The observatory was designed around a few non-negotiables: enough room to operate comfortably,
a roof that clears the sky quickly, and a layout that supports reliable remote sessions.
Requirements checklist
Clear sky access with minimal obstructions
Enough floor space for mounts, imaging trains, and safe movement
Roll-off roof that opens/closes quickly and predictably
Weather-resistant, low maintenance materials
Remote monitoring + power control (network + smart relays)
Stable pier / mount isolation from foot traffic
Size, dimensions and cost sheet
Layout, clearances, and working room
These are the dimensions that drive everything: wall height, pier position, and where the roll-off roof needs to park when open. The roof can travel the full 16′ track, but it doesn’t always need to—on many nights it only rolls back far enough to clear the part of the sky I’m imaging.
