DippleStars

Observatory

First Observatory




Our first telescope was a 4.5 inch relector. Small and easy to move around. It was bought in the early 1980's and was upgraded in the mid 80's to a Meade 10 inch Starfinder relector. This was a lot more difficult to store and set up when required. At this time Sue was the astronomer, I would pop out to look at the occasional 'must-see' object and help with set up and storing of the 10". Eventually we had had enough of this and decided that an observatory was the only answer. The following pages show the evolution of our Observatory
Too date there have been three major versions of our observatory. The first was the converted shed, the second a proper domed version and finally the dual turret version. The latter has now had two versions of the turret.



Our second scope was the 10" meade reflector. This was a bit of a beast especially when it came to setting up



So we decided to convert a n old shed into an observatory. Fellow enthusiasts Steve and Jeff were allways available to help us.

The original plan was to cut the existing structure down and add a removeable roof. However as work progressed it was discovered that most of the timber was rotten, so the whole lot came down.......



....... leaving the concrete pillar which had already been constructed between the joists of the old shed.



The new building was constructed as a timber frame with shiplap externally. The inner walls were covered with 1/8th plywood.

The roof panels were a corrugated bitumin product nailed to a timber frame. Four panels allowed reasonably easy removal when required.



This served us well for a few years but the panels became more difficult to handle as we got older. So a new design was required.

After much debate a 'Dome' was decided on.