Services
Since our inception in 2009 and our official formation in 2014, we have been at the forefront of crafting bespoke observatories for a diverse clientele. Our mission is to bring the wonders of the universe closer to you, whether you’re a private individual, an academic institution, a science center, a library, or a governmental entity.
Facility Planning
Where to start?
The observatory should never be an afterthought in its own construction. Observatories need expert guidance to realize their full potential. Too often, essential features like proper lighting, electrical requirements, and HVAC considerations get overlooked. At Observatory Systems, we step in as the expert. We ensure that architects, contractors, and other stakeholders have the specifications and detailed plans they need to construct an optimized observatory. With our help, every part of the construction is carefully managed, ensuring your observatory is ready to reveal the cosmos the moment the telescope is installed.
Equipment Selection
Which equipment should I choose?
As the cost of large telescopes and cameras has dropped, amateur astronomers can find themselves drowning in options. Observatory Systems can guide you toward the right equipment to fit your usage and budget. We offer suggestions on every hardware and software-related part of the project, from telescopes, mounts, cameras, computers, power, and data infrastructure to weather systems, remote monitoring, and automation systems. Many of which are unknown to those outside the industry. While many reach for well-known backyard telescope brands, these don’t hold up to the long-term rigors of public or advanced research facilities. Let Observatory Systems point you in the right direction.
Design
What if we need something completely custom?
Sometimes, off-the-shelf products do not fit a project’s needs. Retrofitting or replacing older telescopes often requires custom design solutions. Whether it’s custom piers, adapters, or equipment mounting solutions, Observatory Systems can manufacture it using the latest 3D CAD, Finite Element Modeling, and the latest design and fabrication best practices. Observatory Systems specializes in complete mechanical design and fabrication for anything you can imagine. We also analyze existing observatories to operate at their maximum potential
Systems Integration
How does everything go together?
Observatory Systems offers tailored installation services. Whether you’ve sourced your equipment through us or elsewhere, we can assemble the major components and allow you to handle the final touches. Or we can manage complete systems integration, from mounting telescopes and configuring computers and cameras to crafting and laying custom cables and implementing weather, remote monitoring, and automation systems.
Training
The observatory looks great, but how do I use it?
A fully automated observatory is a highly complex system. All the hardware and software must interact perfectly for the observatory to open, remain in the sky all night, and close safely in the morning. Our extensive testing has found the best combination of hardware and software to build a reliable system. We can provide comprehensive on-site and remote training and custom operating procedures for your observatory.
Program Development
What should we do with our observatory?
An observatory is a powerful tool for inspiring young minds and widening perspectives. Whether you’re a school, institution, or a private individual, Observatory Systems can provide expert guidance to make the most of your observatory program.
Observatory Management
Already have a remote observatory?
Don’t have time to make sure your remote observatory is running every clear night of the year? Observatory Systems can manage your night-to-night operations and data flow to ensure that you maximize your sky time. We’re experts in all of the leading automation software packages.
Site Photography
Need promotional material for your observatory?
Observatory Systems offers professional photography that showcases your new observatory in all its glory. With years of experience photographing observatories, our team are experts in capturing the essence of an observatory.