Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XV

   PDF

2. Telescopes and Techniques

   • David Arditti

   Pages 1-30

3. The Observatory Site

   • David Arditti

   Pages 31-41

4. Types of Observatories

   • David Arditti

   Pages 43-62

5. To Build or To Buy?

   • David Arditti

   Pages 63-67

6. Techniques of Construction

   • David Arditti

   Pages 69-83

7. Finishing the Observatory

   • David Arditti

   Pages 85-88

8. Organising the Observatory

   • David Arditti

   Pages 89-98

9. Comfort and Convenience

   • David Arditti

   Pages 99-112

10. Some Case Studies

    • David Arditti

    Pages 113-185

11. Maintaining and Getting the Best from Equipment

    • David Arditti

    Pages 187-218

12. Back Matter

    Pages 219-235

    PDF

Two books in this series, Small Astronomical Observatories, have been widely read and used. This new book by David Arditti gives the full story – how to chooseatelescope,howtoconstructanobservatoryforit,andhowtomakethe bestofitwhencompleted. Astronomyisthebestofallhobbies;itcantakeupasmuchtimeasyoulike– or as little. In any case, you will make many friends, and give yourself endless enjoyment. Tobeaproper“astronomer”youneedanobservatory,andthisbook tells you how to set about making one. Follow David Arditti’s advice, and you willnotregretit. Here’stoclearskies! PatrickMoore ix Author’sPreface Books on amateur observatories are quite rare, and most, if not all of them, in the past, have taken the form of collections of articles on particular obser- tories authored by their builders. The two books on observatories in this series already published, Small Astronomical Observatories, and More Small Ast- nomical Observatories are of this type. While useful, a danger of this approach is that it leaves gaps, and can be inconsistent in style and coverage. Discussing it with John Watson, the UK astronomy editor for Springer, we considered that it might be time for a more systematic and logical approach to be taken to the subject. Discussing it with other practical astronomers, there was also a feeling that the coverage of the subject in print had not kept pace with the technical developments that have transformed amateur astronomy, at least for some, in the last couple of decades, and that the examples in print now seemed rather old-fashioned. This book is the result of these considerations.

• Observatories
• amateur astronomer guide
• building a telescope dome
• building an observatory
• observatory construction
• telescope equipment set-up
• tools for amateur astronomers

From the reviews:

"David Arditti’s book is the fourth volume in Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy series that spotlights how to construct telescope enclosures. … If you want a quick overview of the pros and cons of erecting your own, as well as a practical guide to the different designs, construction techniques, and building codes and zoning requirements, then this book will prove … handy. … this book will help you get started on the right path." (Edwin Aguirre, Sky and Telescope, Vol. 116 (3), September, 2008)

"David Arditti takes a whole new and practical approach to planning and building a permanent home for your telescopes. … In step-by-step fashion he walks the reader through how his very impressive, yet practical, observatory was set-up. … In short, it’s superbly written, with great anecdotal ‘short stories’ complementing the hard facts and authoritative black and white images where needed. This book is a true ‘must have’ for anyone who is in the process of, or considering, setting up a small observatory." (Nick Howes, Astronomy Now, August, 2008)

"The book addresses all the aspects of this complex problem, even the most technical ones … . A detailed Index is also helping in locating the various subject occurrences. … The book is clearly written for England and the United States. … This makes it a treasure for the interested reader and evidently a highly needed and recommended addition … ." (Jean-Marie Gilles, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)

"It covers various telescopes and mounts available to the amateur, types of observatory both run-off and domed, and their siting within the owners’ gardens. … A positive bonus of this volume is the author’s writing style that makes for very easy reading, with some complex concepts well conveyed without the use of diagrams – quite a feat in itself. This is a comprehensive overview of all the options and considerations needed for apermanent observatory, and any observer considering building one should consult this book." (Maurice Gavin, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 118 (4), 2008)

• British Astronomical Association, UK

  David Arditti

A physicist by training and specializing in materials science, David Arditti earns his living as a music writer and classical musician. He is a member of the British Astronomical Association and a committee member of the West of London Astronomical Society. He has written papers for the BAA Journal on the construction of small observatories.

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