Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

This book is well written in a down to earth manner so that the concept of setting up a small Observatory is easily comprehended. Loaded with examples and reasons why you should or should not do certain things. Hints on making Observatories and their pluses and minuses can help those thinking of building their own Observatory. A worthwhile read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It differs from the other Patrick Moore Series books on home observatories in that the selection is limited more to things mere mortals might actually build, with enough detail to get you thinking. The examples in this book range from domes (both homemade and commercial) to a box just big enough to stow a 10" Dob on the patio (nicknamed the "Sentry Box"). There several other very clever small format schemes shown too.In general, the emphasis is on getting the most bang for your buck and keeping the observatory appearance in keeping with it's surroundings. Several memorable "garden shed" like buildings are purpose-built observatories. One of my favorites is a fellow how hacked out a piece of his garage roof and slapped a sliding panel over it. It worked fine for him because there were streetlights nearby and the high walls were needed to block out those lights anyhow.And while I wanted more, there were actually quite a few example of remote control. Some of the "observatories" were little more than telescope houses perched near the house and run by remote control.This book is a keeper as far as I'm concerned. There are lots of practical hints I want to refer back to if I ever undertake building my own observatory.

Couldn't hardly wait for it to get here. I read it in one evening and started clearing away a spot the next day. I am now going to pick up the lumber and cement. It is really a great read and answered many of my questions.

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!

The author obviously has experience with a variety of different small observatories and the pluses and minuses of each. Plenty of information here to help one decide how to proceed with your own project based on the circumstances at your site.

This is a good overall book on small observatories. I gave it 4 stars because some of the information is dated. The text is also small. I have a number of books by this same publisher and the text is small on all of them. Highlights are shown in even smaller text on a grey background. Not good and somewhat tedious to read. However, if you want to find out the basics of what's needed in a small observatory and see some examples around the world, this is it.

Helpful reading.

Great reference for anyone starting out as an amateur astronomer. Very detail and complete. Helped me set up my observatory.

Buying this book can save you a lot of money if you are thinking about building your own observatory (or buying one "of the peg"). It outlines ideas and issues that you may not have thought about so that you can avoid expensive mistakes. On this basis alone the book is well worth the price.

Lots of ideas and examples.

A good descriptive book

Can’t turn page to black with white text! Black page with white text makes it easier to read if you have a vision disability tbe book is great! It’s the kindle app that doesn’t have a setting for that

Having returned to astronomy after many years of absence I decided that the above would be amongst my list of up to date literature, together with the Cambridge Star Atlas and The Backyard Astromoners Guide, all from Amazon of course. My first thoughts on reading "Setting up a small observatory" gave me the impression that it would be better not to bother, as virtually all observatories have some problem or other, be it the cost of and access to a dome or the collecting of moisture in roll off roof and shed designs. However, once informed of the pitfalls I was compelled to think of ways to overcome them, and in so doing tailor an individual solution to my own requirements. For me it looks like a slightly raised deck with the assembled tripod and mount permanently in position, and covered when not in use by a close fitting, pyramid shaped ventilated wooden case which will be lifted off whem wanting to observe. It is then a simple of matter to fit the optical tube assembly to the mount and you're reaady to go.This is an excellent book for anyone considering several options at an optimum cost. My only criticism was the black and white photographs which, though excellent in detail, in some cases could have done to have been of better quality.