Private Observatory in Vermont
Customized.
Automated.
Functional.
Sea West designed and built an observatory for a private client in Vermont, focusing on both function and beauty.
About the observatory
This private observatory was designed to meet the needs of a client interested in both visual observing and astrophotography. Automation controls and world-class instrumentation were installed to push the boundaries for remote imaging.
Project Scope
Sea West was contracted to lead the design-build of a new observatory capable of remote use. Starting with a blank slate at the client’s farm in Vermont, a site feasibility study was conducted, including a LIDAR scan to create a comprehensive site plan. The minimalist observatory design was developed to align with the client’s vision for a beautiful and functional observatory.
The project included the installation of an Ash Manufacturing 14’-6” Ash-Dome and a PlaneWave CDK600 telescope. The observatory is equipped with an Optec Perseus instrument selector to seamlessly switch the telescope between camera instrumentation and visual observing.
The observatory management system includes a weather station, all-sky camera, computer, and power distribution units, enabling autonomous operation. In autonomous mode, the observatory remotely opens the dome under safe conditions, captures images of astronomical objects, and safely closes the dome if inclement weather approaches.
Sea West completed this observatory build in only 5 weeks from breaking ground to first-light.
Partners
Sea West partnered with PlaneWave Instruments, Ash Manufacturing, and Observatory Automation Solutions on this project.
