I just finished reading John Hicks’ new book, Building a Roll-Off Roof Observatory — A Complete Guide for Design and Construction (Springer, 2009). This is the latest entry in British astronomy popularizer Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series. Hicks is a Canadian amateur astronomer and a professional Senior landscape architect who has designed and built observatories for himself and others.

If you’re in the process of or thinking about building an observatory, stop. That’s right, stop. Stop thinking about it, stop building, just stop. Go out and buy this book. I have been an observer for decades, and I’ve built several observatories from scratch. That said, I learned a lot and got some great ideas in just the first 26 pages of Hicks’ book. And that’s before he even gets into any of the meaty issues.

Chapter 2, “Observatory Design Considerations,” deals with real-world issues like zoning, site requirements, and owning versus leasing. And the “Questions to Ask Before You Begin” section will start you thinking about issues better dealt with before you build than after.

Chapters 3 through 12 tackle every section of a new observatory. You’ll learn how to fabricate several types of telescope piers, pour a concrete floor, and even how to choose and locate your door.

Throughout the 144-page book, Hicks includes numerous diagrams and photographs to help illustrate his many points. In addition, Springer has included a CD-ROM with printable building plans. Oh, and one further option exists: If you’d like full-scale plans, just contact the author for details and cost.

All in all, if you know nothing about building an observatory or, like me, think you know it all, Building a Roll-Off Roof Observatory — A Complete Guide for Design and Construction makes great bedtime reading.