Little Mirror Test

I decided to purchase a used (and somewhat scratched up) little primary mirror to play around with and get used to the whole telescope making concept before moving onto the bigger stuff. This thing was so inexpensive.

How inexpensive was it?

It was so inexpensive ....

Nope, there's no way I can make a joke out of that, so I won't bother. But let's just say I've spent more on a quick lunch downtown. Really. It came from the Surplus Shed (which I think I mentioned in an earlier post).

It's a 2.5" spherical mirror with a 24" focal length. This means I will be able to construct a cute little telescope as a practice piece. I also have a particular plan for it. I want to do something a little different. I'll let you all in on that after I get the thing in the mail and start the plans for building it.

Telescope Building Info Links

If you're interested in learning more about telescope building, here's a good link.

Here's another. And I am told this one is one of the best. I have yet to give it a good read. I'll be commenting on it as I get through it.

Oh, by the way, don't let the naysayers discourage you. When researching the construction of a telescope you will always encounter those who say don't bother trying to build one, just buy one. Well, it depends on what you want in the end. Do you just want a telescope, or do you want to have the experience of building a telescope? If you chose the latter of those two then you should not allow yourself to be discouraged. These comments usually come from people who do not appreciate the significance of what one gains from building something.