How To Build A Telescope

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How To Build A Telescope
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Are you looking to make your own telescope? If you are looking for a rewarding experience, there is nothing like building a telescope and using your own built telescope to view the heavens. As you read this article, you will discover more about how to make a telescope.

Build A Telescope

If you have been wondering how to make a telescope, you will need a few parts. You have 2 choices to make, and that is whether to build a reflecting telescope or a refracting telescope. However, realize that building a refracting telescope requires a lot of optical equipment which is not feasible for most.

Building a reflecting telescope is much better, as it allows plenty of scope. And you really can build a small telescope or a big telescope - the choice is yours!

To build a reflecting telescope, you will need a few parts. Let's look at them:

• Mirror
• Optical Tube Assembly
• Telescope Tripod & Mount
• Other Essentials To Build Your Own Telescope

How To Make A Telescope - Mirror

One of the biggest aspects of the telescope is the mirror. In a reflecting telescope, the mirror works to collect as much light as possible and focus it to a point. The ultimate end being that we get to see a planet or an object in deep space.

The first consideration you will need to make is how big a telescope you will build. Reflecting telescopes can go from a few inches to over 10". If it is your first telescope, I suggest building either 6", 8" or 10". Realize that 10" is much harder, and will require a lot more time to build the telescope.

The mirror can either be made yourself or purchased. The choice comes down to time really. A piece of glass can be purchased and cut and polished into a mirror. It becomes a mirror when it finally has its silver/aluminum coating.

How To Build A Telescope - Optical Tube Assembly

The actual tube that houses the telescopes mirror is one which can either be purchased or made yourself. Get creative! You can use an old telescope or buy a sheet of metal, and work it.

Telescope Tripod & Mount

When you build your own telescope, you can either use the tripod and mount in an old telescope you own or you can buy your own new one. However, there is an alternative, and that is to make your own tripod and mount. You may need some technical know how, however, you can create many different simple designs which work for your needs.

Other Essentials To Build Your Own Telescope

Telescope lenses are an essential part of owning a telescope. It is best to buy these, as well as secondary mirror. These extras, if you build yourself would require a lot of optical equipment, and these aren't practical, unless you aim to manufacture such things.

Video Tutorial on how to make this telescope (This video also contains advice on how to find the focal length of a lens)