Private Observatory in Vermont
PROJECT IN PROGRESS
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 will be installed to push the boundaries for remote imaging.
Partners
Sea West is partnering with PlaneWave Instruments, Ash Manufacturing, and Observatory Automation Solutions on this project.
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 will include the installation of an Ash Manufacturing 14’-6” Ash-Dome and a PlaneWave CDK600 telescope. The observatory will be equipped with an Optec Perseus instrument selector to seamlessly switch the telescope between camera instrumentation and visual observing.
The observatory management system will include a weather station, all-sky camera, computer, and power distribution units, enabling autonomous operation. In autonomous mode, the observatory will remotely open the dome under safe conditions, capture images of astronomical objects, and safely close the dome if inclement weather approaches.
