Setting-up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction

✍ Scribed by David Arditti BSc, MSc, PhD. (auth.)

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 241
• Series: Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Every amateur astronomer who is considering a purpose-built observatory will find this book absolutely invaluable during both the planning and the construction stages. Drawing on David Arditti’s practical experience and that of many other amateur astronomers, it gives invaluable help in making all the important decisions.

To begin with, Setting up a Small Observatory addresses what you really need from an observatory, whether to build or buy, what designs you should consider, and where you should site it. Uniquely, it also considers the aesthetics of an amateur observatory: how to make it fit in with your home, garden, and yard, even disguising it as a more common garden building if necessary.

There’s also a wealth of practical details for constructing and equipping your small observatory – everything from satisfying local planning laws and building codes through to making sure that your completed observatory is well-equipped, convenient, and comfortable to use.

Whether you are considering a simple low-tech DIY approach to a fixed observatory, or aspiring to a sophisticated domed building, there is something here for you.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages I-XV
Telescopes and Techniques....Pages 1-30
The Observatory Site....Pages 31-41
Types of Observatories....Pages 43-62
To Build or To Buy?....Pages 63-67
Techniques of Construction....Pages 69-83
Finishing the Observatory....Pages 85-88
Organising the Observatory....Pages 89-98
Comfort and Convenience....Pages 99-112
Some Case Studies....Pages 113-185
Maintaining and Getting the Best from Equipment....Pages 187-218
Back Matter....Pages 219-235

✦ Subjects

Astronomy; Popular Science in Astronomy