Home Observatory in Washington Backyard | Sanctuary | Zillow

Jonathan Fay's fascination with outer space began the first time he looked through a telescope. With a little help from his family, the amateur astronomer designed and built his own home observatory - right in his backyard! Today, he can be found observing planetary nebula and galaxies from his 8-foot dome.
Sanctuary is a Zillow series profiling individuals who took their passions to new levels by building out their space to do what they love most.
#HomeObservatory #Sanctuary #Zillow
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[@MattSchulze]

"There is a certain peace and contemplation to be able to look out at the night sky, to look at these various objects and just understand the vastness of this". Couldn't have said it better myself

[@bpick1103]

Your passion comes through so clearly in this video and you have picked a beautiful place to build your sanctuary.

[@NorfolkTraveller]

Wonderful film. I love the line 'When you see an observatory dome, you know science is spoken there'

[@caffeinediaries5842]

This seems like a life goal to me.. to build something classy like this from my own imagination. Astronomy has always been my passion and I hope one day I’ll build my own observatory like this 🤩

[@willtheelectrician8184]

This made my day. Human beings are amazing! Your passion is an inspiration.

[@curlyclaire83]

I searched through so many vidoes about observatories to find one that accuratley and succinctly describes what they are, what they do and how they work, to show my daughter. This is the best one out of all of them; including some of the huge observatories

[@BruceSeesall]

I am going to build my sanctuary brother. Thanks for sharing your dreams with us.

[@CessnaPilot99]

That would be amazing to build them server Tori like this. I see you’re subscribed to OAN. You’re going down a dangerous conspiracy laiden path that has no basis in reality. Pull yourself out before it fully envelops and corrupts your mind

[@dwaynerobertson383]

VERY NICE!! The observatory...and for the family that built it. That is beautiful.

[@CyberTechOfficial-h7n]

You got inspired more amateur astronomers... Bravo 🖒

[@jpastroguy]

Awesome domed observatory! I am green with envy! Your comments about passion are spot on!

[@deoxyribonucleicacid2540]

absolutely no way!!! that looks exactly like what I always imagine I'll have in the future! I haven't even looked it up until now! I can't believe that someone had the same dream as me and actually made it reality! you sir, are an inspiration. I genuinely hope I will have the resources to create my own sanctuary one day! I keep saying to myself that one day when I have enough money, I will have my own home with a huge library and an observatory, just like the one you built and I'll be able to look at the night sky from my own home and find that wonderful feeling of content and nostalgia that I get every time I look up at the sky. It is my passion as well, though I know I can't be an astronaut or an astrophysicist, at least I should be able to study the cosmos and admire it as much as I can.

[@physicswallahbmsharmafreev6262]

I realised that everyone have same problem around the world that is money. Without it , no way to pursue dream

[@UTubeGlennAR]

:} Just Lovel vide John n family.............. Seeing your vid right no just brought back a long tucked away memory in my now old noggin on how my dad, a US Navy Quartermaster/Navagator in the times of slide rulers takeing me to the beach and us laying out in the sand with all the sounds of the sea under the stars and my dad telling me so so many things about the cosmose and the names of the constellations............ Thanks for dusting off a gerat but almost forgotten memory of my child hood Johnathan and Family............... :}

[@brucezar9517]

An elevated big moving white slotted dome is more than iconic. It's essential, defining and awe evoking. A time portal for the responsible astronomer; guiding informing and often transporting mere mortal men into the heart of the ultimate mystery lingering up and far, far above

[@johnsteele8457]

Nice job. You should be proud. I've built my own 10 foot dome observatory about fifteen years ago and know what it took to build what you have.

[@johncipolletti6139]

I loved this video. I also loved that he had the funds to live in the country and to build an observatory. Many years ago, at 12, I had a large scope and a homemade observatory. I took (and still have) many pictures. I just wish I still had the enthusiasm this man has in astronomy.

[@jimadams6276]

Jonathan, Thanks for the inspiration to build my own. very nice work !

[@misterman2442]

This is certainly one way to unlock the mind ! I dream of this .

[@thebigcheesymac]

Very nice! I too am an amateur astronomer living in Woodinville (SteveG on CN). I hope to build my own observatory when I retire in about 10 years, but I'm planning on moving south!

[@zeitgeist8167]

Very inspiring, excellent presentation!

[@rangerx4132]

MY RESPECT TO THIS MAN ❤

[@jeroexx]

this was such a peaceful and kinda inspiring video. I totally love it

[@pratiksubhedar5960]

Sir, watching this video my conclusion is your living life at full throttle.. love it. Just nailed it.

[@lambda4931]

Nice job! Wish you clear skies even in Washington!

[@stonedragon2986]

You are my hero sir!!!!!!

[@Rubin5342]

I love it. Thank you for helping me get closer to my own. //ji John in Oregon

[@jonathanblack2765]

Thank you for this video: you are so lucky to have family that will support you. Love the work you did and what you have accomplished. I wish you many years of fun (and science) and I hope your family and friends will join in and learn from you. Best regards, JB.

[@gorillahd9247]

Outstanding video and congrats on having a fantastic observatory. Keep looking up!

[@scrfirefighter]

Great story Jonathan! You're a good dad.

[@johnnycanosoda]

Awesome, your a wonderful Dad

[@ModulatorUK]

Wow nice video. I would love to have my own observatory in the future. Lovely to see Jonathans passion.

[@astrodavedownunder2926]

Love it! Great storytelling too!

[@omaracosta3542]

Very well done... Great video

[@baumkuchen6543]

The most powerful man on the planet. 0:13

[@ricardocalderon1721]

Thank you for your video.

[@Short_Trip_With_Me]

Very cool man. I like such an observatory.

[@andrewlabat9963]

Fantastic man, just fantastic..!!

[@prabhakarv4193]

Thank you Sir for your dedication for astronomy.

[@blazernation3155]

AWESOME 👍

[@YTMegiddo]

Beautifully done!

[@erikmardiste]

Thanks Johnathan really cool idea thanks mate

[@thecampbells3908]

Last week I visited Aricebo in Puerto Rico (see the video of our visit in S1E11). I have always been fascinated by astronomy, but this stirred something up in me. As an airline pilot, I live in the sky, and there isn't a moment goes by that I'm not gazing out the window of my jet in awe. I live in the Franconia area of Minnesota on 5 rural, dark acres, on a hill with nearly 100% hemispherical viewing opportunities. Walking outdoors at night here causes one to gasp at the clarity and size of our night sky and all it contains. Though I am new to amateur astronomy, I believe this is a path I wish to tread. Your video, observatory, and personal aura are extremely inspiring. So much in fact that I'd love to fly out to meet you and see your work first hand. I'll try to contact you, but please feel free to contact me if you can. Thank you for the amazing video! ~ Josh

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Yes!! 🤩🔭🏡🚙🌌 "Science is spoken there" at home too ❣️

[@mikenaughton4298]

Thanks for doing/sharing this. Everything about this is first rate. Cool video. Fun can be serious work.

[@charlesware4584]

In 1976 my brother and I were at the observatory of Benedictine College in Lisle Illinois. It was about an 18 in.mirror. He was tracking the planet Saturn. Thru the eyepiece it looked like the photos. It was windy. My brother said the quality was not the best. I still remember everything as being amazing.

[@fuhaustinambe4934]

I Am equally a Software Engineer, this is exactly what I plan on doing my self, I have a passion for astronomy myself.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

One of the best Videos

[@quadirmiller609]

Ray's Astrophotography what’s up man!?

[@RaysAstrophotography]

@@quadirmiller609 like that setup and the presentation :-)

[@RodJSmith]

That's fantastic. I really would have liked to see more of the inside. How do you get into the dome from inside the shed? How is the dome connected to the shed and how are the motors set up etc? Do you have another video showing that sort of detail? If not, please make one. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would watch it!

[@juangutierrez7251]

Love it

[@alekszaborski]

AMAZING !!!

[@MrDennisLB]

Very nice, Thank You for sharing.

[@shivercanada]

I'm an Amateur Astrophotographer, a dome in my yard would be a dream as wind is a real problem, but I still need a dedicated cooled astro cam and filters before I try to tackle such a project. Hope you have decades of enjoyment!

[@成非-l6c]

No light pollution！👍

[@bobgreen1272]

W O W in Wa. also and NO AMBIENT LIGHT!!! GREAT STATE FOR LOOKING UpWARDS, eh? THANKS FOR MENTIONING " PASSION " !! Don't leave home without it !! bg

[@orange70383]

I've been an amateur astronomer for 50 years now and since around 2000 the moon has become much brighter and my meters prove it.

[@okie3229]

Nice video

[@wascadoo8946]

Good on ya Mate👍 I feel your Passion & Embrace the Desire to build my Own

[@Danieltredway1431]

Nice short vid!

[@poly_hexamethyl]

I like your little dome, and how you attached it to the roof of the house. Nice design!

[@rubengastelum5204]

BRAVO ! BRAVO !! BRAVO !!! I'M ENORMOUSLY FILLED WITH JOY FOR YOU'RE SANCTUARY ... 🔭👁👁😁

[@AntisocialAtheist1]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I am building one of these in my garage. I believe I'll build it out of aluminum or steel since I am welder. The outer shell will be plastic.

[@kellypassalaqua3427]

Wow Jonathan! Your observatory reminds me of the Palomar Observatory, Palomar Mountain, CA. Of course a much smaller scale but nonetheless impressive. Do you welcome visitors?

[@Nottsboy24]

Just pure awesomeness ☺👍:)

[@skepticsapiens4149]

dont know why but i am jealous of him .

[@Sparkey]

You lucky man. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@brendaaraiza1188]

amazing, definetly an inspiration!

[@urarthur675]

loved it.

[@SovsBorg]

Well done!!

[@mimlomiani6949]

I Too Love what you have done. Beautiful :), just Beautiful. GOOD LUCK WITH IT...:)

[@soldtobediers]

''WHEN ONE CHOOSES TO LOOK FURTHER THAN ONE CAN COMPREHEND... THEREIN LIES THE VISUAL BEAUTIES THAT HAVE HIS OWN EXCUSE FOR BEING.'' ~Just another one of the many one's of we who are awaiting His Just Return. 12322

[@able101g]

Your are amazing, hopefully I will have something like this in future.

[@xsauce3858]

I love it.

[@Rick-or2kq]

For me it is a wonder, I watch people walk at night and never stop to look up at that wonder, I can't do it i always stop and stand for a moment and look up, it always amazes me, what is it, how did come to be?

He's living my dream XD

[@KonstantinoPolizois]

The classic observatory! ❤️

[@baloog8]

Given his dedication, I wouldve expected a 16 in telescope.

[@mar504]

Bigger is not always better, especially if you are using it for astrophotography.

[@miftahulkhair8875]

good job dude... I also love astronomy, hopefully someday can make like this, just need some cash.. bravo!

[@intensetwitch7556]

This is a dream and passion i am planning to make a similar one would you recommend a glass dome for a sweeter night sky view?

[@anonymousflyonthewall4732]

How do you compensate for slewing of the telescope during tracking astrophotography, without the dome blocking the the view?

[@markbonsall3011]

Love your observatory lots of love and hard work astronomy is my life but so is music so home made Sanctuary is recording studio I'll post a video one day.

[@ecnldad9471]

Hello Jonathan, great video...thank you for sharing. I'm interested in building an Observatory for my daughter and myself this spring in Haddonfield, NJ. I'd really like to discuss your thoughts on design if you have some time. All the best, Andrew

[@michaelargenta3856]

Where did you get the dome? Cost? the 12 inch scope? So many questions. Very interested. I however, wouldn't let any of my kids touch it. They would probably break it the first day nor want to help build it. Thanks very peaceful video. I would probably have my wine fridge up in there too. hahahah.

[@VK3CSJ]

Hello Jonathan, just watching this video for the first time, its very well done, just the slightest slowing down of the footage and aerial photography adds so much to this clip. I'm curious to know how you made your foundation for the telescope, I mean to take pictures of the sky requires the Telescope to be on a stable platform i.e. Concrete, yet your observatory is up in the roof of a small shed. Have you got all the stability you need?....Cheers Clint Jeffrey, member of the Astronomical Society of Victoria in Australia.

[@bhastro9959]

I have the same question. But few of the images here were from that actual telescope!

[@MrHrivera28]

i love what you did, i wish i was able to put one together. i was planning on getting a nikon 900. i look forward looking at the moon.

[@Personinspain]

I want to do the same wuth a Meade LX 600, a Mach 2 German mount, and a plane wave mount L500 direct drive. With this configuration, what would I need to kerp in mind?

[@iansilver-ramp595]

How much of a difference does the dome make vs going to a dark sky site?

[@WillyEast]

Wow.

[@drewofearth6681]

Whoah

[@traderlincolnmitchell9786]

good video

[@vancelopez2035]

I'm wondering how much was the final cost on the entire project?

[@themailman8038]

Vance Lopez I wish I knew also

[@northtexasskies3243]

Telescope + equipment + dome and shed is probably in the $7-8k Range.

[@camcompco]

@@northtexasskies3243 Best not to try and guess on the cost of the equipment . . .it gets expensive quickly. Astrophotography camera easily 2k, sturdy mount to support the 12: telescope, 2k easy (mine was many times that), the telescope itself, 2.5k, filters, lenses, dew heaters, auto-guiding camera and scope, there is also the software to control the telescope's movement while tracking the Deep Sky Objects and the mechanism to make the observatory follow it, not to mention (typically) a dedicated computer to manage all of the multitude of processes required to successfully photograph the things he said he likes most. Also, . . .I could see the dome and shed costing 5 k alone (assuming he builds to bottom building himself like he did the dome with a concrete floor). Just saying, I am at 20k and still going, and I don't have an observatory LOL

[@willo9327]

Hello , I was wondering if you allow local random, come visit your telescope? If so Im located in Renton Washington.

[@PlanetObservatory]

I need an observatory other than my driveway. I would get a lot more footage and data if I did not have to carry my stuff and setup every chance. Would be able to take care of narrow windows

[@tridoshchakraborty5590]

Wow

[@rafaelrocha9757]

Comfy.

[@passerby1942]

Can you observe any far away mountains on earth? if yes how far?

[@Photon-1927]

Lovely

[@derekderek2570]

Dang, no tour of the inside?

[@ginomarone8831]

A serious question: how often can you actually see the skies -in Western Washington?

[@MrGp3po]

Lots of cloudy nights there and light pollution from Seattle megalopolis. But a man cave is a man cave. Just have to pop the top on a cold one and enjoy.

[@paulgolubov3456]

@@MrGp3po sir you must repent and turn to Jesus your creator he wants to have a relationship with you. We pay for our sins with hell if we don't repent. He died to forgive you but you must come to him to revive it

[@petesterk2318]

Nice

[@rubengastelum5204]

IS INSPIRING ... GREAT !!!!! ID LIKE TO VISIT YOU.... AND YOUR SANCTUARY ..

[@stephenclubb5312]

How did you mount the telescope with it being elevated like that.

[@mar504]

Looks like a big cement pier going to a large underground footing. You'd have to do it this way to isolate it from the building, otherwise every bit of wind would shake the view