Re: Can hologram parabola mirrors like Opti-gone's, be used as a telescope?

Date: Mon Apr 8 16:00:03 2002
Posted By: Richard Goode, Faculty, Physical Sciences, Porterville College
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 1018073251.As

Message:

Hi Branden.

That is an intriguing way to solve the problem, however it is not going to work. To design a telescope the size of the primary mirror is not the only consideration. Focal length is very important. The focal length of the Opti-Gone is just a few inches. A Newtonian telescope with a 9" mirror needs to have a focal length of between 50 cm and 100 cm depending on the f/ratio of the mirror. I have included links to the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomer's page on building your own telescope. This will explain it better than I can.

Dobsonian Plans

Dobsonian Advice

Good luck on building your own telescope.

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