AN OBSERVATORY FOR THE GARDEN

He'll cover it, Joolz, but no doubt the cats will try to put their paw prints on it and scrawl their names beside them. I remember, many moons ago, when I'd just bought the House and had laid the cement down for the patio how I carefully covered it up. In the morning I lifted the cover just to see how it was doing and there was a track of cats paws.....how it managed it I do not know, but they are still there to this day

 

I live right on the edge of a small town, CS, with fields and the countryside only 400 yards away. and the light pollution is around Bortle 6. The Dome will protect me from any direct light and also any indirect light so I should get more contrast in viewing and lessen the effects of light pollution. There's hardly a place in the UK that doesn't have some form of light pollution but I feel sorry for the guys in the USA as they're much worse off.

 

After all the time it's taken me to do the research, ponder on what type of Observatory to get, agonize as to whether I would use it enough to make the money spent worthwhile, Sheal, 10 more weeks will seem very short.

 

I've just been to Oldham, [my SatNav took me through the town centre] to buy a heavily modified Maksutov 180 telescope from the Webmaster of Astroshed. The journey was 'orrible as it rained heavily, the Motorways were awash with surface water, and the road spray was cutting visibility down to around 25 yards Anyway, I think I've got a bargain as the scope is in beautiful condition, has additional equipment on it that would cost nearly as much as a brand new scope. The journey back was a lot better as the rain had lessened and the road traffic was lighter, I'm glad to say. But, over a cup of coffee, I gave it a good inspection, repacked a few bits of stuff and then put it back in the great storage box that came with it. I might be able to use it over the weekend, if the skies are clear, and although the MAK 180 is used primarily for Planetary observation it can also be used for Deep Space gazing as well. So not a bad day in all

 

That's so true, Sheal. But I couldn't miss the opportunity as the Guy I bought it from is a technical guru of astronomy equipment and any scope that he has had has been modified and had equipment added to a really high level. He threw in some other "bits and pieces" that made the buy even better. He has also made a lot of instructional video on the Net that are acclaimed by Novices and experts alike as being such a help and encouragement to star gazers to improve their scope and other equipment and it was great to meet the guy!!

The Moon would be the first thing I would look at Sheal, as there aren't many planets in visual range at the moment. But, unfortunately, the Moon won't be present in the skies tonight or tomorrow night due to the phase it's in and also doesn't rise until gone 0440am..........typical

 

Nope, cloudy and grey

 

You're nothing if not an optimist, Sheal!!