Setting-Up a Small Observatory: From Concept to Construction (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series) 2008th Edition

I totally enjoyed this book! There were many helpful tips and observations from authors that have "been there and done that!" One of the other reviewers noted that he thought this was "padded" with extraneous information. I would disagree because I found much of the surrounding information thoughtful and additive to my project. Ultimately, some of the "additional information" has already saved me some serious money! The topic is well described and has some brilliant ideas. I am buying a second copy for my son's project. Perhaps it will cover an item or two that was not obvious and save an expensive mistake!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It differs from the other Patrick Moore Series books on home observatories in that the selection is limited more to things mere mortals might actually build, with enough detail to get you thinking. The examples in this book range from domes (both homemade and commercial) to a box just big enough to stow a 10" Dob on the patio (nicknamed the "Sentry Box"). There several other very clever small format schemes shown too.In general, the emphasis is on getting the most bang for your buck and keeping the observatory appearance in keeping with it's surroundings. Several memorable "garden shed" like buildings are purpose-built observatories. One of my favorites is a fellow how hacked out a piece of his garage roof and slapped a sliding panel over it. It worked fine for him because there were streetlights nearby and the high walls were needed to block out those lights anyhow.And while I wanted more, there were actually quite a few example of remote control. Some of the "observatories" were little more than telescope houses perched near the house and run by remote control.This book is a keeper as far as I'm concerned. There are lots of practical hints I want to refer back to if I ever undertake building my own observatory.

The author obviously has experience with a variety of different small observatories and the pluses and minuses of each. Plenty of information here to help one decide how to proceed with your own project based on the circumstances at your site.

This book is well written in a down to earth manner so that the concept of setting up a small Observatory is easily comprehended. Loaded with examples and reasons why you should or should not do certain things. Hints on making Observatories and their pluses and minuses can help those thinking of building their own Observatory. A worthwhile read.

Couldn't hardly wait for it to get here. I read it in one evening and started clearing away a spot the next day. I am now going to pick up the lumber and cement. It is really a great read and answered many of my questions.

This is a good overall book on small observatories. I gave it 4 stars because some of the information is dated. The text is also small. I have a number of books by this same publisher and the text is small on all of them. Highlights are shown in even smaller text on a grey background. Not good and somewhat tedious to read. However, if you want to find out the basics of what's needed in a small observatory and see some examples around the world, this is it.

This ebook isn’t enabled for the Kindle Scribe, it would work fine on it, but the publisher won’t allow it on the scribe. Amazon needs to figure out how to change the scribes hardware group to the same as the iPad as opposed to the small epaper devices. Preventing a book from loading on any particular device is too draconian. Their opinion wins, the users be damned. Amazon should allow publishers to give device usability warnings and then let the customer make the decision. That would solve the problem.

Great reference for anyone starting out as an amateur astronomer. Very detail and complete. Helped me set up my observatory.