This article shows how to easily observe with a 12" telescope from your driveway. We'll show you how to move the telescope from the garage to your driveway, and how to block streetlights or house lights that interfere with viewing. The video version of this article is at URL: https://youtu.be/riRiGEAjq7I


To move the telescope to or from your driveway, leave the fully assembled telescope mounted on the tripod, with the tripod resting on a wheeled dolly. Just roll the telescope out onto the driveway and lock the dolly wheels to observe, then roll it back into your garage and put a plastic bag over it when finished. Roll the telescope by pushing on the top of the tripod, not on the telescope -- it's top heavy. To build a dolly, see playlist "How To Build A Telescope Dolly".  
  
If house lights or street lights are visible from your driveway or another observing site, block them with a car, or build a portable light shield, like the one below.



Put paper towels under the fittings to protect against glue drips.  Start by gluing the 2" pipes into the center of the tee.  Be sure to glue the pipe end you did NOT grind.  Then glue all the other fittings, being careful not to disturb fittings you're already glued.  To be ABSOLUTELY safe, wait 5 minutes after gluing each fitting.



The cement hardens in a few seconds, so work quickly.


The side supports of the light shield should be glued together on the garage floor or driveway. 
Grind or sand one end of each 20" alignment pipe until it will slip fully into the fittings.

DO NOT use a sanded pipe in a glue joint later.

Note:  The next step is better explained on the video.  (See link in first paragraph of this article.)
Insert the alignment pipes (without cement) into the elbow and the middle of the tee.
Glue the top elbow onto the PVC pipe. Wait 10 minutes for the glue to harden. Apply glue and connect the tee to the bottom, then quickly rotate the tee as you push the pipe in so the elbow, tee, and the ends of both PVC alignment pipes all touch the floor. Wait 10 minutes before removing the alignment pipes to do the other side support. Store all glued parts outdoors for 2 days to reduce the toxic glue fumes.

To assemble the shield, spread the tarp on the garage floor or driveway, assemble the frame on top of the tarp. You may want to sand the ends of the pipes so they'll slip fully into the fittings. Fold the top of the tarp over the top support; fold the sides of the tarp over the side supports, attach with 3 bungee cords through the grommets on the sides of the tarp, as shown on the first picture on this page.  Attach the feet so they are at right angles with the frame, then stand the shield upright. To use the shield when it's windy, put bricks or cement blocks on the shield feet. 

To store in the garage, remove the feet, or rotate them parallel to the shield, then lean the fully assembled shield against the garage wall. 
You can use the light shield away from home. If you have a large vehicle, just transport the assembled light shield. For a car, take it apart, and assemble the shield before observing.



We've described how to move the telescope onto your driveway, and how to shield your driveway from surrounding lights while observing. If the sky is illuminated by surrounding lights where you observe,  check the internet for "light pollution filters" to reduce skylight.



For other astronomy-related articles and videos, check other pages on this website, or check section "Astronomy" on  my youtube channel.