Small Astronomical Observatories (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) [Paperback]

Patrick Moore (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 16, 1996 | ISBN-10: 3540199136 | ISBN-13: 978-3540199137 | Edition: 1

In Small Astronomical Observatories, Patrick Moore has collected descriptions of amateur and small professional observatories currently in use in Europe and America, showing how many astronomers have built their own observatory, often with effective and sometimes extraordinary improvisations to reduce the cost. There is a photograph of each, along with details of its construction and a foreword written by Patrick Moore. In addition to providing a fascinating study for its own sake, Small Astronomical Observatories offers a unique fund of ideas and practical details for anyone who wants to build an amateur or small professional observatory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is not book for the light-hearted, the weray or the poor man, but most certainly for the dreamer ! The reviewer greatly enjoyed the book and is sure that many others will do the same." Irish Astronomical Journal

Product Details

• Paperback: 229 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (August 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540199136
• ISBN-13: 978-3540199137
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,150,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of options to help you decide on an observatory for you, December 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Small Astronomical Observatories (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

'Small Astronomical Observatories' is not your ordinary astro book. It shows you a number of different observatory designs, but assumes you already have knowledge of key construction concepts. Spherical and polygonal domes, roll off roofs and some unusual designs are included in this book (which were built by amateur astronomers). There are even blue print type diagrams for a few of the designs to help you get started and make your own design decisions. Well worth buying.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cover very much in little depth, July 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Small Astronomical Observatories (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

Has several different observatory design ideas, but lacks depth and details. Is good if you aren't sure exactly what you want to build, and want to get an idea of possibilities. Some chapters have good tips on avoiding problems and mistakes made by builders during construction, but I found the book lacking in material. I wish I could recommend a different/better book, but I never found one. Unfortunately, this is the top of a shallow pile...

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating overview of homemade observatory design, February 7, 2011

By 

Charles Hall (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Small Astronomical Observatories (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

I couldn't put this book down. Each chapter tells the story (in the builder's own words) of one man's observatory. The designs range from the humblest sheds to a magnificent home in the Pacific Northwest which incorporates the observatory dome into the home as well as a home theater room! Several small schools in England are included, some starting an astronomy program from scratch, others beginning with a real budget. There's even a chapter on a radio telescope lab.

The level of details varies. The simpler creations usually get detailed treatment on how the rollers hold up the roof, how the footings were dug, how the telescope pier was made. The fancier observatories get a less detailed treatment. That's fine with me, as I am not likely to build a 15' diameter dome!

There are endless tips from real world experiences. Most people are trying not to simply dump a monstrosity in the front yard. Factors like paint, trim, size, etc. are discussed in turn by various builders. (If you build on a hillside, don't forget to add a drainage system to keep the run-off water out!)

One unexpected treat is an all-too-brief chapter on Lord Rosse and his Birr Castle observatory. That was the one chapter I thought was too brief to bother including, but even with that I learned several new facts about how the big telescope was built.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with a lot of gear and garden with a view of the sky. You'll be inspired by reading this book.