Would you build an observatory without plain view on south?

[chrisvdberge]

Seriously considering buying a new (recreation) home (!) and a big factor would be to be able to do some astrophotography from the garden. 

We did find something affordable on a good, nice and relatively dark (!, not easy in the Netherlands ; )) spot, the only downside is some huge trees that block the view right at South and in the West (don't care about west though).

North and East are fine from 15 degrees and up or so. At first I thought it would be a no-go, but I went there to check it out on a clear night and this got me reconsidering

I guess the real downside is that I will only get around 2 or 3 hours on certain targets per night. But on the other hand... plenty of stuff that will be crossing through zenit to keep me busy for a few years I suppose...

So what do you experienced 'fixed setup users' think, would this be a no-go for you or do you think you'll get plenty of usable exposure time on targets with these views?

View straight South (Altair was right at South at the time of the photo):

View to the North:

[seo]

Hi, as I can see from your photos the view is fabulous. That's a +++

From my experience with my observatory my opinion is the following :

I don't have obstacles nowhere 360 degrees but I have intense light pollution from SSW to NNW so my "clear" area is actually fron N to SSE. The rest minor part between SSE and S is not heavily LP but its enough to cause some problems. So actually for me "clear" usable skies are from N to SSE from 25° Alt. Also I can go 1-2 hours past the Meridian with out any serious LP from N to NE. 

There I can found hundreds of Galaxies, plenty of "small" enough Nebulas and Clusters to satisfy my exploring, AP and other Astronomical "needs" with my Edge 14". Also I can use my TAC (which now due to a focuser issue which is due to be solved, is not used) or my SW BD-120ED  for wide field in more than enough medium to big nebulas, some Galaxies and other targets. Of course there are many many other targets also from S to NNW and added to these are all the previous which are passing the Meridian to the West side but we can't always have them all the time we need them, can we ? 

Conclusion : In my opinion If the place you're looking is something very close to what I described + 1 to 2 hours tracking pass the Meridian I think you'll be good enough.

Hope I was of help.  

[steppenwolf]

I have an observatory located at the foot of the South Downs (North side) so views to the south are very limited but I have eastern and western views from 22 degrees elevation and this provides plenty of objects to observe/image so I wouldn't let your poor southern view put you off - of course 360 degree views would be better but you still have plenty of scope (oops, pun)!

Sent from my iPhone from somewhere dark .....

[Scorpius]

If you'll be owning the house - and the tree(s) in question are on your property - why not just cut down the worst offenders? Maybe there's some sort of ordinance in the Netherlands that doesn't allow you to cut trees on your own property but in the US, if it's your tree - it's up to you if you want to cut it down. Just a thought...

[chrisvdberge]

Thx for the replies

Just to be clear; these trees are not on my own ground. They might be trimmed down a bit but probably won't be cut down. (they're beautiful by the way, so I can live with that )

Guess/Hope there will be a threat soon for my DYI observatory

[Bizibilder]

My southern view is worse than yours due to trees but I still manage to work round them.  It's a real nuisance but it can be done.

[Pan Euro]

Another point to consider is the type of trees blocking your views. Do they keep their leaves in winter? If not then perhaps you can "see" through them enough to still make it worth using.

Ed

[chrisvdberge]

I guess they'll loose their leaves, but the main thing is that I'll just won't be able to track objects in the sky past the meridian below 55 degrees or so. So no 'set and forget' on those objects but rather pick 2 or 3 and have them running for 2-3 hours. Guess that'll be fine indeed. Better than nothing of course and still plenty of stuff that actually is higher, in zenit or even up north  

[chrisvdberge]

There is a shed already in place that looks like quite suitable, apart from the roofing (too heavy). Do people here have experience with modifying an existing shed? Could you just saw off the roof and lift it on a rail? Seems to me this should work, would save a lot of work (and money )

[nytecam]

With an ultra sensitive camera with high QE there's no need to expose for more than a few minutes at most to go really deep. OK it's not typical AP but you can make use of the tiniest patch of clear sky:-)

Nytecam

[ollypenrice]

I spend some years looking for a place from which to offer astronomy holidays and a clear southern horizon was, I have to say, pretty close to the top of the list of priorities. It took a bit of finding, let me say!

On the other hand, when you occupy a southerly latitude it becomes, perhaps, more important because more of the wonderful galactic centre becomes available. From the Netherlands it might be less important? I'm not sure.

There were occasions when I was tempted by a place even though I knew it was not really as good as I wanted. I'm glad I held out because having the right place has proved to be of huge importance to my project. For me astronomy was the priority. If it's just one concern amongst others then you will weight them according to your own preferences.

But, I have to say it, I love my southern horizon. And it's always crystal clear.   

Olly

[chrisvdberge]

I'm really not concerned about the objects to be honest. I'll be going to Namibia for the second time this year, and I'm pretty sure I'll be going more often. I've got those southern objects covered. I guess it's just the time I can stay on one object per night that is relevant then  

And Olly, you truly have an amazing place indeed!

[fondofchips]

You have to look at the main advantages of an obsy, quick setup, a solid pier and shelter from the wind.  Your view South is restricted but with good planning and timing of your stargazing it should be OK.

My number 1 reason for not building an obsy would be light pollution not a restricted view.  The tree won't be so bad when it blanks out a full Moon.

I always say that something as simple as 4 posts and fence panels with a pier is a good start, a solid pier mount is a real luxury.

Good luck and Clear Skies.

Fondofchips.

[Peter Drew]

As long as you can see some sky an observatory is always an advantage, specially for imaging. Go for it!   

[chrisvdberge]

Thx for the encouraging words!

Will dive into financials tonight (of buying the property in the first place ) and do another visit/inspection on friday.... exciting times! 

On a side note; I saw a pier being offered second hand that looks nice, but maybe a bit small. Diameter is only 100mm, and 8mm thick steel. Would that be good enough for let's say an EQ8 + 12" RC? (one can dream/prepare for the future )

[LukeSkywatcher]

I think the views you have are great. You have a north/east/west view and somewhat of a southerly view. A southerly view unobstructed would be ideal but most of us dont live in an ideal world when it comes to astronomy. I'd say it would be best to find the centre of your garden and locate the Obsy there (if allowed). That way, you make the most of the views in all directions.

My view south is pretty bad due to trees (which do shed leaves in winter but thats not much help) and light from a university and local town. East and west are my best views. North isnt too bad either.

Make the most of what you have, which from your images looks pretty good to me.

[fondofchips]

On a side note; I saw a pier being offered second hand that looks nice, but maybe a bit small. Diameter is only 100mm, and 8mm thick steel. Would that be good enough for let's say an EQ8 + 12" RC? (one can dream/prepare for the future )

Has this pier got strengthening braces between the base plate and the pier tube?

[Macavity]

You can somewhat plan for object visibility? (with modest clear nights!).

It's the uncertainty that finally got to me. If horizons are predictable, OK!

But we're now onto Generation-III of "weed trees" and "rogue hedges"?

The perennial (sic?) problem of a neighbour who "doesn't like" gardening? 

(Where do the darn things COME from? Zero to 5 metres in two years!) 

Having done a couple of "object marathons" (to my general satisfaction) 

I am learning the idea of "Acceptance"? Ultimately, I will never (easily) get

my neighbour to prune his Triffids. Better focus on objects in the clear?

[chrisvdberge]

I think the location of the current shed (to the north west of the garden) would be best location as it provides the lowest angle view on the east over the house, and the west is obscured anyways. 

The neighbours seem to be willing to cut down a tree (the current owner arranged this already) so that is perfect. Furthermore he already threatened the live of the big trees with Roundup if that was what it would take to sell his house hehe...

As for the pier; this is the picture I got for it. Not to sure about it. Seems a bit small, but it has some power nicely tucked into it and is ok priced (350 euro's he's asking for it)

[chrisvdberge]

It's final! We bought the house and it will be ours as off February 1  

So now I can start planning the conversion of the shed to an astro-shed  

It is 2.9m x 2.9m right now, which I think is a good size that would work, so probably it really is a matter of fixing the roof and fixing in a pier. 

[happy-kat]

Exciting news for you.

That is an awesome garden building, very substantial. If me I would leave that as is as a garden out building you always need one of those anyway with a garden.

Look to make a new observatory shed in the right place of the right size.

[chrisvdberge]

I guess I could build one next to it maybe indeed.... as it is pretty much in the right spot where it is  

[Tinker1947]

That is a large shed to be changing the roof to a roll off type, build a new one and get it away from the tree's ( are they fully grow will the branches spread further ) they will collect dew and it will drop off like rain drops, or have the tree's trimmed back, but this would need to be done every couple of years.