A chair for naked-eye stargazing: A Stargazer*s Chair

[JamieQ]

Hello everyone! 

Earlier in the year I came to this community to perform research concerning stargazing on an emotional level, where I received some incredibly helpful insights on the subject. At the time I was completing my final project studying BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, where I was investigating ways the experience of naked-eye stargazing could be enhanced. Now this project is complete, I'd like to share the outcome: A Stargazer*s Chair.

While for many of us the night sky provides an opportunity for observation and understanding though scientific lenses, there persists a deep emotional connection many of us feel while observing a starry night sky. To lay back and take in the sky though the naked eye has for myself and many others provided an opportunity to ponder, reflect, and feel relief and contentment through times of tribulation. Yet to do so in comfort sacrifices the freedom of exploration had with a telescope or binoculars. What does a scientific perspective have to give to the human experience of stargazing? What if you could be the telescope?

A Stargazer*s Chair is an expression of an idea: To bestow the sitter of a chair control of their own night sky. Built from weather resistant western red cedar, aluminium, and stainless steel, the chair defines a persistent space in a garden for spontaneous use without cumbersome nightly setup. When mounted, the sitter gains the ability to orient themselves how they desire, or track objects through their transit across the sky, all while remaining in comfort.

With a design based upon the Dobsonian telescope, the chair can be rotated in two axes by the sitter. Vertical handles are pushed against to recline the seat up to a near-horizontal position, while an adjustable counterweight ensures balance is maintained. A ring set under the seat is grabbed to allow swivel with feet off the ground. With such control, the sitter is free to explore their own night sky much like a telescope.

I am no doubt biased, but using the chair has transformed my naked eye stargazing experience. Its persistent place in the garden, easy control, and comfortable seating position entices me to go outside early evening and watch the stars for a few moments. I've made a habit of tracking planes or satellites across the sky with one hand on an altitude handle and the other hand on the azimuth ring, simply because it is fun! If I wish to view the moon, I orient myself to it, let go, and the chair remains in place as I observe or traverse inner thoughts. 

Exhibiting the chair at New Designers, it became clear there is interest in such a unique object within the premium outdoor furniture market, yet this premium exclusivity does not sit right with me given the humble origins of the Dobsonian telescope and its accessible, affordable design philosophy. An avenue I am considering is publishing plans for a simplified version (or versions) of the chair which anyone with basic DIY skills and tools could construct, adapt, and improve, in a similar vein to the Dobsonian. I wish for others to experience using the chair, evolving the typology further for all who wish to spend the time constructing one. I'm wondering if anyone in this community would find interest in such a DIY project? 

I've attached a PDF overview of the project for those curious, which delves deeper into the process of designing and prototyping the chair. I'd lastly like to thank the Stargazers Lounge community for the conversations had early on, which undeniably acted as the bedrock for the project's narrative. Questions, comments or feedback is welcomed!

Jamie

Stargazers Project Overview.pdf

Edited August 1, 2022 by JamieQ

[JeremyS]

That chair looks amazing, @JamieQ. Cracking project: well done! Should be great for using binoculars, too. 
It would be great if it became commercially available. I’m sure there’d be a market

 

PS: I can’t see the pdf you mentioned 

Edited August 1, 2022 by JeremyS

[JamieQ]

1 hour ago, JeremyS said:

That chair looks amazing, @JamieQ. Crack project: well done! Should be great for using binoculars, too. 

Thank you! Indeed there would be great potential for casual use with binoculars, though I have yet to try it—the next starry night I will for sure.

1 hour ago, JeremyS said:

PS: I can’t see the pdf you mentioned 

Whoops! Fixed, cheers for letting me know.

[CraigT82]

Wow what a fab project and product. I can see them dotted around the grounds of high end luxury hotels! 
 

I like that the structural components are metals whilst the those parts at the user interface are hardwood. Nice touch that (pun intended).

[Gfamily]

I give it a week before someone adds some digital setting circles. 

Looks good though 

[Greymouser]

Excellent idea, well done. When does it go into production?

I will now look at the PDF, but please publish the whole plan and guide, ( unless it is already there, ) I would very greatly appreciate it.

[Shimrod]

3 hours ago, JamieQ said:

Thank you! Indeed there would be great potential for casual use with binoculars, though I have yet to try it—the next starry night I will for sure.

 

The only thing missing is a binocular mount that could be attached to the handles for larger binoculars. I'd certainly buy one of these chairs if they became available.

[markse68]

Beautiful work Jamie- I want one

And worthy award winner! What an awesome project, beautifully executed.

Mark

[Richard_]

Fantastic work, Jamie! I love the finish of the red cedar wood, and the craftsmanship looks superb. These wouldn't look out of place in furniture showrooms which have those luxury lounge chairs. I hope this isn't a one off and you make a run of these (as it sounds like you'd have a good market on here!). 

[bomberbaz]

Cracking chair and workmanship that a craftsman would be envious of.  As per @Shimrod mentioned, it would be great if we could design a way to mount bigger bins. I would happily fork out for such a design.