Observatory: Solar.

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Monday: I am examining the options for fitting the 6" solar telescope beside the 7". Lengthening the temporary plywood support rails may be the simplest and easiest method. Though the 6" hinged rings could be bolted through the frame of the 7" if the latter was slightly offset to make room.

The 6" f/8 [120mm active aperture @ f/10] H-alpha telescope on the big GEM before the dome went on. 

Swapping OTAs between night and day use would be unnecessarily difficult and hugely time consuming. Besides the big GEM is total overkill for a stumpy 6" f/8. I could have used the Fullerscopes MkIV if the 6" was still my main instrument.

I even thought of incorporating the 6" into the 7" structure but neither instrument layout lends itself to the other.

The solar side of observation [and possibly solar imaging] opens up a far greater chance to spend enjoyable time in the observatory. Particularly viewing in H-alpha. Staring at a featureless Sun in white light has its limitations as we descend into a deep lull in the solar cycle. There is even talk of a New Maunder Minimum!

Prominences add  a whole new level of razor sharp detail to be enjoyed at leisure. No struggling in the dark and of course, it is usually much warmer during the day. The shelter afforded by the observatory adds to the pleasure of solar observation and thankfully, avoids having to pack everything away afterwards.

Most amateur astronomy seems to be about getting ready, carrying it all outside, setting up and aligning, finding stuff of interest to look at and then bringing everything back indoors when it immediately clouds over. The cost per viewing minute of most amateur's set-ups must be quite horrendous! Anyone with a suitable garden should seriously consider putting up a modest shed with a hinged or roll off roof to house their equipment. Being able to immediately observe or image without ANY delay could easily make or break their long term interest in their hobby.

Evening and nighttime observation can often be quite antisocial in the sense of being damaging to family or concentration at work. Where daytime viewing is a much more relaxed affair. No sleepless nights or conflicts with TV watching or family routines. Being retired is the major advantage here because few have the luxury of extended free time during daylight hours.

A remote set-up may appeal to some but it is not quite the same as actually being there yourself. Astronomical viewing via a screen is too much like watching a rather boring TV program [and probably a repeat] from my own entirely personal viewpoint. I can well imagine the attraction but simply prefer the "live" view myself.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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