Observatory Construction

The great day. Dome arrival. How sweet it is. This is where the future images of my new Explora Dome observatory will be posted.

Rodney

Site prep and pier hole dug

Pier tube installed and conrete pour is next, what I do not have in the image(s) is the rebar and footer.

 

Pier installed and leveled. The three rods in the concrete act as leveling points.

Somewhat finished product. This was all done in one day. 15 hours straight of building by myself. Oddly I can not find my in between images I took during the pier to this phase. When I find them I will post them.

 

Scope mounted and ready for business.

Here is a different shot 6 months later. New steel door intalled. Lattice was put up in a hurry and after a few beers. Front step was level until a pounding rain washed out the paver base and paver sand. Redo in the spring.

 

Scope now has a 80mm/F11 guidescope on the back, the dome was painted balck on the inside to limit my annoying neighbors front porch spotlight. There are now a full wall of lockable cabinets. The pier was extended to allow me greater access to the horizon.