I built my observatory in 2002. There are certainly a few things that I would recommend. Here are a couple books that really helped me out: Quick Guide: Storage Sheds, ISBN 1-880029-20-0 (I found it at Lowes) How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings, ISBN 0-88266-773-4 I borrowed a great book on the electrical work from a friend, so I could get the ISBN # to you if interested. There is a yahoo group dedicated to observatory building, it is appropriately the "Observatories" group. I've got some pictures under their photo section listed under the Calvin M. Hooper Memorial Observatory. You can probably get most of your questions answered with that group. A website with TONS of pictures of different types of observatories is located at: http://nineplanets.org/obs/obslist.html And, of course, find out about your local building ordinances, i.e. how big can it be before you need a building permit, are there deeds of covenants - where your neighbors can object to the type of building, etc., etc. Clear skies, Dale Hooper. ________________________________ From: utah-astronomy-bounces+dale.hooper=sdl.usu.edu@mailman.xmission.com on behalf of Richard Tenney Sent: Fri 12/31/2004 7:55 AM To: Matt Cc: UVAA; Utah-Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Re: Hello Hey Matt, Boy that's a switch, moving from Laguna Beach to such a small town! Hope the adjustment goes well; you certainly picked the right place for darker skies. It's close to where the locals consider one of the best spots in No. Utah -- Wolf Creek summit. I look forward to meeting you and seeing your scopes. SLAS's Lowell Lyon also has a 20-inch Obsession, and he sometimes makes it up there. I personally have no experience with observatories, but others locally do, so I'm copying this reply to the local astro lists and see what kinds of responses you get. Your last name is also Francis? We may be related; my mom's maiden name is Francis (she grew up in Lake Shore/Springville area). I too grew up in So. California (San Diego area). Anyway, welcome to Utah; you'll find a lot of terrific photon-loving folks here. Regards, Rich --- Matt <mattoid@allwest.net> wrote:

Hi Rich,

Congratulations on a very nice website! I really like the personal touch of showing photos of your members (of which I am now one also!) with their telescopes!

My wife and I recently moved to Francis Utah from Laguna Beach California. I'm used to trailering my telescopes for 2.5 hours to the Anza Borrego desert for clear, dark skies. About half of the time I set up camp in the dry lake bed there, high altitude clouds would form or the wind would pick up. Still, I did enjoy many beautiful nights there under the canopy of stars.

My telescopes (a 20 inch Obsession reflector and a Meade 12 inch SCT with SBIG ccd) are still in the trailer as we are still unpacking and finishing up moving in. I am looking forward to building an observatory in my backyard this spring and I was wondering if any of you have any experience with this. I want to collect as much information and input as possible before I begin construction. Currently I am thinking I will build a large shed with a roll off roof.

Thanks for the input!

Matt Francis

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