Customer Reviews

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

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'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.

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...

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.

Info in book ok for some.I live in

a housing tract on the out skirts

of a small city.not much help to

me.