Amateur Observatory

SkyShed Pods Listed Here are Only Available In the USA and Canada

Building an amateur observatory doesn't have to be difficult. A basic roll-off roof design can be built in a couple of days with a few simple tools that you probably have already in the garage, and materials which are readily available from your local building store.

The construction of a dome observatory is a lot more complex but can still be achieved with some careful planning, or you could buy one of the many kits that are available.

The majority of amateur astronomers will probably not have a great deal of choice regarding where they place their observatories.

A rural situation away from buildings and light pollution would be great in an ideal world, but most of us will more than likely have to settle with a backyard or if we're lucky a large garden.

Mind you that shouldn't put you off, as long as the time is taken to place it in the the most appropriate position, it's still possible for you to obtain some amazing views of the night sky.

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Having your own amateur observatory is just so convenient, as it will enable you to have your telescope setup permanently, save a lot of time setting up and breaking down, and of course will allow you to do a lot more viewing than may be done otherwise.

There are plenty of companies that produce dome and roll-off roof designs which they will design and erect for you, or you could choose a ready made diy kit or adapt one to your own liking from one of the many plans available.

Skyshed is one company that specialize in roll off designs, which can be used as a complete resource or as a jumping off point for your own personal ideas.

These observatory plans show you everything you need to know to construct an easy to build, attractive and completely functional roll-off observatory, with 95% of the materials required available from your local building retailer.

How To Set Up A Basic Observatory

If you're just looking for ideas and not looking to re-invent the wheel, and make basic errors that others have made when they made their observatory, you may also want to take a look at 'Setting Up a Small Observatory' by Author David Arditti

Observing Chair

One extremely important point to consider is size. After all, what else will you want to house in it, a bench, observing chair,computer other accessories, and if you upgrade to a larger scope will your amateur observatory be big enough to handle it.

Dehumidifer

One point that is often overlooked, is the build up of condensation and mould which if left can create havoc with telescopes and electronic equipment. There are several observatory dehumidifiers available that will help keep your valuable equipment safe by removing any excess moisture.

Telescope Dew Cap

A problem often encountered by amateur astronomers is the amount of dew that can accumulate on the correcter plate of a telescope. However this is very easily rectified by the inclusion of a lens shade or dew cap, and which is designed to fit on the front end of the telescope to eliminate dew

Observer Tent

There is also the Kendrick Observer Tent for those who require something more mobile. A great accessory for Star Parties and those on the move.

Building Your Own Roll Off Observatory
Virtually every practical astronomer who takes the hobby to its next stage, aspires to a fixed and permanent housing for his telescope.

Pulsar Dome Observatory
Pulsar Observatories are guaranteed weatherproof. They need no sealing tapes around joints and definitely no need for a rain cover.

Sirius Observatories
The Home size observatory is ideal for any individual observer or for a small club.

The SkyShed POD
is probably one of the most configurable observatories available anywhere