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Observatories

No matter how experienced one gets in the setup and tear down of their equipment, it becomes one of those mundane tasks that keeps you from nighttime observing on a regular basis. The solution -– a permanent setup for your equipment so that you can start enjoying nighttime stargazing again. There are many solutions to a permanent setup for your equipment, but typically the choice comes down to building a roll-off roof observatory or buying a dome. At Durango Skies we specialize in observatories and can guide you through the decision of which style to choose. Here are our guidelines on choosing an observatory: Amount of space/location – A dome will have a smaller footprint than a roll-off roof observatory. A roll-off needs at least twice its length in space to hold the roof in the “off” position. So a 10’ x 10’ roll-off roof will need at least 10’ x 20’ of ground space for construction. A 10’ dome on the other hand will need just the 10’ of circular space for a ring base and dome. Domes can also be attached to an existing wood deck or concrete slab without much additional construction. Observatory use – If your goal is to have a place for just you and your equipment, then either a dome or roll-off roof will do. If you plan to observe with family or friends, or to host stargazing events, then a roll-off roof observatory is a better choice. For a given size, the rectangular shape gives you more room than a circular dome and the curved shape of the dome will limit headspace as you get close to the sides of the base structure. Also, it will be much more exciting to point out the wonders of the night sky with the “all sky view” of a roll-off roof than with the “slit view” of the dome. Type of observing – If you are into visual viewing or astrophotography, then either a dome or roll-off roof will work. And both types of structures can be modified to accommodate a warm or control room. If your observing includes more that one scope to be permanently setup with its own mount, then you will need a roll-roof observatory. Remote control / automation – If you want observatory automation and remote control, then a dome is more of a packaged solution since the major dome manufacturers have the motors and software to rotate the dome, open and close the shutter, and slave the dome to the motion of the telescope. Roll-off roof observatories can utilize the same automation software as domes (opening/closing a shutter is just like opening/closing the roof), but there are many more choices on motors and switches.

Roll-Off Roof	HomeDome	Steel Piers
SkyShed POD

Astronomy Picture/Day

Retrograde Mars

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21738 Highway 160, Durango, CO 81303
Phone: (970) 259-5400 Fax: (866) 649-5069
Email: info@durangoskies.com

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