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Portable Telescope & Observatory StarDomes ™ Astronomical Domes
Shelter Systems' lightweight, portable telescope and observatory StarDomes™ astronomical domes are designed to protect astronomers and their telescopes from light, wind and dew. The StarDomes telescope and observatory domes are freestanding and can be turned or moved easily. They are constructed with our white/black, light-blocking covering. This woven, ripstop covering will exclude all light from the interior of the observatory dome except for the opening for your telescope.
Two window flaps with velcro closures are provided for your telescope. The window openings are not cut by us nor are the window flaps installed. This way you can put them where you need them. We provide you with velcro that is backed with sticky tape and two 3' x 3' window coverings of the White/Black so you can place the windows where you want them. Large sections of the roof can be remove. In fact the whole top if needed. However it is more practical to remove just a panel (area between poles) in that a cover is more easily made to cover it when needed. The dome is freestanding and can be moved or rotated about your telescope, wind permitting.
Some users have found it convenient to be able to rotate or remove the dome quickly from its stakes. Once unhooked the dome can be rotated to one of 12 different positions and then re hooked to its stakes. Alternatively you can unhook your dome and then lift and or flip your dome to expose your scope. Eather of these should only be done if there is NO wind. This this done by attaching your dome to it's stakes with snap hooks that are securely tied to your stakes (these hooks, available at most hardware stores, are small brass or steel hooks with a fixture that is spring loaded that snaps the hook closed). Note: that once unhooked your dome is very easily grabbed and carried away by the smallest of winds.
The Telescope and Observatory StarDome™ 18' Astronomical Dome
Sturdy Design
The StarDome telescope and observatory dome is made wholly of a White and Black, superstrong, woven ripstop film treated with ultraviolet inhibitors which protect against sun exposure. The covering is watertight and will not rot or mildew, it is not fire retarded. If you need it to be fire retarded order it of our white translusant covering.
The frames of the StarDomes telescope and observatory domes are constructed of strong, long-lasting PVC tubing. Patented Grip Clips™ join the dome's cover to the frame. Grip Clips™ provide greater strength than sewn seams or any type of grommet, because they do not puncture the cover. Each panel of the domes is shingled over the next so that the domes breathe yet are completely leakproof!
Construction
The StarDome 14, 18, and 20 domes have four flap doors evenly spaced around the dome. The StarDome 8 and 11 domes have one door. The door coverings close automatically so you can go in or out quickly. There are no zippers to fumble with or break.
All StarDomes™ are Special Orders
StarDome™ 20 Telescope and Observatory Dome Diameter 20'x10' High. Weight 70 lb. $950
StarDome™ 18 Telescope and Observatory Dome Diameter 18'x9' High. Weight 60 lb. $820
StarDome™ 14 Telescope and Observatory Dome Diameter 14'x7' High. Weight 40 lb. $720
StarDome™ 11 Telescope and Observatory Dome Diameter 11'x6'4"High. Weight 20 lb. $435
StarDome™ 8 Telescope and Observatory Dome Diameter 8'x7'4" High. Weight 20 lb. $390
Note that the SD11 and SD8 domes are constructed using a different geometry that has less panels. They are not spherical and have only one door. If you like the spherical shape but need a small diameter dome, check out the StarBubble™ 10. If you want four doors, choose the 14, 18, or 20'ers. You get a lot more volume as you go up in diameter. When you step inside the 18'er after just being in the 14'er, the 18 feels twice as big. The 20 feels twice the size of the 18. This is because the extra feet in diameter extends out in all directions, creating a large increase in volume. Since the surface area of the covering does not increase as rapidly as the volume, the larger domes are less expensive for the space you get.
A Shelter System
The StarDome telescope and observatory domes comes complete with stakes, guy lines, vent tubes, spare parts and a Shelter Systems Instruction Manual that details floors, site selection, anchoring, and winterizing.
Setting up a Shelter Systems' Dome.
Accessories: To make your observatroy dome more comfortable. Floors, liners and more.
Sizes: A drawing comparing the sizes of 8'er, 11'er, 14'er, 18'er, and 20'er.
StarCaveA tunnel-like observatory structure
StarBubble™ These observatories are a taller form of our Star Domes™.
1 1/2-YEAR GUARANTEE. If for any reason you're not completely pleased with your purchase, return it in original, clean condition within 30 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange as you wish. All items in this catalog have a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for 1 1/2 years. Should any product prove defective we will repair or replace it at no cost to you. Special Orders are not returnable. Read Snow and Wind Warnings.
Order online with our Secure Order Form!
Questions? Orders & Customer Service: Toll Free 866-777-1066 or 831-464-2002 eleanor@shelter-systems.com Technical: 650-323-6202 bob@shelter-systems.com. Copyright © Shelter Systems 1976 - 2008 All Rights Reserved