catman161 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Sorry for being a total newbie again but can anyone tell me what a pier is in Astronomy terms? I have been reading on a astronomy shed the adventures of Jen who is building her own observatory. One of the first things she did was build a pier. What is it for? I am assuming it to put the scope on, but why can't the scope just be put on the ground? Felix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glider Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 It's a permanent replacement for the mount tripod, aligned to the Celestrial North Pole so you don't have to setup and polar align every night. Typically bolted to a great piece of concrete for stability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Here's a piccy of one : http://www.green-witch.com/acatalog/Piers_and_Wedges.html They come in all shapes and sizes and you can even get portable piers - but a lot of people concrete them into the ground then build an obsy round it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+RonC Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Like mine in the Gallery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted January 9, 2012 Author Share Posted January 9, 2012 Thanks for clearing that up for me guys. Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 That list of things to buy is getting bigger LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 Ya know you're right doc. The Dob hasn't even arrived yet (tomorrow agggh!) and already I have looked at countless eyepieces,filters and even a portable observatory!! I think I have gone temporarily insane! All I keep looking at are a) the sky (when it's clear) and scope accessories!! Oh yeah and astro mags........and forums Felix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David Pugh Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Barlows, Telrad, Cleaners, Dew shields/heaters....... Just don't look at doing some imaging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fluke Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I dont think it will be long before Felix is teaching everyone a thing or two! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 I dont think it will be long before Felix is teaching everyone a thing or two! I have to disagree with you there dan! I think it will be an extremely long time (if ever) before I can teach anyone about anything lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dex55 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I would love to have a pier fitted on my roof, would make (astronomy) life so much easier for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Altair Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Hi Dex, well here's a pretty cool observatory roof installation to inspire you - from one of our POD customers N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Thats one awesome Pod installation,. if Carlsberg did pods.......... This would be it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Bet you had fun doing that one Nick - fabulous it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Altair Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I had nothing to do with this one Kim, so can't take any credit - we simply sent the POD off and got this photo shortly afterwards... We've had several customers bolt the POD to flat roofs on garages and outbuildings. My favourite feature on this installation is the spiral staircase, and I love the way the observatory is integrated with the house too. One day I'd love to build something like this for myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red dwalf Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 that is very nice, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tweedledum Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Link to Petes ex obsy!! http://homepage.ntlworld.com/peter.sullivan1/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red dwalf Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 i like that, very well constructed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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