Friday, December 12, 2008

You Can Build Your Own Telescope



It really is easy to build your own telescope, if you are so inclined. Well, we won't say easy because it really depends on what kind of telescope you want to build. It's easy to build your own telescope if you want a simple device that conveys the basic principles of a telescope. If you are wanting a fully functional telescope that you want to use to look at the night sky, it will take a little more time, effort, and expense.

The first thing you need to know is what supplies you will need to build your own telescope. You will also need to know what type of telescope you want to build - a refractor or a reflector. Either type is good for sky gazing, but it will make a difference as to what material you will need.

Look online as there are many places that are dedicated to homemade telescopes. Many of these websites can give you not only a list of supplies, but also instructions on how to build your own telescope. There are many books on the subject that as well that can guide you toward the information you need. Look in your local library or at a book store in the do-it-yourself section.

There are many places you can go to find materials to build your own telescope. Hobby shops are a good place to start. They will have people that work there who will most likely know what you will need and the best products to buy. There are also several online stores that specialize in supplying products that will help you build your own telescope. Here are some for you to try out:
* www.telescopehobby.com
* www.universityoptics.com
* www.atscope.com
* www.photonics.com
* www.telescope.net

You can also make your own telescope supplies if you are so inclined. Many people have fashioned homemade telescopes out of things like PVC pipe, duct tape, cardboard, and wood, and these telescopes seem to work quite well for them! In fact, some of them are quite powerful and they look cool too!

Once you decide that you are going to build your own telescope, learning how to do it is the hard part. Just do a little research and then dive in. Realize that it could be a long process and one that you will have to work efficiently at. Take notes and log what you've done so that you know where you are at any given time in the project. Good luck!

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