Going off road in search of dark skies

[Synchronicity]

An interesting article from ESA

"An out-of-this-world mobile observatory, developed in collaboration with Nissan Design Europe in London, UK, was unveiled at the 2018 Hannover Motor Show this week, proving that the sky is never the limit. "

http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/Going_off-road_in_the_search_for_dark_skies

Michael

[JamesF]

I'd have thought it would have wind-down legs or something like that to stabilise the trailer, but I can't see anything that looks likely.

I wonder if the fact that it's a "concept" vehicle means that it's stuffed full of features they thought would be cool, but doesn't really address the practical issues of use?

Could be a nice idea for star parties though :D

James

[DirkSteele]

Planewave?  They certainly did not skimp on the scope, regardless of the wider practicalities...

[Wyvern]

New concept?!!!!!  Sorry, but we've had a "mobile observatory" for some years now!

Thank you Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner.!!?

Les.

[Beulah]

 

8 minutes ago, Wyvern said:

New concept?!!!!!  Sorry, but we've had a "mobile observatory" for some years now!

Thank you Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner.!!?

Les.

Hopefull will be my next ride. Brilliant cars and very adaptable. I know someone who has kitted it out as a mini campervan, another uses it for their gardening business..... 

 

[JamesF]

We rented one when we were in Spain this summer.  Quite strange to drive when you're used to a Fiesta

James

[lux eterna]

A 4 wheel trailer, I guess it must be full of counterweights ?

[DaveS]

I saw this on the Autocar site, one of the photos does show wind-down legs.

Here.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/nissan-reveals-navara-dark-sky-concept-germany

[JamesF]

It does indeed.  Well-spotted :)

James

[Davey-T]

Kindav questions the argument of needing a pier buried in a ton of concrete 

Dave

[Davey-T]

On ‎20‎/‎09‎/‎2018 at 17:36, Wyvern said:

New concept?!!!!!  Sorry, but we've had a "mobile observatory" for some years now!

Thank you Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner.!!?

Les.

Been looking at the new Peugeot Rifter as a replacement for my old Kangoo.

Dave

[DaveS]

31 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

Kindav questions the argument of needing a pier buried in a ton of concrete 

Dave

How do you know they haven't got a ton of concrete under the mount in the trailer ?

[laser_jock99]

Nice concept but probably not cheap.........might even be more than buying a house in a Dark Sky location?

[DaveS]

That Planewave on the trailer might cost more than the car .

[ollypenrice]

One of the people involved in this project at ESA is a regular guest of ours. The project is serious and sincere. I wonder if he'll turn up in one day??? ?

Olly

[Aldebaran5]

Unless you have megabucks to spend, I'll be staying in the back garden thank you

[Gina]

Same here.

[bingevader]

Our Vauxhall Zafira also takes the 8" on its stand very easily.

Can't recommend it though. The last one was fab. We picked this one up cheap (but still new) as the end of the line. Should have been identical to the last. I don't know if they've knobbled it since the changes in the emission laws, but it's rubbish.

Anyway, couldn't help looking at the photos and thinking, "TURN THOSE LIGHTS OFF!"