Star Traveler Mobile Observatory Road Test
#2:
A second Star Traveler Mobile Observatory was road tested on January
7, 2008. It was driven from Chicago, Illinois to Miami, Florida. A
trip of 1400 miles at an average speed of 60 miles per hour.
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Built out
of aluminum with stainless steel mounting hardware, the Star
Traveler Mobile observatory will last a lifetime. Below are the
standard features, available sizes, and options.
Included Features of the Star Traveler Mobile Observatory
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All aluminum trailer platform with
safety lighting, 2 ½” hitch ball and electrical hookup
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Pier/tripod isolation platform with
independent retractable electric isolation pods. This platform
totally isolates the pier/tripod from the trailer floor. You will be
able to walk on the trailer without vibrating the pier/tripod, and
it also isolates the pier/tripod from external forces, such as wind
on the side of the observatory
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All aluminum observatory walls and
roof with stainless steel fasteners
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Properly balanced trailer weight
distribution for safe trailer operation
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Azimuth adjustment adapter for
quickly adjusting your telescope/mount in azimuth
Applications for Star Traveler Mobile Observatory
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Have an observatory that you can
use on your property and also be able to drive to star parties,
without having to dismantle your setup.
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Since the Star Traveler is not a
permanent observatory, home owners association rules do not apply,
meaning that you may be able to place an observatory on your
property
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Attend your favorite star parties
without having to disassemble your whole telescope setup. Keep all
your equipment mounted during transport. Set-up takes only 10
minutes.
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Public outreach programs to schools
and community. Share your passion for astronomy by bringing your
astronomy to others.
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The Star Traveler can be positioned
in various remote areas and be controlled via the internet, as a
remotely operated observatory, via a wireless link. Since it can be
solar powered (optional with available solar panel system), it can
serve as a self reliant system.
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Great for RV applications. If you
are a RV enthusiast, this is a way to take your observatory with you
when traveling across the country.
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