janoskiss
19-01-2005, 11:53 PM
I have two 4.5" long focal length (1.8--2.0m) mirrors I inherited from an optics lecturer at the old Physics Dept. of Monash Uni. I'd like some ideas on how to best put them to use.
Story goes like:...
I've had plans/dreams for these mirrors, including a home made telescope with two main mirrors, or a pair of giant astronomic binoculars. But I soon found that to make anything useful out of them would cost me not only effort but quite a bit of cash too.
The mirrors are coated in silver, but badly need recoating after many years in storage. The glass is very thick (1.5" ?), and is in a solid brass "sleeve" which is on a hand-made brass mount, with three alignment bolts and a central spring loaded tensioning bolt.
I used to view the moon with these. I'd just put the mirror on the ground (at roughly the right orientation) and look for the reflection of moonlight. Then I'd walk away from the mirror whilst keeping the moonlight in sight, and stop once an image of the moon came into focus. The image was always very clear and beautiful. (I could view for longer by getting someone else to adjust the mirror until I could view the image standing up comfortably. i.e., no tiptoe & no squatting)
For years the mirrors have been degrading in the cupboard, but still seem like fine hand-made would-be instruments, and I have a soft spot for such things.
Even if I can't find a use for these, I'm refuse to put them in the bin, that's for sure.
You guys/gals have any ideas?
Story goes like:...
I've had plans/dreams for these mirrors, including a home made telescope with two main mirrors, or a pair of giant astronomic binoculars. But I soon found that to make anything useful out of them would cost me not only effort but quite a bit of cash too.
The mirrors are coated in silver, but badly need recoating after many years in storage. The glass is very thick (1.5" ?), and is in a solid brass "sleeve" which is on a hand-made brass mount, with three alignment bolts and a central spring loaded tensioning bolt.
I used to view the moon with these. I'd just put the mirror on the ground (at roughly the right orientation) and look for the reflection of moonlight. Then I'd walk away from the mirror whilst keeping the moonlight in sight, and stop once an image of the moon came into focus. The image was always very clear and beautiful. (I could view for longer by getting someone else to adjust the mirror until I could view the image standing up comfortably. i.e., no tiptoe & no squatting)
For years the mirrors have been degrading in the cupboard, but still seem like fine hand-made would-be instruments, and I have a soft spot for such things.
Even if I can't find a use for these, I'm refuse to put them in the bin, that's for sure.
You guys/gals have any ideas?