A dome for imaging

[DaveNZ]

Currently I have a roll off roof observatory and considering replacing the roof with a kiwidome. The dome is 2.4m x 2.4m with a slit 690mm wide.

I have a 250mm f4 newtonian.

Any idea how long I could image for before I have to rotate the dome ?

Thanks Dave

[ZeroID]

That's going to depend on a few things. Width of the opening, angle of the opening as aligned to the ecliptic at the time of the imaging. Distance of the scope from the opening.

[DaveNZ]

Thanks Brent.

I should have said, is a manual dome a pain in the ar** for astrophotography due to constantly having to move the dome or do most astronomers move towards automation of the dome.

[ZeroID]

Hmmm, dunno. Automation is the obvious and expensive answer. Depends how long your sessions are going to be and if you plan to be awake all the time.

[Tandum]

Dave, I opted for a manual dome but not for long. If you shoot east then you don't move it much at all. But if you shoot north/south you'll loose the guide star in 10-15 minutes. I was also planning to automate the shutter so I could go to bed like a normal person and it would shut itself off, park and switch off. Never happened but I did automate the dome at a bargain basement price.

[DaveNZ]

Hi robin, I have bought my 'kiwidome'. Should get it in about a week.

Just out of interest, how did you automate your dome on the cheap?

[Bassnut]

Why do you want to switch from a roll off to a dome?. If you have large ambient temp swings (day night), it could worsen your seeing due to thermals by up to 2 arcsecs.

[Tandum]

Here's some pics

http://www.starshed.net/obs/automation.htm