GENERATIONS OF INNOVATION
Sea West Observatories has been a leading observatory builder, specializing in observatory construction, design, and optimization since the 1990s. Our team of professionals has extensive experience in creating customized observatories to meet the unique needs of our clients worldwide.
from vision to sky
With our expertise, the sky is the limit
Initial Consultation
Our projects begin by discussing the specific observatory needs with the client to ensure we turn their vision into reality. Common observatory uses are astronomical research, astrophotography, public observing, and satellite tracking.
Design
Once the observatory goal is understood, our team begins creating a design to bring the project to life. This includes preliminary site plans, observatory drawings, and renderings to optimize the observatory layout. When the design is finalized, our team creates a set of construction documents that will be used to build the observatory.
Permits and Approvals
With construction documents in hand, our team obtains all the necessary permits and approvals prior to breaking ground. This step ensures that the project complies with all applicable regulations.
Construction
Our team breaks ground on the observatory with site works and running utilities. Concrete foundations are poured and the building is erected. The dome is assembled and telescope is installed. Interior data, electric, and observatory management system is installed for remote and autonomous observatory operation. The client is trained on how to operate the observatory.
Ongoing Maintenance & Support
Sea West Observatories’ ongoing service packages provide clients with continuous peace of mind through remote technical support and onsite maintenance. With annual maintenance, troubleshooting, software upgrades, and preventative tasks, your observatory remains optimized and worry-free.
Initial Consultation
Our projects begin by discussing the specific observatory needs with the client to ensure we turn their vision into reality. Common observatory uses are astronomical research, astrophotography, public observing, and satellite tracking.
Design
Once the observatory goal is understood, our team begins creating a design to bring the project to life. This includes preliminary site plans, observatory drawings, and renderings to optimize the observatory layout. When the design is finalized, our team creates a set of construction documents that will be used to build the observatory.
Permits & Approvals
With construction documents in hand, our team obtains all the necessary permits and approvals prior to breaking ground. This step ensures that the project complies with all applicable regulations.
Construction
Our team breaks ground on the observatory with site works and running utilities. Concrete foundations are poured and the building is erected. The dome is assembled and telescope is installed. Interior data, electric, and observatory management system is installed for remote and autonomous observatory operation. The client is trained on how to operate the observatory.
Ongoing Maintenance & Support
Sea West Observatories’ ongoing service packages provide clients with continuous peace of mind through remote technical support and onsite maintenance. With annual maintenance, troubleshooting, software upgrades, and preventative tasks, your observatory remains optimized and worry-free.
Markets We Serve
Remote Observatories
Remote observatories provide autonomous operation and connectivity to users that can include research teams, education institutions, or private individuals.
Private Observatories
Private observatories provide both remote and onsite capabilities for observing and imaging for private individuals and research teams when public access is not required.
Public Observatories
Public observatories provide remote and onsite observing for private individuals, educational institutions, and members of the public where public access and use is a requirement.
Space Domain Awareness
Observatories for Space Domain Awareness and Laser Communication require high-performance and state-of-the-art technology for the success of the mission at hand, tracking satellites and data transmission.
Our History
Sea West Observatories, a subsidiary of Sea West Enterprises, Inc., is a premier observatory builder that provides exceptional observatory construction and design solutions to clients worldwide. Our family-owned business, established in 1977, brings a deep sense of tradition and commitment to all of our projects, ensuring a personal investment in the success of your observatory.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“I and my colleagues have worked extensively with Sea West personnel, especially Eric Simison, President of the company. I have been extremely pleased with the performance of our contractor on all phases and would characterize Sea West as having provided exceptional price/performance to our project. I strongly recommend Sea West as a capable, cooperative and innovative construction firm.”
– Harold A. McAlister, PhD, Former CHARA Director
York University Observatory
Sea West upgraded the two existing domes at York University in Toronto to include up-to-date, automated systems that would meet their current needs.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Sea West designed and built an new observatory in Bruneau Dunes State Park in Idaho featuring a PlaneWave CDK700 observatory system that is enclosed in a fully automated 20.6’ Ash Dome.
Rancho Mirage Observatory
Sea West constructed a world-class observatory for the City of Rancho Mirage, California to assist in their mission of providing astronomy education to all, featuring the latest in software technology to control the observatory remotely.