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Telescopes and Techniques | |
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What is an Observatory? | |
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Of Telescopes and Allied Equipment | |
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Visual, Film or Electronic Observing? | |
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A Summary of the Options | |
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The Observatory Site | |
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Selecting the Best Site | |
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How Large Should It Be? | |
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Environmental Considerations | |
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Statutory Planning Requirements and Building Codes | |
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Types of Observatories | |
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A Fully-Portable Setup | |
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Removable Telescopes with a Fixed Mounting | |
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Run-Off Sheds | |
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Run-Off Roof Observatories | |
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Domed Observatories | |
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Totally-Rotating Observatories | |
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Novel Designs | |
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To Build or To Buy? | |
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Costs of DIY and Ready-Made Observatories | |
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Adapting Commercially-Made Outbuildings | |
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Employing Others to Build Your Observatory | |
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Techniques of Construction | |
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Tools | |
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Foundations and Stability | |
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Materials and Joining Them | |
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Finishing the Observatory | |
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Paint and Preservation | |
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Flooring | |
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Regulation of Temperature and Humidity | |
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Security | |
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Organising the Observatory | |
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Electricity | |
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Lighting | |
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Storage of Equipment | |
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Cables | |
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Comfort and Convenience | |
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Observing Positions, Chairs, Ladders, and Platforms | |
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Warm Rooms and Automation | |
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Some Case Studies | |
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Bob Garner's Observatory: CCD Imaging from a Converted London Garage | |
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Martin Mobberley's Plastic Shed Adaptation and His Telescope on Wheels | |
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Olly Penrice's Observing Retreat in the South of France | |
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My Observatory: A Combined Run-Off Roof and Run-Off Shed Construction | |
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Dave Tyler's A Priori Fibreglass Dome | |
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Norm Lewis's Observatory: An Experience with a Commercial Dome | |
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Es Reid's Solar Observatory | |
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Richard Miles' Compact Remote-Controlled Photometric Facility | |
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Mike Morrison-Smith's Dobsonian Storage Box | |
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Maintaining and Getting the Best from Equipment | |
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Collimation | |
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Cleaning Optics | |
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Adjustment, Cleaning and Lubrication of Mechanics | |
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Preventing Dew | |
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Polar-Alignment for Equatorials | |
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Balance, Accessories and Extra Telescopes | |
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Software | |
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Final Thoughts | |
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Observatory Manufacturers | |
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Useful Web Links | |
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Index | |