Gary Poyner’s observatory

Kingstanding, Birmingham

My main instrument is a 14-inch SCT, housed in a small observatory at the bottom of the garden. The roof of the observatory is hinged, and the front can be lowered to allow views of the southern sky. Because the telescope is situated some five miles north of the centre of Birmingham, the glow of the city causes major problems with any star at a declination of –10° or lower. The garden is surrounded by neighbours’ ‘security’ lighting, and the observatory’s hinged roof is therefore of benefit, as either side can be shut whilst observing, thus shielding the telescope and observer to some degree. The interior of the observatory is matt black, to reduce reflections caused by the increasing number of lights.

E-mail : garypoyner@blueyonder.co.uk. Web site : www.garypoyner.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/varstars.html