The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg

This Spring ASH will be holding a telescope making class. Starting on Thursday Night, April 17, 2003 at 7:00 PM the first class will be held. The class will be six weeks long and held on Thursday Evenings at Naylor Observatory. The class is limited to six individuals. The first 6 registrations received will be the class, so get your money in quickly! The first class held in the Fall of 2002 was a smashing success and many testimonials can be given by people who took the Fall class as to how much fun they had undertaking the project. Students will be able to take home their kit each week to work on it between classes where the next steps will be explained, questions can be asked, and assistance will be provided. It is possible to do all the work in the class, but a little “homework” may be needed.

There is a $15.00 Course Fee for members for the class which is included in the mirror kit costs. If you are not a member of ASH and taking the class as a member of the public, please add an additional $15.00 to your check for the class, or consider membership, which has its benefits. Experienced telescope makers within the society will provide top-notch instruction. Pictures from the Fall Class are on the website, www.astrohbg.org, click on Image Gallery.

Depending on the size of telescope you’d like to build final costs are as follows:

6" Mirror Kit  $86.45
8" Mirror Kit $110.95 
10" Mirror Kit $174.70
12.5” Mirror Kit $253.25

The above prices include everything needed to make your mirror, as well as shipping and handling and the course fee, handouts also will be included. Remember, if you are not a member of ASH, add an additional $15.00 to your check for the course. During this class we are using mirror blanks with a pregenerated curve, which will not take as much time to grind, plus the costs of these mirrors are CHEAPER than last falls fees!

If a father and son, mother and son, husband and wife, or any combination wish to build a telescope together, they only pay for one mirror kit, but 2 course fees @ 15.00 each.

To register send a check made payable to the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg to:

ASH Telescope Class
PO BOX 160
Lewisbery, PA 17339

Please note which size mirror you are buying on the memo portion of the check.

Once we are done we will also offer an outlet to buy the remaining materials to make a dobsonian or Newtonian telescope. The final few classes will feature instruction on this aspect. Once the class has ended telescope will be shown off at the next ASH General Meeting.

The other costs and items needed after the mirror is completed are as follows: Get Mirror coated by Clausing for $28. Buy a 1.25" secondary from University Optics for $24. Buy a Sonotube ($6) and a 1/2 sheet of plywood ($15). Buy Some Formica for $10. Some screws or nails, and some glue and paint only Minor Costs, and a Daisy Red Eye finder for $12. So in theory most should be able to build a 6" Telescope for about 160.00 minus the course fee and focuser and anything else you wish to add to the scope.

Again, please remember this class is open to the public. Non-members please add an additional $15.00 to your check, or consider membership in the society.

See you in April; this should be an enjoyable and educational experience for all!

Telescope Making Class: