Almost every practical astronomer eventually aspires to have a fixed, permanent observatory for his or her telescope. A roll-off roof or dome observatory is the answer for the most popular home observatory design. Building a Roll-Off or Dome Observatory will help you decide whether to embark on the venture and will certainly increase your enthusiasm for the project.

The author, both an amateur astronomer and a professional landscape architect, answers many of the common questions asked about observatory construction, covering the following topics:

• Zoning, and by-law requirements common to most states, towns and municipalities

• Where to locate the observatory

• How to tailor the observatory for your particular needs

• Tools and structural components required

• Possible variations in design

• How to combine the structure with other structures (incorporating a garden patio under the gantry in

the roll-off roof observatory, for example)

This fully detailed outlines step-by-step construction, with professional detailed diagrams for each phase of construction.

Expanded to include instructions on how to build an environmentally friendly, durable domed observatory Observatory of both kinds available for purchase directly from the author Outlines step-by-step construction of a typical building, with detailed diagrams for each phases of construction The author has designed and built his own observatory, as well as many others Written by a professional Senior Landscape Architect, who is also an experienced astronomer of 25 years

Autorentext

John Hicks is a Canadian citizen, Professor of Urban & Regional planning, and also a qualified professional landscape architect. Based in Ontario, Canada, he is the principal owner of John Hicks & Associates, Environmental Planners and Landscape Architects, Site Planning, Park Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment. He is also a long-time amateur astronomer and has had articles published in "Astronomy," chapters in Dickinson and Dyer's "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide," and has made contributions to various other astronomy books. John is well-known as a designer of observatories and telescopes and has been an active solar observer for 30 years. Prior to writing the first edition of "Building a Roll-Off Observatory," he created and sold observatory plans for both roll-off and domed observatory structures at major star parties and to various clients globally.

Inhalt

The Benefits of a Permanent Observatory.- Pros and Cons Roll-off Roof Type versus a Domed Observatory.- Questions to ask before you begin.- The Prestige of Ownership.- Site Requirements.- Ownership situations.- Roll-Off Roof Observatory.- Detailed construction drawings.- Photographs of finished Roll-off Observatories.- Domed Observatory.- Construction Details.- Photographs of Finished Domed Observatory.- How to Request Full-size Plans.