I've been thinking about building one in my backyard. I just don't know if it would be worth it. I live about12 miles north of Downtown Detroit, and it's really bright at night. Would an observatory be of much help for light pollution? I mean, it's not like it's going to cut down on the light.It would be nice to have some shelter from the cold winter winds though.

Thank-

Jim

Clubman35:

Would an observatory be of much help for light pollution? I mean, it's not like it's going to cut down on the light.It would be nice to have some shelter from the cold winter winds though.

Its not likely to help with the light pollution. That's going to be there regardless.  Filters are about your only chance at reducing the light pollution. As you mentioned however, the Observatory would be nice for blocking off the cold winds, and would also be worth it's construction price in keeping you from having to tear down the equipment after each night of observing. 

I have a temporary shelter that I set up using wooden posts and large tarps that stands about 8 foot tall. It circles the area I have my telescopes set up and blocks out the direct light and works wonders for blocking those cool winter winds.
You can see part of it in this image.

One of these days I might just get around to building a permanent structure to house my telescopes. But for now that works.