Make a telescope

We would love to help you make a telescope. It’s a great chance to learn the history of astronomy and astrophysics. Many significant discoveries have been made with amateur telescopes—going back to Galileo.

Fran Edwards and his 1st place ribbon winning 10-inch f/5.5 Newt Dob
Fran Edwards and his 1st place ribbon winning 10-inch f/5.5 Newt Dob

Our telescope making workshops are led by Fran Edwards, past Treasurer. Fran is a talented amateur mirror and telescope maker and an active member of the Springfield Telescope Makers. He was awarded a first place ribbon at the 2012 Stellafane Convention for Best Optical Performance—an outstanding achievement. Many fine amateur telescopes have been made by AAS members under his tutelage.

AAS member Charlie Stevenson won a 2nd place ribbon with his 8″ f/5.7 string telescope during the 2016 Stellafane Convention optical competition in the Newtonians 12.5″ and Smaller category. Charlie started his mirror during Fran’s 2015 workshop and completed the telescope just in time for Stellafane at the beginning of August 2016.

Charlie Stevenson's f/5.7 string telescope won a 2nd place award at Stellafane 2016
Charlie Stevenson’s f/5.7 string telescope won a 2nd place award at Stellafane 2016

For more information, come to our next meeting at AMC (see events calendar) or contact Fran Edwards via our contact form.

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