North Texas Stargazing

Like minded people in North TX who enjoy stargazing, astronomy and astrophotography. Share star party stories, observing rigs, images and observing locations.

DIY observatory

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I decided to build a Roll off Roof observatory in the back pasture. Im tired of my neighbors porch lights interfering with my observing. I got a great deal done this past weekend.

Anyone else have a backyard observatory?

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RE:DIY observatory

The closest I have are glasses -- I'm not kidding.

No telescope, no microscope, no binoculars.

Oh, I do have a magnifying glass -- but don't know where it is.

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RE:DIY observatory

If Im in an area with dark clear skies, I like to just lay down and look up and take it all in. With just my glasses too.

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RE:DIY observatory

I used to know more about the stars than I do now. Used to be able to tell time by looking at the stars.

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RE:DIY observatory

I used to dream of having a personal observatory. I could tell you everything you wanted to know about the Hale 200" at Mount Palormar

However, I'm out of my league nowadays. What do you use? Will it have a permanent mount? How are you dealing with vibration/shakiness?

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RE:DIY observatory

I have a 12 diameter concrete reinforced with rebar pier with a 2 diameter, 3 deep concrete footing. Im not worried about vibrations. There is a 1/4 space between the pier and floor.
The observatory telescope is a 9.25 Celestron SCT.

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