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IF YOU'VE BEEN paying attention to the news in the last year or so, you've heard about and seen photos taken by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST for short). [...]

THIS MAGAZINE got its start in October of 1949, so we're now entering our 75th year of publication. With this issue we also have another important milestone to celebrate: This [...]

I'M A BIT OF a Luddite. When it comes to modern technology, I'm a slow adopter. I'm writing this on a Macintosh Cube, which was built in 2001, and yes, [...]

WHEN I WAS a kid, summer brought many joys. Freedom from school, time to go fishing, warm nights to hang out with friends ... and the opportunity to blow stuff [...]

SPRINGTIME IS one of my favorite N J À seasons. The dreary gray blanket of winter clouds that covers the sky in my part of the world (the Pacific Northwest) [...]

THIS ISSUE will be reaching you in mid-February, right around Valentine's Day. Plus the cover date is March/ April, which means springtime, which is often considered the sea son of [...]

WITH THE January/February issue we're coming up on the beginning of another year. Time to pin up a new calendar and start marking down dates. Don't forget your mom's birthday! [...]

MY WIFE AND I were having lunch the other day when a girl with bright blue hair walked by. I said to Kathy, 'Now there's a color you don't see [...]

WHEN THE Moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie ... it's probably on the horizon. For some reason, a rising or setting Moon looks huge compared to the [...]

This article from Sky & Telescope offers a comprehensive guide on how to construct a refractor telescope using lenses. It covers the necessary components, such as the objective lens, focuser, and tube, and highlights the benefits of refractors, including high contrast and the ability to eliminate chromatic aberration. The article also provides practical advice on sourcing lenses and constructing the lens cell and optical tube assembly. It is a valuable resource for beginners interested in building their own refractor telescope, emphasizing the rewarding and accessible nature of the project. [Extracted from the article]

A FEW YEARS ago a neighbor of mine cut down a big pine tree because it was in the way of his view. I tried to prevent it, but I [...]

The article explores the scientific debate between Isaac Newton and Ernst Mach regarding absolute versus relative motion, using the example of a bucket of water. Topics discussed include the effects of rotation on fluids, the role of gravity as an external frame of reference, and the implications of energy conservation in rotating systems.

This article from Sky & Telescope titled "Go Loony for Luna!" by Jerry Oltion and illustrated by Cindy Krach discusses the Moon as a fascinating object for amateur astronomers to observe. The author highlights the Moon's unique features, such as craters, volcanic formations, and lunarisms. The article provides tips for lunar observing, including the use of filters to reduce brightness and the best times to observe different lunar phases. It also mentions specific lunar features to look for, such as Petavius, Theophilus, Cyrillus, and Catharina craters. Overall, the article encourages readers to appreciate the Moon as a captivating celestial object. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Sky & Telescope discusses the creation of a replica of the Hubble Space Telescope by astronomer Lauren Wingert. The author, Jerry Oltion, explains how the project came about and details the various materials and techniques used to construct the replica. Wingert used a combination of found objects and creative solutions to recreate the appearance of the Hubble, including using a bucket, cake pans, and various other items. The replica was successfully built and tested, providing a unique and impressive viewing experience. [Extracted from the article]

ON THE 14TH of May, 1796, Edward Jenner inoculated an eight-year-old boy named James Phipps with the fluid from a cowpox sore on the hand of a milkmaid who had [...]

Summer is the perfect season to fly kites. The Sun is high in the sky, pouring heat onto the ground, which creates thermals in the air over that warm ground. [...]

IN the June 2017 Astronomer's Workbench (page 38), wrote about building solar filters. When I showed a homemade solar filter to my astronomy club, one of the members asked me [...]

This article from Sky & Telescope titled "From Broken Glass to Brökenglas" tells the story of astronomer Rob Brown and his journey to create a portable telescope. Despite facing multiple setbacks, including breaking two primary mirrors, Rob persevered and eventually built a telescope with an astonishing f/2.8 focal ratio. He used a tensegrity design, which utilizes cords to hold the structure together, and lightweight materials such as segmented aluminum tent poles. The telescope, named "Brökenglas," weighs only 25.8 pounds and is considered highly portable. Rob's story is one of persistence and triumph in the face of adversity. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of 3D printing in telescope making. The author explains that 3D printing has become a popular method for constructing telescopes, as it eliminates the need for machining parts and allows for greater design flexibility. The strength of 3D printed parts lies in their design and the use of infill, which can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of strength. Different types of filament and printers are available for 3D printing, offering versatility in material and color choices. The author concludes that 3D printing is not suitable for all parts but can be a cost-effective and convenient option for certain components. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the creation of the Newton ad Alto Contrasto Telescope (NAC), a high-contrast Newtonian telescope designed to provide refractor-like images at a lower cost. The telescope was built by Italian ATM Roy Cerreta, who wanted to replicate the performance of professional refractors he had observed with. The NAC features a 254-mm f/12 system with a precision mirror and a three-part OTA made of marine plywood. Initially yoke-mounted, the telescope was later converted to an altazimuth mount for increased portability. Despite some damage, the NAC continues to be a work in progress, with plans for a lighter Dobsonian-style rebuild. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the science behind fireworks and explores topics such as the use of gunpowder as the main component, the containment required for explosions, the function of firecrackers and their fuses, and the propulsion of rockets through the use of gunpowder.

This article from Sky & Telescope discusses the construction of a unique telescope by artist Cindy Krach. Krach initially became interested in telescope making and sought information about building a trackball mount for a ball scope. She then decided to grind her own mirror and build a scope for it. Krach used unconventional materials such as a deep, laminated-wood salad bowl and cutting boards to create the telescope. Despite facing challenges along the way, Krach's innovative ideas and determination led to the successful completion of the telescope. The article praises Krach's artistic approach and the quality of her homemade mirror. [Extracted from the article]

In the article, the author discusses how to make and experiment with sundials.

WITH A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE coming in just a couple of months, you're going to want a solar filter for your telescope, binoculars, or camera. Even if you don't think [...]

This article from Sky & Telescope discusses the creation of a bucket-seat binocular mount by Lauren Wingert. Lauren inherited a pair of 25x100 binoculars but found it difficult to hold them steady by hand due to their weight. She wanted to build a stable and low-cost mount for the binoculars and decided to use an adjustable gaming chair and a computer monitor mount. Lauren faced several engineering challenges in making the chair swivel and ensuring stability, but she was able to overcome them through trial and error. The final result was a comfortable and effective observing chair. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Sky & Telescope discusses the use of amber flashlights for preserving night vision while stargazing. The author explains that amber light is more effective than red light because our eyes are more sensitive to it. The author then describes how to make a variable-intensity amber flashlight using various components and a project box. The article provides detailed instructions on assembling the flashlight and concludes by stating that the amber flashlight is better than red for preserving night vision. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Sky & Telescope discusses a new binocular scope called "Magic" designed by Robert Asumendi. Unlike traditional telescopes that focus on increasing aperture, Magic prioritizes a wide field of view. With a pair of 36-mm eyepieces, Magic offers a 14° field of view, allowing users to see entire constellations at once. The binoculars can also be used for high-magnification viewing with the help of high-quality lenses and diagonal mirrors. The components of Magic are mostly 3D printed, allowing for customization. The article concludes by mentioning that the design files and assembly instructions for Magic are available on Robert's website, and there is a growing community of Magic builders. [Extracted from the article]

IMAGINE SMEARING VASELINE all over your primary mirror, then smashing it into several pieces. The view through your eyepiece would not be pretty: it would be fuzzy and broken into [...]

When Frieda excused herself to go 'freshen up,' Nathan felt a warm glow that wasn't just from the twenty-year-old Scotch they'd been drinking. He'd been trying to talk her into [...]

This article from Sky & Telescope discusses a modification to the Celestron Professional Computerized (CPC) mount that makes it lighter and more versatile. The modification involves removing one of the two fork arms and installing a dovetail plate on the remaining arm, allowing for the separation and independent carrying of the telescope. Despite concerns about stability, the remaining arm is designed to hold the scope securely. The article provides detailed instructions for the modification and reports positive feedback from an astronomer who has successfully implemented it. For more information, readers are directed to a Cloudy Nights topic or to contact the astronomer directly. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Make an Eclipsinator: View the Sun in style" by Jerry Oltion provides instructions on how to create a solar projector using binoculars and PVC pipe. The author explains that if one doesn't have the space or resources to create a large solar projector, they can use binoculars to project a solar image onto a white card a few feet away. However, to create a larger image, the author suggests using a length of PVC pipe to hold the binoculars away from the screen. The article provides detailed instructions on how to construct the "Eclipsinator" and emphasizes the importance of safety precautions when using binoculars to view the Sun. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Sky & Telescope provides instructions on how to make a solar finder, a device that helps astronomers aim their telescopes at the Sun. The article explains that aiming a telescope at the Sun can be difficult due to its brightness and small size, so a solar finder is necessary for accurate targeting. The author describes a simple design using a short piece of PVC pipe with a hole in the front and a translucent screen on the back. The article also mentions a commercial product called the "Sun Geometer" for those who prefer not to make their own finder. The author emphasizes the importance of having a reliable finder for viewing events like a solar eclipse. [Extracted from the article]

TOBY ALWAYS MAKES A WISH for Christmas. It almost always comes true. The only time it doesn't is when he wishes for too much, and even then he always gets […]

The pitch tool is used with a very fine abrasive, cerium oxide, that embeds itself in the pitch and both wears away and pushes around glass molecules to smooth the surface. I often tell people that making your own telescope mirror is easy: You just put two round pieces of glass together with grit in between them and push the top one back and forth over the bottom one about a million times, and voila, you're done. 2: After the pitch has spread over the tool base, coat the mirror with cerium oxide and press it into the pitch in order to form a matching surface to the mirror's sagitta. Ring tools and tile tools have replaced glass tools, and the Ronchi test has gained ground over the Foucault test, but the general method of making mirrors is pretty much the same as ever. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses spacecraft and off-planet habitats, the details behind the wall panels are arguably even more important to know than the hardware that makes an elevator move.

It was the hit of the star party, garnering just as much admiration for the innovative telescope design as for the mirror David had built it to house. The rocker box and ground board were the work of a couple hours, and David had a telescope. COLUMNS / DEPARTMENTS THOSE OF YOU WHO have been reading this column for the last few years have a pretty good idea of my design philosophy: It doesn't have to be pretty so long as it works. [Extracted from the article]