temperature and insulation

I have a lovely roll-off with a peaked roof and eaves. The maker and original owner fit bits of insulation into the spaces under the eaves and covered the inside with soft and hard insulation. As the building ages and I perform maintenance, I find my self wondering, why try to insulate a roll-off observatory? Isn't the idea of keeping the scopes outdoors being to let them be at ambient temperature?

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Insulation can be important to keep the inside of the observing deck closer to the night-time ambient temperature during the day when it's closed.

Robert Howe said:

I have a lovely roll-off with a peaked roof and eaves. The maker and original owner fit bits of insulation into the spaces under the eaves and covered the inside with soft and hard insulation. As the building ages and I perform maintenance, I find my self wondering, why try to insulate a roll-off observatory? Isn't the idea of keeping the scopes outdoors being to let them be at ambient temperature?

Hi Robert,
What part of the country do you live in?

In the Phoenix area, I'm considering air conditioning for my observatory. Set the thermostat at the average temp for nights at a given time of year, and the deltas for cool-down or warm up won't be
so severe.

When I kept the scope in the house at 78*, and evening temp outdoors was 97* F, it would take an hour or two to warm up. Dramatic changes in temperature can be a challenge.

Steve
8)

Hi,

I agree....its the dramatic "sun blasting against the walls" temperature change that is an inconvenience. I don't think it damages the instruments, but you can work easier in the obs. without the extreme heat change or cold (if you have a warm room).

Paul