Observatory Build
8. Automating the Telescope
Dew heaters, automatic lens cap for flats and darks, and a custom telescope controller with 3D-printed enclosure.
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Articles, tutorials, and notes.
Observatory Build
7. Automating the Roof
Custom controller for the electric hoist, limit switches, lock actuator, and serial interface for remote roof control.
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NGC 2237 — The Rosette Nebula
First mosaic capture: the Rosette Nebula in Monoceros, combined with PixInsight mosaic tools.
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Horsehead and the Flame Nebula
Barnard 33 and NGC 2024 in Orion—three nights of data, masking Alnitak's halo, and a friendly imaging competition.
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M106
Spiral galaxy M106 (NGC 4258) in Canes Venatici—a challenging faint halo and lessons from flat-frame calibration.
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M42 — The Great Nebula in Orion
The Orion Nebula from the observatory—bright enough that a narrow window and short integration still yielded a solid result.
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M81 & M82 — Bode's Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy
Over 12 hours of data on Bode's Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy, with drizzle integration and photometric color calibration.
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6. Moving the Observatory
Relocating the observatory 700 km from Montreal to Ontario—jacking, trailer, and a weekend full of surprises.
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5. Modifying the Camera
Why the Wizard Nebula was underwhelming, hydrogen-alpha and the IR-cut filter, and astromodding the DSLR.
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4. First Light
Installing the telescope, INDI/KStars/Ekos workflow, and first light on M101.
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3. Building The Structure
Construction from foundation through roof and walls—snow, lumber, rails, and the first tests of the rolling roof.
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2. Designing The Structure
Selecting a location, choosing roll-off roof over dome, and designing the lean-to structure with CAD.
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1. Why Build an Observatory?
Starting the backyard observatory project—why an observatory, and how astrophotography and automation led to building one.
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