Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction
| AUTHOR | Arditti, David; Moore, P. |
| PUBLISHER | Springer (12/17/2007) |
| PRODUCT TYPE | Paperback (Paperback) |
This is the book to tell the intermediate-level amateur astronomer what he needs to know about observatories. It draws on the author's practical experience and that of many other experienced amateur astronomers. It is an ideal complement to Patrick Moore's More Small Astronomical Observatories which is a compendium of ideas for different observatory designs. This book covers 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). 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 that is most of them!) will find this book absolutely invaluable both during the planning and the construction stages.
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.
This is the book to tell the intermediate-level amateur astronomer what he needs to know about observatories. It draws on the author's practical experience and that of many other experienced amateur astronomers. It is an ideal complement to Patrick Moore's More Small Astronomical Observatories which is a compendium of ideas for different observatory designs. This book covers 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). 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 that is most of them!) will find this book absolutely invaluable both during the planning and the construction stages.