Show me yours - the observatory - I need some inspiration

[h0ughy]

:astron: We all need them eventually, yes its an observatory. I have been asking the trouble and strife for years for "permission" to install one in the backyard. And with a few more bottles of the grape vine's best I finally almost have the official go ahead. But now I need some inspiration of what i can build that is pleasing to the eye of a non believer, cheap and effective and is easy to build. yes I know you can't please everyone but I am sure there is someone out there who has climbed the same mountain of dispare. I own a meade 12" SCT classic and it is getting too heavy for me to lug out and set up. So I have just bought a meade superwedge in anticipation of the start of the project. So if you can help and send me some pictures and "landscaping" around them so that I can finnally get the OK. I am looking at a roll off roof type, say a colourbond garden shed style.

with thanks

h0ughy

[mick pinner]

hello hOughy take a look in this thread under Astrolounge observatory, the roll of roof might be of interest, it also houses a 12" SCT so you will get some idea of scale, hope it helps.
Mick.

[Striker]

Houghy,

This link was given to me by another member as I am looking to build as well...check them out...

http://obs.nineplanets.org/obs/obslist.html

[slice of heaven]

Hi Houghy Welcome to the site.
Good thread for a first post. Seems there's a few people looking at this option.

Thanks Striker. Thats a good list of links. I was hoping to have mine completed before xmas. I doubt if I can read all them before then.
Slice

[h0ughy]

Thanks for the quick links. i am hoping to lug the old LXaround for one last fling in August this year when I attend the Queensland bananabenders Starfest in August. Then it will be hopefully "retired" to a more sedate fully setup observatory by Christmas. I was at this years SPSP and it was absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward to the starparty in Queensland, even more so since the attendance was vetted and suggested by my wife. A Cleanskins Cab Sav brought on that effort. Andshe is upholding her end and admitting to it! So the observatory is definitelly going to be a project.

[iceman]

Nice one Houghy and welcome to the forums! Great to see another NAS'er onboard.

I don't think i'd have much luck getting my wife to say "yep, go ahead.. go off to QLD with your scope and leave me with the kids for 3 days". It just wouldn't happen :)

[rumples riot]

Hey this was my project. http://www.iceinspace.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=820&highlight=Blackwood+Observatory

Good luck with yours, ask any questions that you might have.

[ballaratdragons]

Houghy,

I know it's a dome, but it's an easy dome to make! It is made of Polystyrene (Styrofoam) and rendered in concrete but it works just as well rendered in a thin layer of fibreglass.
www.orednet.org/~jgarlitz/geodome.htm

[h0ughy]

Ken

Thanks for the thread link. After viewing this one I realised that My IQ of 10 would be pushed to the limits of construction ability. As a builder I make a great designer!!!

Houghy:astron: