Observatory View-1
Observatory View-2
Observatory View-3
Observatory View-4
The observatory is named after the Lhasa Apso/Maltese mutt (below) who insists on supervising the viewing sessions and gets under-foot in the dark. A flashing red light on the tail has been suggested.
The observatory, located in the back yard in front of a smaller garden shed, is a 3m x 3m tin garden shed with a roll-off roof. It has 2.1m sides and is 2.4m high at the gable. The scope has a 360 degree view from 35 degrees elevation. There are still some things to finish in terms of 'refinements' although it is functional for imaging. Two walls face north and west have external cladding put on them to provide a 200mm air gap and solid shading. Depending how successful this will be, the metal walls may also be insulated on the inside. The roof has 90% grade shade cloth stretched over it with a gap of 50mm which allows plenty of air circulation and almost solid shade over the tin. The roll-off is not motorised as it is very easy to move with just one hand. The whole thing was built by yours truly with the occasional help of one able-bodied son. Some photos of construction details will be posted.