TELESCOPE MAKING CLASS

The telescope making class is progressing fairly satisfactorily, though somewhat more slowly than I had hoped. (However, it is better to make steady progress and pay attention to quality, rather than rush things and end up with an inferior telescope, so I am not complaining!). Several mirrors (2 x 6", one 8" and a 10") are in the polishing and figuring stages, are already looking pretty good, and should hopefully be finished soon. In my absence, Brian Fraser has kindly agreed to guide the class through the figuring process, so I have no doubt things will go smoothly notwithstanding the resistance that may be encountered.

Mary McKinnon’s tube assembly is finally taking shape and we hope she will be viewing soon, taking advantage of the clear winter skies. She does however need assistance in getting a mounting constructed; any volunteers? Mary has been a paragon of perseverance in this endeavour, and should be an example to us all. And, for those of you who have not yet sussed out how the tea and biscuits have magically been arriving at the monthly meetings – Mary has been the provider, quietly working behind the scenes to make our lives more pleasant. Thanks Mary.

The Crayford-style focuser designed by Andrew Leigh and Walter Baccio has proved itself, and has also been scaled up to 2" (albeit with some minor difficulties). Eric Brindeau has transferred the original engineering drawings to CAD and produced some magnificent 3-D images that should clarify the construction details. Thanks to all of you. I hope to have an artical available for Canopus before I leave for Belgium, but no promises .... (This article did arrive and follows this one.– Editors).

Gerrit Koekemoer has managed to find us a pile of lenses suitable for building low-power eyepieces, and a number of photocopier mirrors suitable for use as diagonals, so this class is well provided for - all the difficulties are in hand. Thanks. If anyone out there ahas access to such things, please let us know. Because the technology evolves continuously, we cannot expect to always have suitable "junque" available, so it would not hurt to stockpile while we can.

Some of the TM class members appear to have faded from the scene recently. I am acutely aware of how personal circumstances conspire to thwart our plans, so I am not about to castigate anyone. But guys, we’d like to see you back. so please rejoin us as and when you can; if you just "keep on keeping on" whenever you have an opportunity, your scopes will eventually see starlight.

To all, good luck. I intend keeping in e-mail contact and hope to hear great things about completed telescopes and the magnificent views.

Chris Stewart