A simple binocular and telescope mount

Here’s a very simple Alt-Az binocular and telescope mount I built out of various pipe fittings that can be found at any local hardware store.

The main column is 2″ galvanized pipe attached to an old Meade field tripod via a pipe flange and 3/4″ plywood.  The “tee” at the top is not threaded tightly to allow movement in azimuth, the same holds for the flange fitting for the refractor.  The binocular side is 1/2″ pipe, a coupler on the “tee” allows the binocular side to be removed for easier transport.  The elbows on each end of the parallelogram are not tightly screwed together to allow up-down movement of the parallelogram arms and the extension holding the binoculars is also loosely tightend to allow movement of the binoculars themselves.  Someday I’ll provide detailed pictures and instructions on how to make one yourself.

Tzec Maun Telescopes

Recently, the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas started a wonderful research program with the Tzec Maun remote observatory in south central New Mexico.  I have been acquainting myself with the scopes there and hope to eventually become proficient enough to produce quality, scientific grade data.  Here are some of the spectacular images these scope can produce.  The satellites can be a pain sometimes, but here are a few cool ones.

Welcome to DARC STAR Observatory!

DARC STAR Observatory is currently under construction.  The observatory’s name is actually an acronym for what it will become when complete, a Data Acquisition and Reduction Center for Stellar, Terrestrial and Atmospheric Research.  On the stellar side, it will be home to an 8″ LX200 telescope capable of remote, robotic and autonomous operation and will be primarily used for photometry of variable stars and to take pretty pictures.  Terrestrially, a homemade seismometer will keep a watchful eye on global seismic activity and outdoor cameras with night vision capability will monitor the local wildlife.  A weather station and all sky camera will tirelessly watch the atmospheric conditions and complete the suite of instruments at the observatory.

Stay tuned for more!