Telescope making, more formally known as amateur telescope making, may seem like an odd hobby at first glance. After all, you don’t need to know how telescopes are built in order to use them, and they aren’t exactly easy to find just laying around your average department store. However, if you have an interest in astronomy or even just the technical aspect of building things in general, then you might find that telescope making could be something you love to do. With that being said, here are the top five reasons to get into telescope making!
1) The people you meet
I’m sure you’ve heard this, but the people you meet are one of the best things about making telescopes. We get to chat with people from all walks of life, and everyone has a unique story. It’s also really nice knowing that what we’re doing can have such a positive impact on other people’s lives. It’s one thing just enjoying our hobby, but it’s another level when you know that your work is helping someone see better or actually going into space!
2) The skills you learn
Learning how to make telescopes can be both a challenging and rewarding process. If you enjoy working with your hands, this may be the perfect project for you. You will learn valuable skills that cannot be learned in school and there is something very fulfilling about seeing the finished product.
It takes a lot of patience and self-control, but as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will eventually see results. It can also be very satisfying when someone who was initially skeptical or dismissive of your work tells you how great it looks. It’s even better when they tell their friends about your telescope too!
3) The knowledge you gain
Telescopes allow for observation of objects that are too small, or too far away, for the human eye to see. This includes objects like planets and galaxies. Telescopes can be used for a variety of purposes from viewing nature, to studying the stars, and even military reconnaissance. There is also an astronomical telescope which is a telescope designed specifically for observing celestial objects. Telescopes have been around since the 17th century and they’re still as important today as they were then. The art of telescope making has advanced throughout the centuries so much that telescopes now come in various sizes and shapes with a range of features such as computerized controls and high-tech optics.
Telescopes are awesome because you get to see things that would be impossible otherwise!
4) The equipment you have access to
The first step in making a telescope is getting the equipment. You’re going to need some sort of metalworking tools, a lathe and drill press are best but anything will work. You’ll also need a set of hand tools including chisels, hammers, files, and saws. Finally you’ll need some power tools such as an electric jigsaw, scroll saw or band saw if you want to make curved pieces.
5) The satisfaction from building your own scope
Building a telescope is a satisfying experience that will teach you about the technology, tools, and techniques of modern telescopes. The satisfaction from building your own scope is worth the time invested in sourcing materials and learning how to build.
The process of building a telescope can be overwhelming at first due to the number of steps and different components involved, but once you know what you are doing it becomes easier. You will need patience and perseverance to get through all the steps needed for finishing your scope; however, the sense of accomplishment from reaching the end is well worth it.
