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My makeshift observatory
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 10:17 pm
by omeek
So now that I'm all settled in at my new place I figured out the easiest and cheapest way to get my observing spot going for now. After trying a few basic setups I ended up going with a bunch of 8' t-posts, some wire, and skinny tarps. It is working out
really well for now! At least until I actually build something permanent anyway. haha
The concrete pad is 14' x 30' (and way off in my backyard) but I am only blocking off 14' x 20' since that is more than enough room.
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 4:24 am
by Lady Fraktor
Very nice Oliver!
Having a permanent observing location should be quite nice
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 5:32 am
by MistrBadgr
Looks very effective. The plastic is in a region where it should block out any direct lighting from porch lights and things like that, but still let air flow come in underneath to help with any heat that needs to escape. Since you are leaving it up, you don't have to worry about putting it up after your session is over, just worry about your scope, chair, eyepieces, etc.
I had a nice 10 by 16 pad to use before I built my shop building on it. I certainly miss the pad now and really enjoyed it while I had it for observations, so I can appreciate what you have there.
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 4:48 pm
by omeek
MistrBadgr wrote: ↑Fri Apr 15, 2022 5:32 am
Looks very effective. The plastic is in a region where it should block out any direct lighting from porch lights and things like that, but still let air flow come in underneath to help with any heat that needs to escape. Since you are leaving it up, you don't have to worry about putting it up after your session is over, just worry about your scope, chair, eyepieces, etc.
I had a nice 10 by 16 pad to use before I built my shop building on it. I certainly miss the pad now and really enjoyed it while I had it for observations, so I can appreciate what you have there.
Yes, it makes it easy for quick setups which is always nice. I am starting to plan some sort of permanent structure but still deciding on what style/setup to go with.
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 8:45 pm
by Makuser
Hi Oliver. A very nice start on your home observatory. A permanent observing setup is on my wish and to do list. Thanks for your report and nice photo Oliver and I hope that you can complete your observatory project soon to really enjoy it.
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:30 pm
by omeek
Thank you, Marshall! I really hope to make time to get something built this year but we'll see if I can come up with a plan and start working on it sooner rather than later.
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2022 1:31 pm
by helicon
Nice observing pad Oliver. I hope you can get to the actual construction of an obsy to house your scope. I have similar plans and hopefully will get something in place in a year or two.
Re: My makeshift observatory
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2022 4:29 pm
by pakarinen
I'd like to have a pad but the HOA says, "Nein!", so my deck will have to do. I sank three concrete blocks in the backyard when I was a kid to set my Sears refractor on. Just doing that was an improvement over grass / bare ground.