[stanlite (Grady)]

Hello all long time no see, with the ending of my uni career fast approaching it has come time for me to devotee those hours consumed in such tasks as studying to the pursuit of photons. As such it is with trepidation that i announce some exciting news.

I have been given tacit approval from the parental's for submissions of plans to place an observatory on there property in the Gold Coast hinterland. With an idea to start construction in late may or early June.

Given the nature of the site there will be some significant issues with this project and i submit my design to you good people for insights and hints by those that have undertaken this suffering .... err endeavor before.

The property is situated in a valley with flat land at a premium, more so due to the loverly tree scape this will force the construction of a 10 foot concrete pier to both raise the scope above such levels and to enable the placing of work space underneath.

Likewise space is at a premium with only 6-10 square feet available for construction. Given that i will mount a 8inch newt with guide scope needless to say it is going to be a tight fit.

The understory of the observatory will house a desk that wraps around the pier (although doesn't touch it) with storage and should leave enough room for myself and a chair to fit in comfortably. The scope shall be accessible via a ladder on the outside

The roof shall flip 180 degrees and be counter balanced by some weights making it easy to open. there simply isn't space for a slid off roof and the expense of a dome is beyond me at present.

Most of the materials will be second hand (left over colourbond from my dads shed construction.). The goal is to build this under $$1000 and have a watertight and storm proof imagine platform for my scope.

I have attached a simple design that hopefully explains better than i do lol.

So am i Crazy or inspired???