl (Simon)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

Guess I think differently about my hobby to most....even if I was to buy a 2.3 metre Observatory new, and assuming I'll get 20 years service from it, that's about $65 a month.

As I said peanuts.

Many people pay more than that for FoxTel...and have nothing tangible to show for their investment.

That is so true. We have had a Foxtel package for 5 years now, paying around the $100 mark each month. Also when you take into account internet access & 3 mobile phone plans we are spending over $500 a month in entertainment and technology related services with no real return on our out lay. My personal opinion is that internet is worthwhile to a degree, but it is not a worth while investment like a Sirius observatory which provides a high quality product, a permanent setup and protection for our valuable astronomy gear.

I think the big problem is, and I am guilty of it too, that we do not look at the big picture and see the long term gains over the short term gratification, which too often dictates how we spend our money. Just my 2 cents and I sincerely apologise if I have offended anyone.

[Slawomir (Suavi)]

Most of us here have made substancial investments into astro gear, every person according to own circumstances. A dome is clearly a luxury that a few can afford, not to mention having a place to put it. I would love a modest 2.3m automated dome, but most likely I will need to gradually build my own observatory, but for that to happen will have to get a house first.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Simon, I think the family would still require you to have those services even if you bought an observatory.