Building a Roll-Off Roof or Dome Observatory: A Complete Guide for Design and Construction (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

Almost every practical astronomer eventually aspires to have a fixed, permanent observatory for his or her telescope. A roll-off roof or dome observatory is the answer for the most popular home observatory design. Building a Roll-Off or Dome Observatory will help you decide whether to embark on the venture and will certainly increase your enthusiasm for the project.

The author, both an amateur astronomer and a professional landscape architect, answers many of the common questions asked about observatory construction, covering the following topics:

Zoning, and by-law requirements common to most states, towns and municipalities

Where to locate the observatory

How to tailor the observatory for your particular needs

Tools and structural components required

Possible variations in design

How to combine the structure with other structures (incorporating a garden patio under the gantry in

the roll-off roof observatory, for example)

This fully detailed outlines step-by-step construction, with professional detailed diagrams for each phase of construction.