Figure 1: The Mark-I version of my Observatory with the Tarped Dome
Figure 2: The Mark-II version of my Observatory with a Wooden Dome (see link below)
Figure 3: The Mark-III version of my Observatory (with warmup room) shown here with my 1930 Model-A Ford Tudor Sedan.
Background:
Like so many amateur astronomers, I always wanted my own observatory. For years, I had access to my in-laws farm outside the city, but with thoughts of a 20-minute drive (one-way) and the time for setting up and ripping down my equipment, I quickly became lazy and did not do too much observing (especially during weeknights). For years I have been meaning to build a roll-off roof observatory. I never thought I would have a dome. Fortunately, I came across an old observatory for free. It was in rough shape, but still salvageable.When I got it, I had no idea what whether or not it was a home brew or some kind of kit. Later, I found out that the observatory was a Hexadome observatory from Kinard Manufacturing in Texas, and was assembled in 1987. In the intervening 12 years until I picked it up, the base had stood up well but the canvas dome was rotten in many places. It was quite a cleaver design as you can see if you click on the above link.
Location:
Lat: 43.9518° N, Long: 78.6170° W
The site is located south of Orono, ON, with an un-obstructed field of view. It is located about 20 minutes northeast of Oshawa, Ontario. This means that I get some light pollution to the northeast, and also some from the Greater Toronto Area, which is about 60 km to the west of me. Fortunately the rest of the sky (including the south) is quite good. I can easily see the Milky Way and on a good night I can see M33 without optical aid.