Building a Telescope

Many people are eager to make telescopes at home and it is definitely possible. While learning how to make a telescope, one must know what is desired before actually starting the construction.

That is, one must know if it is desired to compete with the ones available in the market for sale or whether it is just for the purpose of creating a simple one and showing off proudly.

A telescope is basically a device used to make distant objects appear closer. To do so, the telescope has a component, which is known as the objective lens or primary mirror that collects the light reflected from the distant objects and places the image to the focal point where the second component, that is, the eyepiece, enlarges the image and presents it to the user of the telescope.

The requirements for building a telescope using simple materials has been listed below:

1. Two magnifying glasses – one to one and a half inches in diameter. (Ideally, one must be larger than the other)
2. A cardboard tube - paper towel roll or gift-wrapping paper roll
3. Duct tape
4. A pair of scissors
5. A ruler, yard stick, or tape measure
6. Sheet of printed paper – a newspaper or magazine would suffice

To begin with, the bigger magnifying glass must be placed between the eye and the paper. The print would appear blurred. Now, the smaller glass may be placed between the eye and the larger glass.

The position of the second glass may be adjusted so as to bring the print to the focal point. When the print is at the focus, it would appear larger and inverted.

Thereafter, the assistance of another person would be required. The distance between both the magnifying glasses must be noted. A slot in the cardboard tube must be cut near the front opening at a distance of an inch away it. The slot must be in a position to hold the large glass.

At the same distance from the first slot, another slot must be cut in the tube. The second slot must be able to support the second magnifying glass. The glasses may be placed in their respective slots.

The big one must be placed at the front and the smaller one at the back. They must be taped using the duct tape. A distance of ½ to 1 inch of tube behind the small glass must be left and any excess tube remaining may be cut off.

The arrangement of the components of the telescope might be checked by reading the printed page used earlier.

A slight rearrangement may also be done thereafter to get the perfect distance between the two glasses so as to bring the image to the focal point. This is how a simple telescope is made.

If you have the knowledge of the important elements of a telescope then building a telescope at your own home is not that difficult. Even if you are a beginner, you can yet give an effort.