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CaliforniaStars Observatory |
An observatory to call one's own is the dream of many amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. Since most amateur astronomers, myself included, aren't fortunate enough to live under dark skies, the alternative to a permanent observatory is lugging equipment to and from various remote locations. A permanent observatory provides a consistent environment that simplifies night-to-night operation and makes imaging several nights in a row much more feasible.
- Observatory Details
- Size: 10' x 12'
- Design: Rool-off roof based on the Sky Shed basic plan (modified by RAS members)
- Construction: Concrete raised foundation (perimeter only), 2x6 floor joists, 3/4" plywood subfloor, standard 2x4 wall studs covered with 5/8" T1-11 siding, corrugated galvanized steel roof
- Remote operation capabilities: None
- Timeline:
- Major construction start: March 27, 2010 (trench for foundation and pier hole)
- Major construction end: May 9, 2010 (foundation, subfloor, framing, siding, outriggers, and roof complete)
- Fully operational: September 19, 2010 (installation of the mount, telescope, and supporting electronics)
Completed exterior |
Observatory with the roof rolled off |
Mount, scope, and home comforts
Scope in park position
Power and data control panel
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- Site Details
- Location: Landers, California (34°17' N, 116°23' W)
- Nearby towns: Yucca Valley (12.5 miles SSW; population 26,000), Joshua Tree (11.5 miles SSE; population 4,500), Twentynine Palms (21.7 miles SE; population 15,000)
- Elevation: 2,940 feet
- Climate: Southern California high desert—Minimum temperature around 20-30°F (Dec-Feb). Maximum temperature around 110-115°F (Jul-Aug). Low humidity. Winds are common. Thunderstorms are somewhat common in the summer months. Any amount of snow is unlikely but still possible during the winter months.
- Seeing conditions: Typically 3 arcseconds FWHM or worse with occasional periods of better seeing.
- Darkness: Between green and blue on the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, indicating a classification of about 4 on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, with a visual limiting magnitude of about 6.0 near the zenith.
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Construction Photos
Click an image for a larger view.
The site (03/20/10)
Framed walls (04/17/10)
Outriggers & roof structure (05/02/10)
Completed roof (06/26/10)
Door on east wall (06/26/10)
Roughed-in electrical (06/26/10)
R5 wall insulation (08/14/10)
First light image—M74 (11/26/10)
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