Helena Cochrane’s Cozy Observatory Den (Observatory Tours #1)

Today, we are touring ‪@HelenasAstrophotography‬'s backyard observatory! We discuss the observatory's history, its design, and some lessons learned. I wrap up the video explaining my motivations for starting this series, and share some personal takeaways.
=============================
Supporting this channel:
=============================
◦ I'm on Patreon: / nebulaphotos
◦ One-time donations: paypal.me/nebulaphotos
◦ Shopping for astrophotography gear, you can use my affiliate links:
High Point Scientific: tinyurl.com/highpoint-nebula
OPT: bit.ly/31XDk9d
Agena Astro: tinyurl.com/agena-nebula
Amazon: amzn.to/31rYb56
Modification service at Astrogear.net: www.astrogear.net/?ref=nebula...
◦ You can use my referral code when buying subscriptions to Astrobin:
New accounts- www.astrobin.com/accounts/register/?r=NEBULAPHOTOS
Existing accounts- Use Promo Code: NEBULAPHOTOS
◦ Get 10% off a new domain or hosting plan on Squarespace: squarespace.com/nebulaphotos
=============================
Social:
=============================
Twitter: @nebulaphotos
Instagram: @nebulaphotosdotcom
Astrobin: www.astrobin.com/users/2ghouls/
=============================
Affiliate programs disclosure:
=============================
I am a member of the High Point Scientific, Astrobin, OPT, AgenaAstro, eBay, and Amazon affiliate programs. Product links in my video descriptions are typically affiliate links, which means, at no extra cost to you, I will make a commission if you click them and purchase something. I also have working relationships with the following companies/brands to receive products to test: High Point Scientific, QHYCCD, WOBoyz, SmallRig, Venus Optics, Astrogear.net, Night Sky Camera, Hunt's Photo & Video. I do not review products for money and any brand deals will be fully disclosed. If you have any questions about any of this, please get in touch.

[@HelenasAstrophotography]

Aw this was such a pleasure to film with you and so awesome to meet in person! Can't wait for your next trip out here and really looking forward to seeing your observatory journey :)

[@MiroslavOstapenko]

The story of your astrohobby is motivating me a lot! But it is sad that all abilites to move forvard is controled by my wealth(

[@briankotak403]

You two are so great! This was such a refreshingly fun video. Kudos to you Helena and you Nico. You’ve taught me so much in the short year that I have gotten into this hobby. You guys are awesome! Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@JacobTerherst]

Subscribed.

[@yveslaroche2245]

Hi from Québec, Canada. You are such a passionate person !!!

[@Korruptor711]

just subscribed to you...i hope you upload videos again on KZbin! :)

[@davidpippin3460]

Her enthusiasm is just incredible!

[@The..Commenter]

no matter how many times i start to slowly verge away from astrophotography, every time i see a new image i fall back in love with it

[@AstroLaVista]

I'm impressed by travelling thousands of miles to make a video, that's some next level production values! I'm UK based so I've watched re runs of the dengineers with my kids, my jaw would have dropped if I'd seen Helena's episode pop up! On the Obsy front, I've converted a couple of sheds into Roll off observatories, and I've concluded that wood is good :) My current super budget recycled obsy is clad in cheap feather board which is nice and 'gappy' to allow air flow but also water resistant. My first obsy suffered mould as it was too sealed up like Helena' obsy, I ended up using a de humidifier to control it which I no longer need with the 'gappy' observatory. Thanks for sharing another great video and looking forward to seeing more if you have enough air miles ;)

[@Stargeezer-1]

Great to see there is more than me in Scotland with the Astronomy bug and the sky above, Great interview

[@jcwoods2311]

Man, Nico! You've really come up with a great concept for this series. Very cool to see the background on Helena's setup. Not only do you have the ability to do research on other's setups, seeing the successes and failures of others, but now you can expense travel all over the world as long as travel isn't restricted. Go see Dylan in Australia, see his moldy setup in person!. You've helped me so much in planning and researching techniques & equipment. Thanks very much & good luck with your series.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Now that’s a proper nerd; hats off to her/you!

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Awesome interview! For anyone wondering a Den has many meanings (wild animal homes, hiding places, areas of disrepute) but in UK slang it's generally a word used by kids who build a place for themselves to hangout. Kinda like a tree house could be a Den, but that's really fancy, a Den could be as basic as just a hollow in a hedge. The dengineers title is a play on that. Like building a box fort or sofa fort, only you're doing it outside. I used to build den's as a kid with my mates over in some waste ground, finding old fence panels or scraps of wood and tools dumped in the waste ground and we'd putting it all together into a makeshift shelter for us to hang out.

[@bertie359]

Nice one Nico ,Glad you enjoyed yourself in Scotland

[@guyjordan8201]

Thanks for taking us along your observatory pursuit. It was very fun, even cool, to hear the story of Helena's observatory. I've moved from a perception of a "privileged" facility to a deep appreciation for the value of generosity and mentoring. I'm now overjoyed for her and the true blessing that this den was to her.

[@DavesAstrophotography]

Awesome job Nico, great idea for a series! And great to see Helena's passion for the hobby. Always look forward to see her videos when she finds time around her study.

[@petequintanilla4237]

Awesome to see Helena again, and her cool observatory

[@MatthewHolevinski]

1,000 thumbs up! Nico and Helen you guys are absolute joys to watch on KZbin.

[@woody5109]

Great idea for a series Nico, please carry on, there’s lots of locations to choose from.

[@craiglowery4427]

Such a fun story. Helena is the future of AP. I’d like an observatory one day too. Thanks Niko.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

Love it. I have always been into astronomy and got my first telescope for Christmas in 1959 when I was 10 - and I still have it and have used the equatorial mount for cameras with small lens. I am now 73 and still trying to get the perfect pictures with a little bit better equipment but not as nice as what you have. I wish you the very best.

[@DSOImager]

Good idea for a series. One day I'll get one built in my backyard. :)

[@cosmoscarl4332]

What a great story! It's so important to teach young people about astronomy. I have my own rig now that was only a dream a few years ago. I lug my 10" astrograph and HDX 110 mount out to west Texas as often as I can and hope to have some land there to retire on soon and share my love for the night sky. Keep up the good work. It's vital that we keep the faith and protect our dark night skies. Clear, dark skies to you both.

[@eddeph]

Super wholesome!

[@MissileGuidance]

Two awesome people ! 😁

[@hdl4259]

Thanks also to Helena, she is great, started very young with her hobby. I set an abo to see more of people like here and my intension is to build one for me as well.

[@AstroDragon33]

We LOVE this new production! Awesome work guys!

[@MsSpider75]

I for one will really enjoy these tours!

[@alimaleki217]

What a cute story!

[@astrocatinfo]

That’s an inspiring history @Helena

[@easthorsleyobservatory3866]

Great idea - thanks for sharing.

[@WilliamBlakers]

Great idea for a series. I will be waiting.

[@stevepecket2535]

Great to see you in UK and what a fantastic person to meet first. Helena is an an imspiration!

[@larryhibbitts2099]

Nico, we're going to need to see tours of the new Black Dog Observatory in Canada, the Byron Bay observatory in Australia, and Chuck's Backyard. You're going to rack up some frequent flyer miles!

[@stussy1100]

Love Helens clips now with Nico even better keep them coming!!

[@timfarmer5535]

Cool new feature and awesome observatory!!!

[@Cdubwow]

I'm in the process of building my personal observatory now in South West Texas. The floor gets poured next week and you're welcome to come visit anytime you like! Here we are just between a Bortle 2 and 3 zone

[@jmpattillo]

What a delightful interview.

[@azrayastrophotography2260]

Hi Nico I think this subject will be very interesting for anyone who wants to get or build an observatory. I built mine and really like it. Good luck with your pursuit. Clear skies.

[@pietrolago]

Awesome idea for a new video series! Already looking forward for more episodes!! 👏👏

[@johnmalin1676]

Fantastic Upload Nico. I hope you enjoyed your stay in the UK. Great that you teamed up with Helena. I love her enthusiasm so much and enjoy both of your channels. Keep up the great work pal 👍

[@hymanmj]

This is sooo good! Great idea. Thanks Nico! :)

[@johnd5244]

Great interview! What a cool history about Helena’s observatory. Love the inside look. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Thepoopsock123]

Omg I remember that episode IT WAS SOOOO GOOD

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Inspirational Nico and Helena! I definitely enjoyed hearing the feedback back and what goes into it!

[@BrandonJEvansPhotography]

I'm super excited for this series! I would love to have an obsy. First thought...I think it would be really nice to have like a vestibule of sorts before going into the observatory itself. That way you can have a place to hang up a coat, take off your shoes to be ultra comfy, and to generally not disturb your setup. Kind of like a dark room.

[@AmyAstro]

Great video! Getting to travel is a huge bonus of this segment.

[@AstroQuest1]

Cool Video Nico! Great idea to visit many observatories! Cheers

[@nicksavage4763]

Great subject Idea. Definitely good to know About issues in design and durability. Things dont last in weather.and WATER. In Florida at home, Trees and water and Mosquitos are issue. Yea. Best Viewing is after cold front in winter Freezing your A$$ off. No bugs, water. But near freezing temps. ARIZONA is perfect for setups Dry, clear.

[@afryhover]

Nice job Nico! That was fun and Helena seems super cool! Cheers 👍

[@AndyLoudon]

Love this idea for a series!

[@VincentGroenewold]

What a cool idea! Great to follow.

[@alejandrokrieger2418]

Excelente tour!!!

[@LogansAstro]

Looking forward to this series and seeing all the different observatory builds. Very wise choice to visit several home observatories before embarking on the process as you want to try and get it as right as possible first time. I love my observatory but this series would have been a great resource for info and dos and don'ts before I had mine built.

[@vaunsphotography6820]

Really great idea! Introducing us to other astrophotographers.. Great first episode!

[@Westlake]

That was awesome Nico! Great project for sure! Nice to see Helena and a tour of her “den”

[@AstrophotographyQuest]

Awesome! Me and my dad are building one too. It is going to be high up off the ground.

[@a_person1226]

wait what I remember that episode of the dengineers but somehow I didn't realise that it was the same observatory lmao that's so cool also, this is a really cool series can't wait for more episodes

[@jesuschrist2284]

Visiting Scotland for the clear skies ;)

[@isjoshhere]

Perfect timing and a great idea for a series. I am in the planning stage to build a rolloff observatory in my 11 acre field/backyard. I am planning to build an observatory large enough for a couple of piers and a warm room. It will double as my personal observatory but also a club observatory, where club members and possibly the public can come for star parties. So far I've been working on plans for a small gravel road to reach the observatory more easily with a car or truck. Then plans with costs for running underground electrical service to it, then plans and costs for laying down a gravel pad and then pour a concrete pad & pier footings. Given building material costs, I probably won't build this year. Start with the road and maybe the concrete pad. Anyway, can't wait to see other tour videos so I can get ideas. Maybe when it is finished you can visit it.

[@Dunikl]

Wonderful idea for a series Nico. You put so much time and effort into these videos and your channel. Thank you for that.:)

[@tephe9986]

Love her. Love this series.

[@lukomatico]

Hey Nico!! - Aw man this was awesome to see, I really did enjoy learning more about Helena's observatory - What a cool story behind it! :-D Superb idea for a new series by the way, I'm gonna really enjoy these! :-) Clear skies!

[@CMDR_Elizium51RA]

This was great! I'm really looking forward to you doing more of these.

[@chrisjacksonmakesstuff]

A great new series, I'm looking forward to future instalments!

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

Great idea for a series. Looking forward to more.

[@1fastbunny]

When I was a kid I always wanted make an observatory from a silo , they ready look like observatories lol. They are tall and you could have a few floors to work with.

[@linuxastro]

Great video topic Idea. I am going to build a roll-off observatory shortly and I am a great believer in the concept: "The best ideas I've ever had are borrowed." I have the space and capability, but I like the idea of seeing different designs before I put something up and have a head-slap moment after seeing a great idea it is too late to implement.

[@nightsky_ash]

What a fun story! I love the design of the inside with the little workspace and the step up to the main deck! :) So cozy and comfortable.

[@CosmuzzAstro]

Wow, very impressed you traveled all the way to the UK for this video Nico......Awesome. I am currently building an observatory my self. My DIY pier has been built a few weeks now and just finished the foundation for the observatory. There are so many things to think about and different scenarios that will determine how you build. Wish you all the best on your Obsevatory journey. Really enjoyed the video and look forward to seeing more.

[@jcarroll276]

Very interesting series can't wait to see more from it!

[@gracepierce1024]

in a similar fashion ive been exploring different builds on cloudy nights and yt and such to get an idea for what i want. we just moved from a b4-5 with way too many trees to a b2 with open flat unobstructed views. im in northwest kansas on some farmland. honestly i wouldnt mind too much to just pull what i have out of the garage to use, but with the wind we get here i think some sort of cover would be good. roll aways look not bad, but the domes look good too, but more expensive. at one point i thought of making a second story one, but then there is the issue with having a very solid pier. that second room or space for a table is good for eaa, but ive thought of adding it to the house as well perhaps so i can just stay inside. currently. i drag a chair and a plastic fold out table into my yard/field then run an extension cord for my laptop and camera setup. (using a t5i).

[@NebulaPhotos]

That is exciting Grace! I have seen roll off roof designs attached to the main house. It's a neat idea, but not sure on costs and permits. In some places, you can make a detached observatory without a permit if it's small enough, but if adding on to the house, you might need inspections and contractors, etc. Your new location sounds ideal! Let me know if you progress with it. Would love to talk to you more if you do. nicocarver at gmail dot com. Clear skies, Nico

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Great idea for a series! Hope you move forward....

[@rossblezard574]

Really nice series idea!

[@bruschi8148]

This is going to be a great series! Enjoyed it Niko

[@KopLamp]

I can name a whole lot of people who you should go and visit. Both Cosmuzz Astro and Lukomatico for instance (based in the UK) are currently building or have recently completed an observatory. I would love to have you visit my backyard but other then plans and ideas there is no observatory yet. My main reason is that it would probably take cutting down a tree as well as the garden itself not being that big. My current "observatory" consists of two spots that are marked where I can put my tripods (2x CEM40) so they are already roughly aligned.

[@GcoinNew]

*Que buen tema , realmente interesante , saludos para todos*👏👏👏👏👏

[@stuartwilson5772]

Hey Nico welcome to Scotland! Fantastic to see you and Helena meeting up. Shame we won't actually have any proper darkness until late August 😒

[@bruce150]

Great series Nico! And couldn’t be better timing for me. I just ordered a 10’ home dome from Technical Innovations in Orlando,FL and began designing the building to plop it on for my backyard observatory !

[@AstroDork]

You're such a lovely personally Nico do it's so nice to see you getting on a plane and taking to other astro KZbinrs. I appreciate that you might have had other business in Scotland anyway but I've got my fingers crossed well see you interviewing some of the others... I won't mention names as that's probably not very fair... And very good to you in the future and keep up the good work 👍

[@markhill8218]

Hello Nico, Welcome to Scotland ! You could have timed your visit better with perpetual twilight, a wet summer and the midges ;-)

[@astroazores]

Glad to hear you are planning on building an observatory. I'm currently building mine, all planned by me and will surely be helpful to see your future videos and take some ideas for myself. If you want, I can share the link to the construction pics I'm taking and that I'm uploading to Cloudy Nights.😁

[@pshulins]

Great idea. I have an astrophtography observatory out west in AZ. I operate remotely, and would be happy to give you a tour somrtime.

[@TBR_LLC]

Wonderful channel

[@VladekR]

Brilliant 👍👍👍👍👍👍 My 'dream observatory' is a mobile one. We live in a very light polluted tropical city.

[@ColeRees]

We would love to have you come out to our observatory some time! Located near Seattle, we’ve got a 27.5” forked newt under a dome, among many other great scopes! We have a membership of around 150 with about 15 very active members. If you’re ever out in our area I’d love to show you around! I’m our chief astronomer as well. Great video! I love this new series.

[@mike-lu8di]

Hi, Consider a shipping container, you can easily fit a roll off roof to half the length or fit a dome, I have 3D printed about 8 sections and joined them at their ends to make 1 section of a dome this will make 1 fibreglass mold repeated 12 times You can tart up the shipping container with cladding etc, using a container will allow you a weather proof and very strong enclosure for all your gear, add power and internet and your good to go and even insulate and air con, I concrete ground level holes at each corner with a chain dropped in each hole with a piece of deformed bar pushed through the chain,then a turnbuckle to the corner this helps when a cyclone hits as you don't want it to blow away. With your pier you can concrete it in first then cut a hole in the floor of the container then crane it in over the top, also get rid of the heavy doors if you wish and fit a domestic sliding door. you could fit a side roof extension and use it as a BBQ area or anything your imagination takes you, Yea you need a block for sure out in the sticks to get Dark Sky's and buy some power tools and go for it you'll' have great fun achieving, Cheers.

[@fredmercury1314]

Double-walled polycarbonate sheet is not much more expensive than wood, offers some insulation against cold, can be 100% water proof (depending on how well you seal it), and is light enough that you can build with it on your own. You might want to paint it though, to keep the sunlight out, because it can trap heat really well. Just a thought...

[@mattestabrook]

What a fun video, Nico--and the origin story of Helena's obsy is terrific! Can't believe you never said, "Oh, yeah, by the way, I'm in Scotland!"

[@epicjcl6345]

holy shit I never expected this and I watch the kielder vids too 😮

[@michaelklemm-abraham7298]

Dear Nico, If you are ever in Austria you are welcome to visit me and have a look at my roll of roof observatory. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way myself. A ready solution was way too expensive, so my only option was to build it myself from wood and metal. It got more expensive than I expected and I had to find out I know not enough about construction to deal with the imperfections you ultimately will have. Still, it works for me and I will and can't abandon it. I am a chemist and chemical engineer and from an engineer's point of view, I can and will find solutions to the problems I made myself. Btw: it is still not an option to buy a ready solution.

[@fredmercury1314]

Den - dĕn - noun 1. The shelter or retreat of a wild animal; a lair. 2. A cave or hollow used as a refuge or hiding place. 3. A hidden or squalid dwelling place.

[@bushcraftsurvivaljackonly7319]

Nice

[@ricktaylor1645]

Hi Helena! i been with you from the start, oh hi Neb i did subscribe so we cool, wanted to say hi to Helena

[@TheFlyingScotsmanTV]

Hi Nico, reach out if you want some background on the obsy I built myself 6 months ago - it's pretty unique. cheap, and very flexible.. in more ways than one! currently heading out there to image now!

[@RaffaelMarx]

Hi Nico. You might want to check a series os videos called Astronomos Amadores e seus Observatorios from Astroneos Channel. Yes it is in portuguese but is is still possible to see pictures os different approaches and variations of observatories. Cheers

[@MiroslavOstapenko]

Wow! This format is great! But its only unnatural to go troug your video without seeing night sky) I would personly like to see Helena's kit in action.

[@sonicsupersam7793]

I thought I recognised this somewhere… I always wanted the dengineers to build me a den but my mum said I wasn’t interesting enough haha 😂

[@svendemeyer6278]

You are both amazing! But helena has a much nicer accent 😁😁

[@orionm4268]

If I were to build an observatory I'd make it my home

[@CraigStocksArts]

I'd like to invite you to Southwest Utah to tour my observatory at Utah Desert Remote Observatories. I have a small 10X12 in operation now and we're in the construction phase of a larger observatory that will house multiple hosted remote telescopes. We're using a manufactured Quonset hut as a roll-off building, we designed and built the rest of it.

[@brandonrunyon]

Douglas J Struble (scientist and notable astrophotographer youtuber) has a cool role off to see.

[@erikmardiste]

Roll on roll off roof probably your best , cheapest option

[@mikez104]

Great accent!

[@astrojet9484]

#2 Astrobackyard's Blackdog observatory， # 3Dylan O'Donnell's Observatory，#4 Go to QHY's observatory！