Articles and Columns  Paramount ME concrete pier  My college
will be buying a paramount ME in about two years, and we are in
the process of designing an observatory for it. Payload will be
an 12" Meade SCT and later on, probably a larger-aperture RC. We
are looking for advice on a concrete pier. The pier top will be
at least 8 feet off the ground.  It seems like 12" concrete
columns are popular, made from the standard sonotube. Is there
any advantage to instead having a pier that is cone-shaped
instead of cylindrical? We are looking for maximum stability and
minimization of vibrations from surrounding area (isn't
everyone?)  It will be completely isolated from the observatory
structure.  Ideas, thoughts, advice is welcome!  I blog about
astronomy and cargo bicycles at How far underground are you
going with that pier? Like (0 likes) That's a good question! I'd
like advice on that too! I blog about astronomy and cargo
bicycles at Like (0 likes) I can't help you with some of that,
but I went to a local building