one of my other hobbies

[sandman]

I like to go observing at night occasionally, and its easier with a bigger telescope. So a while ago i decided i would build a bigger one.

This is an 8" Dobsonian Reflector with a truss tube design to make it lighter. But while it looks like a telescope i have yet to find out if it functions like one, as i haven't set the mirrors in it yet. My dad make a 16" Dobsonian for my former science teacher, so i think i got everything right on this one. when i get time we will see if it works.

[jrrdw]

I've seen these before but I can't remember exactly what the artical was talking about, a moon of Saturan's I think. Can't/don't this style scope be used with sound radar???

[sandman]

to my knowledge none of have ever been used for this, but i don't know everything. But, I also don't see why this couldn't be used for it, as the primary mirror is parabolic.

[Gippeto]

Nice Dobs! 8)

Did you grind the parabolic mirror or buy? I'd like to know where and how much if you bought.

Where can you get the mirror aluminized?

F5?

[sandman]

well, u see, some of the hardware came from a broken scope that was given to us as payment for the 16" my dad built. So, the mirror came from a meade Dob. I have read how to grind mirrors and it looks so delicate i would be afraid to do it. I was told that this mirror was ~$250, but i dont know how true that statement was, it seemed a bit low but im not a mirror expert.

[maverik94]

now this is a ....reflecting or refracting telescope, I forget the differnce. This looks like a small version of the sort of thisng they have in huge observatires. Looks nice, I hope it works well! Inay chance of taking a photo of say, saturns rings or something else cool with that when its done? If so, Make sure to post it!