The Observatories of Sky & Telescope

Observatories are highly individualistic; they reflect the interests, equipment, and personalities of their owners. Unfortunately, this also means that one individual's dream observatory might be a white elephant for someone else. As a result, the more specific observatory plans become, the less useful they are.

That's why we've chosen to show you a smorgasbord of different telescope shelters from current and former editors of Sky & Telescope — a collection of ideas that can be mixed and matched to satisfy your own particular needs.

Our Stairway to the Stars by Edwin L. Aguirre and Imelda B. Joson

Think Big (and Small) by Dennis di Cicco

An Observatory with Sails by Alan M. MacRobert

My "Flapping Roof" Observatory by Roger W. Sinnott

My Place in the Dark by Richard Tresch Fienberg