Wayne Watson wrote:
>
> If one is going to build, let's say, a number of permanent telescope concrete pads for regular star
> parties or for an amateur astronomy group, what's an ideal size and arrangement. Part of the idea is
> to keep dust off the scopes and equipment as people walk around. Scopes could range from 4" EXTs to
> 20-30" Dobs. My initial guess is5 foot by 5 foot concrete pads 4 inches thick. Maybe thicker is
> better just to prevent the possibility of cracking. Other than electricity maybe there's some
> special feature that should be on the pad. Thoughts?

You will find that pads of small size will not work well for imaging.
The pads move when walked on. Thus, if someone is doing imaging, people
have to stay off of the pads. 4" is very thin. At lease 6" and better
8" is more satisfactory. Concrete is cheap. Orient the pads North and
South and mark them with a North arrow.

Doc G <http://www.mailbag.com/users/ragreiner>

View index by [date] [author] [subject]
Previous message: Re: [M]: "new" CCD images of M13 & 92 and NGC 6229, Frank Loch
Next message: [M]: RE: [OT] Ideal Guest/Star Party Concrete Pads?, Email address hidden
Next message in thread: [M]: RE: [OT] Ideal Guest/Star Party Concrete Pads?, Email address hidden
Previous message in thread: [M]: [OT] Ideal Guest/Star Party Concrete Pads?, Wayne Watson