Observatory opening size

[cristian abarca]

Hi everyone. I'm making the frame for the dome on my observatory at the moment and I was wondering if someone could tell me what a good size for the opening is. At the moment the opening is about 80 cm wide but I can make it bigger, I just have to move a couple of bits of timber around. The dome is about 3.8 metres and I am going to put a 12 inch Cassegrain on an EQ mount. I live in light polluted skies about 30 ks from Melbourne and I will be using it mainly for photography and the dome is not motorised. It's not a true dome it looks more like a flattened dome or like a traditonal vietnamese hat.

Regsrda Cristian

[Gama]

Well, i would recommend 1 Meter wide opening.
This way you wont need to adjust rotation too much while imaging.
However, i reckon look at making a shed with a slide off roof.
This way, you wont need any movement for control of the slit, and you have better equipment cooling and a 360 degree view.
Plus its the cheapest way too.

Theo.

[cristian abarca]

Thanks Theo I've now made it a metre wide.

Cristian