Amateur astronomy observatories

But its dimensions can be altered to suit your needs. Doghouse construction consumed three weekends and a few evenings in between. I used to chip accumulated ice off the doghouse tracks with a screwdriver, but it's amazing how tenacious ice can be, and I'd certainly use heat tape if I built a new doghouse. It is wise to acquaint yourself with local zoning regulations sooner rather than later. It's amazing how efficiently space can be used when you're forced to work in a cramped area. Nevertheless, a shelter as tiny as my 4-foot-wide doghouse works only for compact Cassegrain-type telescopes, since they can be set up in polar-aligned mode on a pier at one end of the narrow observatory with the building's long axis oriented on a north-south line.

The main observatory tower is a three level 29 feet 8.

This Amateur Astronomer Built An Observatory In His Backyard

We may publish a roundup someday, and it would be nice to include any innovations you may come up with. These elements together with the advent of the CCD technology, have entirely transformed the amateur Astronomy: Waferboard or other inexpensive sheeting is still suitable for the floor and roof as long as the latter is covered with asphalt shingles or an approved roofing material. The floor and two long walls were one sheet each, while the end walls were made from one sheet cut in half. Garage-door track would be a good alternative, but it is not a stock item at building-supply stores in my area.