Rent the Observatory
at Rooisand Desert Ranch
Why Remote Observing at Rooisand
Why Remote Observing at Rooisand?
Pristine Dark Skies: Rooisand offers Bortle Class 1–2 skies, among the darkest on Earth.
- High Altitude & Dry Climate: Exceptional observation conditions with minimal atmospheric distortion.
- Reliable Infrastructure: Stable power supply, high‑speed internet, and secure facilities ensure uninterrupted operations.
Remote Operations
- Worldwide Access🌐 : Control your telescope from anywhere in the world via secure remote login.
- Automated Imaging: Schedule observations, run scripts, and capture data without being physically present.
- Technical Support: Our team assists with installation, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Data Security: Encrypted connections and reliable storage options for your astronomical data
Remote Observatory Facilities
- Customized Observatories: Pre‑built, vibration‑free platforms designed for permanent telescope installations;
- Enclosures: Weather‑protected, heat-resistant and dust-sealed functional enclosures with automated opening/closing systems for complete remote control;
- Power & Connectivity: Dedicated power lines, a backup generator, and dedicated satellite internet for remote control and data transfer.
- Security & Maintenance: On‑site staff provide monitoring, routine checks, and technical support.
Who It’s For
- Professional Astronomers: Conduct long‑term research projects without the need for constant travel.
- Universities & Institutions: Host student projects or collaborative research programs.
- Astro‑Photographers: Capture deep‑sky images with world‑class clarity, even if you’re thousands of kilometers away.
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Rent the Observatory
Already an accomplished amateur astronomer?
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the cosmos at Rooisand’s exceptional observatory!
Featuring the largest telescope/astrograph combination available for public viewing, our facility offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities, complemented by the pristine conditions of the Gamsberg surroundings!
Located just 2.5 km from the ranch main house atop a serene hill, the observatory is your gateway to the stars. Nearby, the Mountain Chalet provides a tranquil retreat during the day, allowing you to recharge for your evening celestial explorations. This fully furnished haven accommodates up to four self-caterers, boasting two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a cozy living/dining area, and both a sun terrace and balcony. Of course, you’re welcome to indulge in additional meals at our delightful farm restaurant.
For just N$ 5,800 per night (approximately USD 354.50 or GBP 265.01), you can reserve the entire observatory for your exclusive use, ensuring a private and immersive experience.
* Internet connectivity is included via Paratus VSAT link.
What you need to bring:
For visual observations, you need to bring your own preferred oculars (1 ¼ inch and/or 2 inches) and special filters.
For photographic observations, we recommend that you bring your own laptop, a guiding camera with updated software and drivers and, of course, your camera/s. The observatory inventory includes a SBIG-ST-i, but a spare camera, with which you are familiar, is recommended.
A Vixen 125mm Binocular Telescope on a Baader Tripod can also be hired for additional visual observations.
Kindly note that we will require verification of your experience and technical expertise with equipment equal or similar to ours held at the observatory.
Observatory Information
Inventory list – Rooisand Observatory 12/2017
General: focus position of the CDK 17, focusing fully retracted = 117 mm behind the 2 “mount WITHOUT M68 extension
Looped cables at the GTO 1600
- Power Suppley CDK 17
- USB to USB (SBIG)
- Mini USB to USB (EOS), marked in white color)
- SBIG Guidingkabel RJ11
Assembly: F. Hofmann and W. Paech from 07th to 12th August 2013
Oculars
- Complete set of Baader Hyperion 2“ / 1-1/4“oculars
- Additional 2” Hyperion asphärisch with f = 31- and 36mm
- Complete set of Baader 1-1/4“ Q-Turett + Okularrevolver and Barlowlens
- 1-1/4” crosshair Baader MicroGuide
Prisms
- 2 pieces 2“ ClickLock Prism
- 2 pieces 1-1/4“ Prismen
Mechanic
- 2“ extension
- Reducer from 2“ to 1-1/4“
- EOS T2 Widefieldadapter, inkl. UV/IR Sperrfilter
- M68 Adapterset for CDK 17
- T2 – CMount Adapter incl. UV IR cutfilter
- StrongHold Tangentialverstellung (mounted at the Zeiss APQ)
- 1-1/4“ fokussierende Aufnahme for ST-i Guidingkamera
Additionally available (not included in the normal dome rent)
- Vixen 125mm binocular with Baader tripod
Vixen DX mount (Paech privat, incl.)
- Guiding scope + crosshair ocular (Lichtenknecker 85/540mm refractor)
- 2 x V44 Schiene mit stabilen Kugelkopf
Filter
- 2” and 1-1/4” neutral density filters (ND 1,8 und ND 0,9) for moon observations
- 2“ Baader 35nm H-alpha Filter
- 2“ Baader UV IR Cut
Barlowlenses
- 2“ AP Barlowlinse
- 1-1/4“ Q-Turett, divisible (x 2.25 und x 1.6)
Kollimation
- Kollimation set for the CDK 17
- Polarfinder for the GTO 1600
Accessories especially for TEC 110 FL
- Fieldflattener and Canon EOS/SBIG ST 10/2000 Adapter
Accessories especially for the PlaneWave
- Televue Reducer 0.8x with 2” plug-in connection (at the moment only usable with Canon EOS DSLR cameras)
Guiding
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- SBIG ST-i Guiding camera
The Rooisand 3.2m Dome
TCDK 17“ Planewave, Focus positions for photography and eyepieces :
Baader Hyperion (aspheric) 31- und 36mm oculars – without any M68 extension with 2“
prism.
Baader Hyperion oculars – with 10mm M68 extension and 2“ prism
Canon EOS Kameras – without M68 extension, but with a 2“ extension
TEC and Zeiss APQ
Canon EOS cameras with a 2“ extension
Vixen mount for wide angle photography
DX mount: There are two markings between pole block / adapter and steel flange / column (circles in the picture) match, the mount is well adjusted (please do NOT adjust the pole height)
Figure left: Motor couplings – if the knurled screws are tightened, the drive motors are firmly coupled to the worm drives (no manual adjustment possible). Once they have been released, the axes can also be adjusted manually via the handles.
Traveller Review Award
Booking.com
2020
Traveller Review Award
Booking.com
2020
Traveller Review Award
Booking.com
2020
Traveller Review Award
Booking.com
2020
Traveller Review Award
Booking.com
2020
