Demonstration Telescopes Using "Dollar Optics"

Details Demonstration Telescopes Using "Dollar Optics" Demonstration Telescopes Using "Dollar Optics"

May 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008aas...212.2702r&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #212, #27.02; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 40, p.224

Physics

Optics

Scientific paper

I propose a poster that illustrates the use of "dollar optics” for experimentation and for the creation of demonstration telescopes.
Handling a variety of lenses and mirrors provides an opportunity for discovering practical optics. Some part of this path of exploration must have been traveled by Galileo as he experimented with spectacle lenses.
"Dollar optics” include reading glasses (positive meniscus lenses), convex and concave mirrors, Fresnel sheets, magnifying lenses, and eye loupes. Unwanted distance spectacles (negative meniscus lenses) are available at second-hand stores. Galileo telescopes, "long” 17th century telescopes, and useful demonstration models of Newtonian reflectors can be made with "dollar” optics.
The poster will illustrate practical information about "dollar optics” and telescopes: magnification, focal length, and "diopters” disassembling spectacles; creating cheap mounts for spectacle lenses; the importance of optical axes and alignment; eyepieces; and focusing. (A table would be useful with the poster to set out a hands-on display of "dollar optic” telescopes.)
Educators, experimenters, and those concerned with astronomy outreach might be interested in this poster. Working with "dollar optics” requires facility with simple tools, interest in planning projects, patience, imagination, and the willingness to invest some time and effort.
"Dollar optics” may help to foster creativity and hands-on enthusiasm - as did Galileo's work with simple lenses 400 years ago.
"Oh! When will there be an end put to the new observations and discoveries of this admirable instrument?” - Galileo Galilei as quoted by Henry C. King, The History of the Telescope.

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