__Augustus_
__Augustus_ OP t1_jdth5ol wrote
Reply to comment by flash_boner in 3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people. by __Augustus_
tip: look at it upside down...
__Augustus_ OP t1_jdth4kf wrote
Reply to comment by thewerdy in 3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people. by __Augustus_
Never seen it, unfortunately.
I know they are working on thin meniscus mirrors there now, which is what I do for my larger scope projects.
__Augustus_ OP t1_jdoujma wrote
Reply to comment by Kozzinator in 3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people. by __Augustus_
Failed the same course.
This cost a few thousand bucks but you can build a 14" like it for $1500 or less, but I would recommend starting with an 8-10" ($500-$900 new, less if DIY or used). Links have more info and recommendations
__Augustus_ OP t1_jdots9l wrote
Reply to comment by ellie1929 in 3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people. by __Augustus_
It's not hard! Check out the pinned /r/atming post and the Hadley 114mm telescope: https://www.printables.com/model/224383-astronomical-telescope-hadley-an-easy-assembly-hig
__Augustus_ OP t1_jdoth9y wrote
Reply to 3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people. by __Augustus_
Returning after 3 years. It may not look like it but this is the same telescope from here (and same haircut, lol). Lots of improvements including bigger bearings, new focuser, new truss clamps, a motorized EQ platform for tracking. 14.7" f/2.9 Dobsonian with a quartz mirror made by Steve Dodds. I have since built a number of telescopes up to 24" but this is once again my largest scope and I am beginning work on a 25" f/2.6 along with a 32" f/2.6 and 37" f/3, which I am grinding the mirrors for. I also regularly set up my telescopes for public outreach events including literally on street corners, and I am teaching friends to grind mirrors and make telescopes both locally and over the Internet. This scope has been to dozens of star parties and outreach events and still remains my favorite and it keeps getting better the more I tweak it.
Other than DIY astronomy stuff, I have no background in science or engineering, and I suck at math. Building one of these is not hard and it's a great way to get an affordable, not to mention custom instrument.
As always, if you're interested in buying or making a telescope I recommend /r/atming and /r/telescopes along with TelescopicWatch.com. You can build or buy a good telescope for as little as $130. The Hadley 114mm telescope is a lovely 3D-printed instrument you can easily make yourself for $150 or less.
Photo taken at the annual Stars Over Sabino event in Tucson, AZ.
3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people.
__Augustus_ OP t1_jdth7mx wrote
Reply to comment by FireblastU in 3 years ago I built this telescope in my parents' garage. It's since shown me supernovae, comets, 3 dwarf planets and been looked through by thousands of other people. by __Augustus_
Ceres is easy with binoculars or a small scope. Have also seen Makemake with it. Haumea should be possible. If I live to over 100, Eris will be too when it gets nearer to the Sun again.