Any amateur astronomers present?

[Descartes]

I've always wanted to build a small observatory, but I currently live in the middle of the city with enough radiation from nearby lights to negate any benefit of doing so. I hope to move to a location where building my own observatory is feasible.

Anyone build their own observatory? I know it's a long shot, but I'm curious.

Anyone have any telescopes they'd like to discuss?

 

[Heisenberg]

I think building your own observatory goes a little past "amateur".

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I think building your own observatory goes a little past "amateur".

Yeah, sorta like how the olympics are for amateurs...

Original poster: You DO know how much a good telescope costs don't you?

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I think building your own observatory goes a little past "amateur".

There are a lot of amateur astronomers who do their own observations, but it's just not their primary occupation. Perhaps when I retire I'll be able to put my focus in my interests, but for the time being I'm a software developer.

 

[dartworth]

what kind of setup do you have?

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
I think building your own observatory goes a little past "amateur".

Yeah, sorta like how the olympics are for amateurs...

Original poster: You DO know how much a good telescope costs don't you?

Yes. I estimated that a good setup, including the observatory itself, would be around $20k, but I will probably just start out smaller and build up from there. My hopes were to have local science students (young science students) use the facilities for learning about astronomy, observing astrophotography, etc.. Eh, we'll see.

 

[dartworth]

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3


I pulled these off google.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: jfano
what kind of setup do you have?

Nothing special because of the amount of light radiation where I live, just a NexStar with Go To functionality. There are observatories at a few of the universities, but nothing in my area. I'll be writing the software to control the scopes myself, and I have some plans to integrate previously unused devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc.).

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: jfano
Link 1

Link 2

Link 3


I pulled these off google.

Thanks. I found quite a few off google, but I was curious if anyone on ATOT was involved. I know there's quite a bit of interest in physics, astronomy, etc. among members.

 

[dartworth]

What kind of scope are you using now?

 

[Chaotic42]

I'd like to be, but I can't justify $500+ on a good telescope. That's why I have an internet connection and the Hubble website bookmarked.