Which direction should I favour

[Jeffkop (Jeff)]

Hi All

I am moving to a new house and I have a couple of choices as to where I set up an observatory in regards to my view and I was would appreciate anyones comments on these 2.

Location 1 has say 60% veiwing in the south and 60% east west.
Location 2 has 20% viewing in the south and 80% east west.

May latitude is 28° 50' 50" S West of Ballina.

What are your thoughts on this

Thank You

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Jeff

I would prioritise South and at least have good access to one of East or West and preferably the darkest direction. This way you will have all the cool southern objects plus the Milky Way goodies when they either rise toward the Meridian or when they are past the meridian toward setting

North is last in my opinion.

Mike

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Ditto to what Mike said.
You can always make up an observing pad on the other location.
Dig in some pavers or lay a little concrete.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Yeah S-SE or S-SW is the way to go I think too. My sky is free to the west horizon from the meridian and that gives me enough room to do a lot of exposures there. All the goodies are mostly south too. I find myself rarely imaging north. It's too low and bright.

[Jeffkop (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Jeff

I would prioritise South and at least have good access to one of East or West and preferably the darkest direction. This way you will have all the cool southern objects plus the Milky Way goodies when they either rise toward the Meridian or when they are past the meridian toward setting

North is last in my opinion.

Mike

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

Ditto to what Mike said.
You can always make up an observing pad on the other location.
Dig in some pavers or lay a little concrete.

Originally Posted by multiweb

Yeah S-SE or S-SW is the way to go I think too. My sky is free to the west horizon from the meridian and that gives me enough room to do a lot of exposures there. All the goodies are mostly south too. I find myself rarely imaging north. It's too low and bright.

Thanks for the replys. Thats the way I was leaning too, just needed to make sure my logic was right. I can image from the horizon until about 20 degrees past the meridian in the East direction, then have to wait until the object is past power lines and can image for another .. hmmm maybe 15 degrees until treeline in the west interrupts the viewing. Also will have about 60 to 70% of the southern area available at any one time as well.

Wont be able to have a second spot Jennette ... this setup is a permanent pier and the Titan mount has no tripod .. so .. this is why I have to get it right this time.

Thanks again