Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) [Paperback]

David Arditti (Author), P. Moore (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387345213 | ISBN-13: 978-0387345215 | Publication Date: December 17, 2007 | Edition: 1

Arditti’s approachable work covers the all the details of design, siting and construction – once a basic type has been decided upon. It is written in a way that is equally applicable to the USA and UK (where there are slightly different building regulations) and deals with matters that are basic to building and commissioning any amateur observatory. Uniquely, David Arditti also considers the aesthetics of amateur observatories – fitting them in with family and neighbors, and maybe disguising them as more common garden buildings if necessary. Every amateur astronomer who wants a purpose-built observatory (and let’s face it, which one of them doesn’t?) will find this book invaluable.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "David Arditti’s book is the fourth volume in Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy series that spotlights how to construct telescope enclosures. … If you want a quick overview of the pros and cons of erecting your own, as well as a practical guide to the different designs, construction techniques, and building codes and zoning requirements, then this book will prove … handy. … this book will help you get started on the right path." (Edwin Aguirre, Sky and Telescope, Vol. 116 (3), September, 2008) "David Arditti takes a whole new and practical approach to planning and building a permanent home for your telescopes. … In step-by-step fashion he walks the reader through how his very impressive, yet practical, observatory was set-up. … In short, it’s superbly written, with great anecdotal ‘short stories’ complementing the hard facts and authoritative black and white images where needed. This book is a true ‘must have’ for anyone who is in the process of, or considering, setting up a small observatory." (Nick Howes, Astronomy Now, August, 2008) "The book addresses all the aspects of this complex problem, even the most technical ones … . A detailed Index is also helping in locating the various subject occurrences. … The book is clearly written for England and the United States. … This makes it a treasure for the interested reader and evidently a highly needed and recommended addition … ." (Jean-Marie Gilles, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008) "It covers various telescopes and mounts available to the amateur, types of observatory both run-off and domed, and their siting within the owners’ gardens. … A positive bonus of this volume is the author’s writing style that makes for very easy reading, with some complex concepts well conveyed without the use of diagrams – quite a feat in itself. This is a comprehensive overview of all the options and considerations needed for a permanent observatory, and any observer considering building one should consult this book." (Maurice Gavin, Journal of the British Astronomical Association, Vol. 118 (4), 2008)

From the Back Cover

Every amateur astronomer who is considering a purpose-built observatory will find this book absolutely invaluable during both the planning and the construction stages. Drawing on David Arditti’s practical experience and that of many other amateur astronomers, it gives invaluable help in making all the important decisions. To begin with, Setting up a Small Observatory addresses what you really need from an observatory, whether to build or buy, what designs you should consider, and where you should site it. Uniquely, it also considers the aesthetics of an amateur observatory: how to make it fit in with your home, garden, and yard, even disguising it as a more common garden building if necessary. There’s also a wealth of practical details for constructing and equipping your small observatory – everything from satisfying local planning laws and building codes through to making sure that your completed observatory is well-equipped, convenient, and comfortable to use. Whether you are considering a simple low-tech DIY approach to a fixed observatory, or aspiring to a sophisticated domed building, there is something here for you.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (December 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387345213
• ISBN-13: 978-0387345215
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Telescopes
  • #58 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Star-Gazing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Too much extraneous information?, September 14, 2008

By 

Bruce Johnson "BJ.." (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

Well, the book definitely provided the information it promised. I feel much more prepared to build my own observatory now. But it strayed from the stated subject often and filled up pages with astronomy and telescope information that is available elsewhere. I got the feeling that it was padded - or maybe just mistitled. Maybe it should have been called "Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction and a Bunch of Other Stuff You Probably Already Know Since You Are Considering an Observatory of Your Own Anyway".

Don't hesitate to buy it for the information you need. Just be prepared for a bit of wandering.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of really good anecdotal information!, June 30, 2009

By 

Jeff (MILWAUKEE, WI, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

I totally enjoyed this book! There were many helpful tips and observations from authors that have "been there and done that!" One of the other reviewers noted that he thought this was "padded" with extraneous information. I would disagree because I found much of the surrounding information thoughtful and additive to my project. Ultimately, some of the "additional information" has already saved me some serious money! The topic is well described and has some brilliant ideas. I am buying a second copy for my son's project. Perhaps it will cover an item or two that was not obvious and save an expensive mistake!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Place to Start, May 4, 2008

By 

Poor White Trash - See all my reviews

This review is from: Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

This is a great basic introductory book. If you're looking for ideas and don't want to re-invent the wheel, and make the same mistakes that others have made when THEY made their observatory, buy this book. I highly recommend it; easy reading, with good author support! 5 of 5 stars.