Tent Observatory

[planet15]

HI All

Set up an old scout tent in the corner of the back garden as a temporary observatory, and it was good in following way.

1. It helps observing in great deal under light pollution.

2. It was warm and cozy giving protected environment feel on chilly windy night.

3. I can leave the Dobs mount, chairs, books, planisphere and table in the tent all the time, so it kind of speeds up set up.

4. The old tent cost me only £50.

Negative points were,

1. Old tent has smell of dampness inside.

2. It is not possible to observe West and Northern part of sky. I can only point the scope to the East and part of Southern part of sky.

3. Maybe I need to set up another tent at other corner to be able to point other part of sky with the scope.

4. Cannot leave OTA in the tent over night.

5. It is only temporary.

http://s1280.photobu...a089b6.png.html

http://s1280.photobu...786efa.png.html

http://s1280.photobu...3f1c0a.png.html

http://s1280.photobu...cbabce.png.html

[Schorhr]

Nice :-) I have always wondered if I should take one of those throw & pop-up tents with me.

Something like this would be nice to have

http://www.nightskies.net/scopetest/accessories/astrotent/astrotent.html

[planet15]

It was good to have the tent despite of all the problems it presented.

But the one in your link looks far better and portable. Obviously it is tailored for astronomical purpose I suppose.

Please upload some photo, if you happen to get one. cheers.

[Schorhr]

I doubt I'll get one ($$$), perhaps one of these 20€ pop up tents, and one with a large open side,

(brand name version is more expensive)

or just something for the beach http://tente.quechua.com/de/zelte/r-5,a-44,abri-2-seconds-xl-0.html

Would work for the h130p, for the 10", I'd need a higher tent ;-)

If you want to look like you've just landed with your space ship, ad some red astro light, and set up in this

http://tente.quechua.com/de/zelte/r-9,a-31,wurfzelt-base-seconds.html

;-)

[majapala]

I went into Lidl for a bag of potatoes last year and came out with one of those. It was £12.50, and Even though I have only used it twice, the second time it rained heavily, and I stayed bone dry!

[Schorhr]

Cool :-) I hope they'll sell it for that price here too...

[planet15]

If you want to look like you've just landed with your space ship, ad some red astro light, and set up in this

http://tente.quechua...se-seconds.html

;-)

Does it come with space suit?