How to Build a Telescope | Science Fair Projects

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How to Build a Telescope | Science Fair Projects

When Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei heard rumors of the first practical telescope at the beginning of the 17th century, he was quick to craft his own version and turn it toward the heavens. Following his pattern, you can make your own Galilean telescope at home and use it to study the stars, just as the well-known astronomer once did. – See more at: http://www.space.com/24114-how-to-build-a-telescope-science-fair-projects.html#sthash.Z47ffUvV.dpuf

http://www.instructables.com

Homemade 12.5 inch Dobsonian Telescope

wikipedia

Amateur telescope making

Astronomical Society of Victoria contains a club of people who build their own telescopes. I presume in other states as well.

There are subtleties about building or modifying a telescope for amateur astronomical use. One such is to paint the telescope black both inside and outside. The speeds cool-down at night and minimises image distortion due to thermal convection of air within the barrel. And minimises stray light reflection off the sides of the inside of the barrel. Telescopes bought in shops don’t have this colour scheme so must be modified.