Small Astronomical Observatories

P.A. Moore (ed.)

Springer-Verlag, 1996 – ISBN 3-650-19913-6 – pp.ix + 229 – DM 48 (paperback)]

Reviewed by N.M. Bone : Journal of the British Astronomical Association, 107 (1), 41 (1997)

While many forms of astronomical observation can still be readily conducted with a minimum of setting up, the ongoing ‘CCD revolution’ has again brought to the fore the value and convenience of having telescopic and other equipment housed in a permanent observatory. Local light pollution need no longer necessarily be seen as an obstacle to observing, and around the world there must be many individuals and organisations contemplating the construction of observatories, even in urban locations. This volume is aimed at them.

Small Astronomical Observatories is the latest title in Springer’s ‘Practical Astronomy’ series edited by Patrick Moore, and like its companion volumes draws on the experience and expertise of several authors. Twenty-five articles describe, with varying levels of detail, observatories constructed by lone amateurs, schools and other educational bodies. There are clearly two main approaches to observatory building: the dome, and the run-off roof. The aesthete may plump for the elegance of the former, while the pragmatist will happily settle for the utility and comparative ease of construction of the latter.

It rapidly becomes evident from reading this book that no single ideal consensus design exists for observatory building. Each observatory is as individual as its owner(s). Several of the buildings described here are owned by leading contributors to the work of the Association’s Sections, so the reader can be assured that these are designs that work, and see heavy use. For example, Bruce Hardie describes his simple but effective solar observatory, constructed by slight modification of a ‘kit’ shed. Martin Mobberley opts for a run-off shed assembly, emphasising the importance of accurately-laid runners, for his 49-cm reflector. Brian Manning, Maurice Gavin and Ron Johnson have each built domes for their observatories, and these articles, particularly, give the clearest advice and design details. Several articles give detailed plans and engineering drawings, which can be modified to suit the potential builder’s needs. Alan Heath’s design for a rotating shed with a hinged roof represents a half-way house between the two observatory types.

Nuggets of useful information abound – again reflecting the authors’ wide experience. For instance, the use of a piece of old carpet on a concrete floor may save that dropped eyepiece, and serves to insulate the observer’s feet from some of the cold. A gap between the floor and telescope mount reduces vibration. Eric Strach rotates the roof of his solar observatory on roller-skate wheels, while Terry Platt’s dome runs on golf balls!

Ideas gleaned from the numerous and generally clearly written articles could be readily merged to allow construction of the ideal observatory for the individual’s purposes. Small Astronomical Observatories will be required reading for anyone seriously intending to build a permanent home for their telescope.