Private Observatory
California
Custom.
Automated.
Design-build.
Sea West constructed a custom, one-of-a-kind private observatory for a client in California.
About the observatory
This observatory was designed and built to meet the needs of a client interested in visual observing and astrophotography. Automation controls and world-class instrumentation were installed to push the boundaries for remote imaging.
Domes
16’-6” Ash Dome
Telescopes
PlaneWave CDK700
Cameras
Moravian C5-150 monochrome, ZWO ASI6200MC, and ZWO ASI533MC
Astrophotography
Visual Observing
Public Outreach
Robotic Observatory
Software Automation
Project Scope
After creating a design that fulfilled the client’s vision for a beautiful observatory, Sea West began construction in the summer of 2023. Sea West performed the site civil work to prepare the observatory foundation and rigid, isolated, concrete pier to support a PlaneWave CDK700 telescope. The team framed the cylinder walls for an Ash Manufacturing 16’-6” dome that we assembled onsite and the crane lifted into place.
In November, the PlaneWave CDK700 telescope was installed. The team set up a Moravian C5-150 monochrome camera on the main Nasmyth port of the telescope and an eyepiece for visual observations on the second Nasmyth port. The client can switch between instrumentation and visual observing all with the click of a button.
The team installed an observatory management system including a weather station, all-sky camera, computer, and power distribution units that enables the observatory to be capable of autonomous operation. When used in autonomous operation mode the observatory remotely opens the dome under safe conditions, images astronomical objects, and safely closes the dome if inclement weather approaches.
Partners
Sea West partnered with Observatory Solutions, WSCS Design, Ash Manufacturing, PlaneWave Instruments, and Observatory Automation Solutions on this project.
