Description
Almost every amateur astronomer who has taken the pursuit to its second level aspires to a fixed, permanent housing for his telescope, permitting its rapid and comfortable use avoiding hours of setting-up time for each observing session. A roll-off roof observatory is the simplest and by far the most popular observatory design for today’s practical astronomers.
Building a Roll-off Roof Observatory is unique, covering all aspects of designing a roll-off roof observatory: planning the site, viewing requirements, conforming to by-laws, and orientation of the structure. The chapters outline step-by-step construction of a typical building.
The author, both an amateur astronomer and professional landscape architect, is uniquely qualified to write this fully-detailed book. A professionally designed roll-off observatory could cost as much as $3000 just for the plans – which are provided free with Building a Roll-off Roof Observatory.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of a Permanent Observatory.- Observatory Design Considerations.- Options for Foundation Types and Laying out the Observatory #x201C;Footprint#x201D;.- Fabricating the Telescope Pier.- Preparing the Footings and the Observatory Floor.- Framing the Walls.- Framing the Gantry Section.- Fabricating the Track and Base Plate.- Framing the Roof.- Application of Steel Roofing.- Exterior and Interior Siding.- Final Luxuries.
