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Stargazing at home can bring you closer to the stars with the right setup. And if you’ll be in a garden room, like a shed, log cabin, or summer house, you need an obstructed sightline of the night sky. This can be achieved through windows or anything similar that’s wide and clear, allowing your telescope to take centre stage.
Here are your options:
Work with Your Shed Pent Roof
A pent is a single-pitched roof surface, a.k.a. lean-to roof and catslide, among others. In simple terms, one side is higher than the other, giving it a single-sloping side.
This design makes modifications easier, as the sloping roof (or part of it) can be lifted or removed. With hinges or sliding components, you can open it up for a clear view of the sky, almost like having a built-in observatory hatch.
Since most sheds come in kit panels, the roof is generally easier to take apart than a fully built one. You can detach part of it without dismantling the whole structure, reinforce or hinge a section, and make adjustments to support a lift-up or sliding mechanism.
Woodworking is key to getting the job done, but if it’s not your forte, you can always bring in a professional to help. The cost shouldn’t be too steep. Even with professional help, it will likely be under £300, which is far cheaper than a purpose-built garden observatory.
Upgrade Your Log Cabin with Skylights
The idea above is for those with a pent-roof style, but if yours has an apex design, here’s another approach for you.
A clear view of the night sky is probably the most important part of stargazing. With skylights on, say, your log cabin roof, you can get that view without having to remove the whole roof. That said, you’ll still need to do some cutting and fitting to install them properly.
Fit one or more skylights using transparent or tinted polycarbonate, as it’s more affordable than glass. Or, if you’ve got an old but clear window lying around, why not repurpose it? These panels let you see the stars while keeping you sheltered from the wind and weather.
No shame in calling in a professional if needed! And try to stick to budget-friendly materials to keep the costs down.
Tips: Give your skylight a quick clean every now and then to prevent any visual obstructions. If you’ve used polycarbonate, avoid abrasive cleaners to prevent scratches. Be extra careful when climbing onto the roof!
Get the Best Out of Your Summer House Windows
Most summer houses have standard floor-to-ceiling window designs, some even offering multiple viewing angles. Log cabins, on the other hand, often make up for this with large glass double doors. Either way, it saves you the effort of adjusting the roof or installing skylights.
To face the best vantage point, set up your telescope near the window or door that gives you a full view of the sky overhead. South-facing views are often ideal for tracking celestial objects.
Turn off any interior lights to avoid glare on the glass. If the weather’s nice, open the windows or doors so you’ll get a clearer view and a refreshing night breeze while stargazing.
If you, your family, or friends plan to observe for a while, a comfy chair will make all the difference. Something like a 3-piece rattan bistro garden egg set has the right height for sitting comfortably while using the telescope.
Bean bags work, too, though they might be a bit low—if you don’t mind, they’ll add a fun, laid-back touch to the setup. And don’t forget to bring a few easy-to-grab nibbles and a flask of something warm so no one goes hungry.
Round-up
A DIY sliding or opening pent-roof shed lets you open it up for a full view of the sky. Alternatively, you can install skylights if you want something more sheltered without compromising your or your telescope’s field of vision.
Better yet, make use of your garden room’s large glass windows and doors! This works especially well if the structure is positioned in a spot that frames the stars.
