Dec 27 2009
I have just heard that the observatory is almost ready to be relocated. I am in process of making arrangements to relocate the observatory to Dalton.
Ray Shore of AstroPhotographyTonight will be posting articles from time to time on DaltonSkyGazer. Ray has been busy on his own site with some great reviews and instructions focusing on the CGEM mount. Ray has many articles on DSLR photography, various small home observatories, and much more.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.daltonskygazer.com/some-updates-on-daltonskygazer.html
Dec 25 2009
It is Christmas night and I am at work ensuring a supply of steam to the buildings and grounds. When I think of steam I think of moisture, humidity, accelerated oxidization. If you have rapid oxidization you have combustion, something I know a thing or two about! These are naturally occurring events which in time can damage your expensive electronic components. A means of controlling the environment of the observatory is a very important task.
I have been busy doing some research on observatory climate and equipment protection from the dangers of humidity/moisture. I found a great article written by Dr. P Clay Sherrod of Arkansas Sky Observatories. His years of experience with observatories and observatory construction is a wealth of information.
The importance of humidity/moisture control is an often overlooked item. I am glad I read Dr. Clay’s article and have to agree that a little expense and planning in the beginning beats the future expense of costly repairs to electronic equipment and optics. I have read horror stories on the LX 200 groups page of equipment damage due to moisture. I have an idea I will try once the observatory is up based upon methods we use in the industrial/utility boiler field for laying up boilers and turbines and protecting them from the harmful affects of moisture. I think this same general principle can be applied to the observatory, I will provide more information when I actually test my idea.
The observatory has not even been built; I have already ordered up a dehumidifier and various humidity monitoring stations with hi/lo humidity data tracking capabilities . It is better to plan early and be prepared for when the observatory becomes operational. Astronomy equipment and cameras represent a significant expense and one must ensure that equipment will be protected from moisture/humidity.
I also took the time to order some cosmetic items for the observatory which will be used frequently. An accurate clock with moon phase display and automatic time correction via satellite. In addition, I ordered up some sky charts for the walls and a nice print from Robert Gendler for some inspiration.
I am already into the initial phases of planning my pier design and building location. I do have access to a metal lathe, vertical milling machine, and welding equipment; currently contemplating building my own pier adapter plates. I think I may have some scrap pieces of pipe up to 8″ in diameter and extra heavy wall construction. The idea of constructing my own pier plates and pier sounds like a very likely proposition at this point in time.
I am in process of researching grounding strategies to protect the equipment within the observatory. Dr. Clay happens to be the authority on this with his many years of experience and has some great articles on this subject as well. My house sits on a small hill which is frequently hit by lightning, I am hoping a little preplanning will limit the risk of equipment damage due to lightning strikes and stray ground voltages. More to come on this subject matter.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.daltonskygazer.com/christmas-night-and-at-work.html
Dec 24 2009
During the month of December with a little luck and through a friend I have managed to find an observatory for sale. The observatory is located about 3hrs. drive from my house. I have bought the observatory and will be making arrangements soon to relocate the building. I will pick up the building over the winter in sections. Once spring hits I will be able to pour a pier and footing for the stucture.
I will be keeping the same main stucture and design. The observatory is the Explora-Dome one of the original models along with a round main structure built by the current owner. I will place a small warm room and entry off to the side of the observatory when i set it back up, although I am sure this design may change in possibilities as I have several months to think about it. I will post various pics and construction photos once the project starts.
A permanent setup, although not needed for astrophotography, is very desirable especially when located in a cold environment. I am eagerly looking forward to staying out of the cold and the opening of the new observatory. The observatory will also allow for more time to image since it is very difficult to break down and setup all the time in between my working hours.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.daltonskygazer.com/observatory-building.html
Dec 19 2009
It has been some time but I am finally working on getting a new website up and running. I will be working over next few weeks of publishing my DaltonSkyGazer astronomy blog. I am hoping at first to publish some gears pics and as time progresses the many deep sky pictures as I capture them. In future installments I will post some articles, reviews, and tutorials as I work on my own imaging skills.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.daltonskygazer.com/hello-world.html
