This is a superb book for intermediate-level astronomers. It tells you everything you need to know about smaller-scale observatories, and how to set one up. It draws on the author's practical experience and that of many other experienced amateur astronomers.

This is the book to tell the intermediate-level amateur astronomer what he needs to know about observatories. It draws on the author's practical experience and that of many other experienced amateur astronomers. It is an ideal complement to Patrick Moore's More Small Astronomical Observatories which is a compendium of ideas for different observatory designs. This book covers the details of design, siting and construction once a basic type has been decided upon. It is written in a way that is equally applicable to the USA and UK (where there are slightly different building regulations). Uniquely, David Arditti also considers the aesthetics of amateur observatories fitting them in with family and neighbors, and maybe disguising them as more common garden buildings if necessary. Every amateur astronomer who wants a purpose-built observatory (and that is most of them!) will find this book absolutely invaluable both during the planning and the construction stages.

Helps you decide whether you really need an observatory, what type you should choose, where you should put it Hints on how to get family and neighbors to agree to it Helps making the most costly decision of all - whether to build it or buy it Suggests what telescopes and other equipment you should put in your new observatory

Autorentext

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.

Inhalt
Telescopes and Techniques.- The Observatory Site.- Types of Observatories.- To Build or To Buy?.- Techniques of Construction.- Finishing the Observatory.- Organising the Observatory.- Comfort and Convenience.- Some Case Studies.- Maintaining and Getting the Best from Equipment.