Observatory

My Homebuilt Observatory

Journey into Astronomy

My fascination with astronomy began in the mid-60s with a humble 30x30 tabletop refractor. Over the years, I upgraded my equipment and built a 6" Newtonian reflector with a friend. This passion eventually led to the construction of my current observatory.

The Need for an Observatory

Setting up and disassembling equipment became time-consuming and frustrating, especially with unpredictable weather. To address this, I built my observatory, which has significantly improved my efficiency and enjoyment.

About the Observatory

Observatory Design

After considering various designs, I opted for a garden shed-style observatory. The 10' x 8' shed features a unique design with two sliding roof panels that provide unobstructed access to the night sky. The structure is customized to suit my specific needs, ensuring optimal viewing conditions.

Location

My observatory is situated in the picturesque south of County Meath, Ireland, at coordinates 53° 25' 24.7" N, 6° 34' 25" W.

Direction and Proximity

The observatory faces south, allowing for excellent visibility of the celestial wonders. It's conveniently located near my office, making it easy to operate the equipment and monitor the skies.

Construction of the Observatory

To build my observatory, I purchased a 10' x 8' shed. Since I planned to construct my own sliding roof for the observatory, I specified that I didn't need a window or a roof. This unusual request certainly raised some eyebrows! The shed was delivered as a flat pack, consisting of four walls (including a door) and a floor.

The size of the shed was chosen to accommodate the equipment that would be housed within it. My decision was based on the need for space to include a table and other workspace essentials. However, if I were to repeat the process now, I might opt for a smaller shed, as I now operate the telescope from a separate control room. The completed observatory, with the window of the control room visible in the background, demonstrates the final setup.

To mount the telescope, I dug a hole approximately two feet deep and two feet in diameter, filled it with concrete, and used a concrete drainpipe filled with concrete standing vertically on that base. Once set, this provided a firm foundation for the equatorial wedge.

Next, I carefully measured and cut a circular hole in the center of the wooden floor of the shed, which was then slid over the pillar. It was crucial to leave a small gap between the floor and the pillar to prevent vibrations caused by walking across the floor from being transmitted through the pillar to the telescope.

For the roof, I constructed a frame using 4” x 1” timber, over which I placed a black plastic sheet and thin galvanised steel sheets. The black plastic sheet helps reduce the possibility of condensation forming on the inside of the roof and dripping onto the telescope.

To enable the roof to slide, I created channels on the gable ends out of wood and used wheels on the underside of the roof. These channels and wheels allow the roof to move smoothly. To ensure that rain is kept out, I designed one of the steel sheets to overlap the other when the roof is closed. Bolts were added to secure the roof in place and prevent high winds from lifting it.

Pulleys were installed to allow the roof to slide down to its open position in a controlled manner and with minimal effort. To close the roof, it is simply pushed back up to its closed position from the outside. Additionally, I made an overlap on the steel sheeting to ensure that when the roof is shut, rain cannot fall between the two roof sheets.

Telescope

Make, Model, and Accessories

My primary telescope is a Meade LX200 Schmidt Cassegrain with a 254mm aperture. Additionally, I have an 80mm Apochromatic Refractor and an 80mm guidescope. The setup includes:

Brand: Meade
Aperture: 254mm
Type: Schmidt Cassegrain
Year Acquired: [Add Year]
Additional Equipment: True Technology motorized filter wheel, focal reducers (3.3 and 6.3)

Notable Upgrades

In November 2004, I upgraded from the MX7C to the SXV-H9 and added a motorized filter wheel. My latest addition is a Coronado PST solar telescope, modified to improve solar viewing and imaging.

Dew Prevention

To prevent dew from forming on the telescope's corrector plate and lenses, I created "dew zappers" using elements from an old toaster. These provide just enough heat to keep the optics clear.

Cameras

Types

I use a variety of cameras for different purposes:

CCD Cameras: Starlight Xpress HX516 and SXV-H9
Webcams: Philips ToUcam Pro and Imaging Source DMK21AF04.AS

Purposes

CCD Cameras: Deep-sky imaging
Webcams: Solar and planetary imaging

Notable Additions

My solar imaging setup includes a Coronado PST solar telescope, modified with a 120mm refractor and suitable filters for enhanced resolution.

Office

Connection

My office, converted from the back of my garage, allows me to operate the equipment in comfort. The room is equipped with computer links to control the telescope and cameras, enhancing my overall experience.

Equipment and Software

The office contains a range of equipment and software for controlling the telescope and cameras, including:

Usage

The office serves as my control center, where I monitor the observatory and process the captured images. The setup allows me to operate the telescope and cameras remotely, maximizing my observation time.

Conclusion

Having the observatory has greatly increased my observing time and enjoyment. I hope my journey inspires others to consider building their own observatories.