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Setting-up a Small Observatory

From concept to construction

With a forward by Sir Patrick Moore

Published by Springer (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Library) 2007


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Sky at Night Magazine review July 2008
by Tom Boles

If you've reached that stage in an astronomer's life where you feel the need to erect a peculiar-looking dome in your garden, then David Arditti's book is for you. It covers everything you need to know to set up that most sought-after of astronomical posessions: the observatory.

Various designs and building methods are detailed and the advantages (or otherwise) made clear. Case studies of private observatories are particularly enlightening in this respect. There are also tips on how to keep your equipment in first-class condition once it's in its new home. For instance, how to clean lenses and mirrors with distilled water and alcohol.

A handy section deals with building regulations. You might not know that planning permission is required if the roof of the observatory is over 3 metres high, for example. In short, this could be an invaluable reference source.

Further reviews on amazon.com.