small observatory

[johnno]

Hi All,
Does using a telescope in a small,or large observatory have the same problems with air currents as viewing through an open window?

I tried using one of my scopes through an open window,a long time ago,during the Winter, I now understand the seeing was terrible due to the different air temps,and currents.
If people with observatories,have the same problems,
How do they overcome them?
Thanks.
Regards.John

[ving (David)]

i am guessing that the ambient temp in an observatory shouldnt be too different for the outside temperature if there is no airconditioning or insulation... but i am guessing.
sum1 more knowldgeable will pop up soon

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

In my dome which is sheet metal skinned I allow a bit of cool down time with the shutter open. When using the scope though, I don't notice that much in the way of tube currents since the observatory always is the same as the outside temp. It is white skinned meaning it reflects most of the heat away which cools it down, there is also a small gap between dome and base which allows air to circulate. I will be adding a circulation fan to it once I move it to stop dew forming on the inside of the dome. The fan/fans will be solar powered so I don't have to worry about them running at night, when the air is cooler (sometimes)

Insulating an observatory is probably a good idea for comfort of the user and will not heat the observatory up too much. I will be adding sheet polystyrene foam to the walls of the dome and also the base, lined with masonite or MDF to hold it there and make it look good.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I can get pretty bad John, depending on the design. We have public observing nights at the mapleton observatory and the building is in two levels. The entry room then up a small flight of stairs to the telescope floor. If there are a few people waiting, just the excess body heat moves up from the lower floor and out the dome opening like a chimney. If the door is open it alot worse.

[johnno]

Hi All,
Thanks for your replies.
it seems a lot depends on the size,and the design,with perhaps the larger ones, being a lot harder to equalise to the outside temperature,
as I said it was a question that I had been curious about since I tried looking through an open window,(not recommended)
Thanks again.
Regards.John

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

John,

Another problem with looking out of a house window compared with a dome is at least with a dome you just spin it around. With a house you have to run around the house changing windows to view out of. Would be a funny sight to see!!

Zenith in a House? Maybe an opening Skylight!

[johnno]

Hi Ken,
Your right it would be a scream,especially when I have to look east,
The toilet window would have the best view,
But I would have to stand on the seat,as the window is up high.
Regards.John

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Lol! You could flush it every few minutes so you think you are outdoors near a flowing stream!

[johnno]

Ken,
You know what the sound of running water does to people.
I would never get out of there.
Cheers Mate.John