Astronomy Fundamentals: What Possessed You to Build Your Own Telescope

Amateur astronomy used to be associated with making your own telescope. Stellafane in Vermont still pays homage to the art of telescope making and is approaching its 90th year. However, with the availability of mass produced mirrors, lenses, and complete telescopes, the interest in telescope making has waned. But all things are cyclic, and that may also include a renewed interest in grinding your own mirror and making your own telescope.

If the opportunity to make your own telescope intrigues you, or maybe you are just interested in learning about the process many amateurs used to get a larger telescope, join us for our July fundamentals. NAA member, Chris Almanza, will provide a brief overview of why you might want to build your own telescope, including grinding your own mirror. The fundamentals talk will provide general information about the planning and process involved with building a Dobsonian (Reflector) Telescope.