Observatory Design/Build: Site Survey Consideration

[martyc]

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a small observatory build in my backyard to house a remote controlled scope which I would control from inside the home. Primary purpose will be for planetary and deep sky imaging. Type of scope and aperture not yet determined.

Attached is a pic of the sky available to me. This is facing directly East. The pic is quite wide angle, and bit deceptive. There is a lot of sky available here to the East. N,S and W are mostly trees.   

Question is, considering your experience, would I get enough benefit from this limited Eastern facing to justify diving in to this hobby a bit more seriously? 

Thanks

Marty

[Cosmic Geoff]

At the present time, a fairly clear southern view is needed to observe or image Jupiter and Saturn.  An eastern view would be useless.

[JimothyC]

If you spend enough time fiddling with Stellarium, you can reproduce your viewing position, including obstructions. Then you’ll be able to see what’s available over the next few years and what telescopes might be suitable. 
 

[martyc]

You read my mind. Exactly what I'm doing right at this moment  

 

[martyc]

Well, looks like anything I do will happen in my driveway at the front of the house. I have very good access N, E and S (Nothing to the W.  That will work fine. Skies are relatively dark with no street lights. Was hoping I didn't have to do something portable.   

[JimothyC]

Sounds like you need a scope on a dolly that you can wheel out of the garage. Unless you fancy a house swap with your neighbour across the street!