The pictures below show how I built an observatory in my backyard for a minimum number of bucks. The results, using a Meade LX200 scope, are shown in the bottom group.




My 2 1/2 acres just after I moved in.
Click to enlarge.

The estate today replete with pool
and lots of other improvements.
Click to enlarge

Another shot of the early days.
Click to enlarge.


 
LX200
 
Door shot
 
Rafters
 
Tool
 
Tower
 
Top View
 
Sunshine
 
Open
 
Control
 
Half closed
 
Entrance
 
Electrical
 
Desk
 
Closing
 
Closed
 
View
 
View
 
View
Click on any picture for an enlargement and description. Be patient. It takes a few seconds.

 
M101_3_3
 
M101
 
M31
 
NGC6960
 
Dumbbell2
 
Ring10
 
NGC7293
 
M82A
 
Saturn
 
Linear
 
NGC891
 
M16
 
M17
 
NGC6960A
 
NGC6962A
 
M87
 
The Mice
 
Ryan1
Click on any picture for an enlargement and description. Be patient. It takes a few seconds.

 

Join the Meade4M Community
The China Lake Astronomical Society is a proud Alliance Member of the Meade 4M Community
supported by Meade Telescope, makers of LX200R Astronomical Telescopes

China Lake Astronomical Society Club Web Site Link


The China Lake Astronomical Society (CLAS) has it monthly meetings the first Monday of the month at the Maturango Museum at 100 East Los Flores Av. Ridgecrest Calif. There is a 10" Meade LX200 at the museum site. The other out reach star parties are on the Friday night dark of the moon.  That site is on Brown road out side the city and for directions it is best to call one of the club officials Carroll Evans 760-375-5681 clevans@ridgenet.net    Earl Wilson 760-876-5455  zearl.email@qmail.com   Bruce Churchill  760-375-7247  bchurchill@atsecure.net  Ted Hodgkinson  661-824-2738  ghodkinson@sbcglobal.net  Roger Brower  760-375-1181  brower@iwvisp.com 

CLAS also has numinous out reach programs at local mountain camp sites, Scouting clubs, churches, private clubs and public parks. They are always listed in our local news papers or call for information if you want a private lecture, star party and slide show.

My own Observatory, First Light Observatory of Inyokern Calif. has its open house on the Saturday following the CLAS Friday night star party so not to conflict.  My  obs. houses a 12" LX200 Meade fully computerized telescope with CCD cameras for deep space imagery For information call Jim Leonard 760-377-3474 sawjim@ridgenet.net

The local collage has three domed observatories with Meade telescopes and CLAS operates them for the school as well as public out reach programs. They are ran mostly by CLAS member Chuck Morgan and collage staff.

 

 

Universe Today - Space news from around the Internet, updated every weekday.

 

Links showing my other interests.
Amateur Radio
Me and my Saw


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