From: Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@mac.com>

Date: April 3, 2009 10:06:33 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] shed observatories...

Hi Dale, the basic dome looks good (maybe I could mount it on my shed); I`m looking at the moment perhaps at the Garden Saver G66; http://www.gardensheds.com.au/garden-sheds.asp?id=4

pictured here. Do you know if they send them to Australia (`cause that`s where I am) though or is that likely to break the bank? I haven`t had a chance yet to look at where they`re from but the price is OK. Nor have I had a chance to look at your own observatory design. I seem to remember you have a rather elaborate structure next to your house with a pier excavated into the ground, am I right? Mum was saying a short while ago that I should look like I mean business with this (a dome would be a good start!) & that a bit of skimping & saving would do me good, instead of continually buying new things for the hobby (which she can`t necessarily see the purpose of presumably!) She`s going to show me where she thinks it should go later. My parents are in their late 70`s now & I really value their opinions. Thanks, Mark.

On 04/04/2009, at 1:37 PM, Dale J Martin wrote:

Mark,

Have you looked at the ExploraDome  <http://www.explora-dome.com/>? Take a look at my DIY observatory design here.

Your mom might like aesthetics and it doesn't break the bank!

Regards,

Dale

On Apr 3, 2009, at 7:21 PM, Mark Gaffney wrote:

Hi Milton, I`ve sent that plan for a roll top shed to my brother Luke
who`s currently building a $2,000,000 shed in Innisfail north
Queensland! He`s obviously the guy to talk to about it & has promised
his help when he`s finished this monster shed in July. The problem now
is persuading my mother it can go in the garden out the front. Maybe a
colourbond or zinalum one in a nice colour?! She was quite sold on the
Sirius Observatory for aesthetics. I`d have to mortgage my life for
the next 3 years to afford that, though! Here`s the page on my iWeb
site relating to the observatory..
http://web.mac.com/markgaffney/iWeb/Site/Photos%2010.html
I notice that design you sent was from Australia; Hunter`s Hill in
Sydney in fact where my grandmother used to live! Mark.