Pier Placement ?

I'm building an 8' domed observatory for my 8" LX200. Can anyone tell me how the position of the pier inside the observatory is calculated? I've noticed that in most observatories, most scopes are off center. Thank,
Bob

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When I did my pier I set it so when I point my scope to Zenith
the center line of the scope is in the exact center of the dome.

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Bob, My 7' dome has its pier exactly centered for my C11 and the space inside seems fine. When I was contemplating this same issue 2 years ago, my tripod was broken so I was afraid to "estimate" how to offset the pier and just played it safe. Since your dome is even bigger, I would personally just leave it centered. To protect the observatory walls add an extra 6" radius and make the concrete pad 9'DIA. By the way, drill the bolt supports last, I added them first which may the job much more difficult. Good luck!

Regards,
Steve

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Hello Guys, There is a reason that you might want to make the center
of rotation of your telescope lie at the center of rotation of your dome. If you
ever want to automate your dome, the rotation of the dome to keep the
telescope pointed through the opening will be much easier if the center
of rotation of the telescope coincides with that of the dome. That way,
all you must do is keep the slot pointed toward the azimuth of the telescope.
Otherwise, the calculation can be terrible if rotation of the telescope
is not centered on the rotation of the dome.
Ted