Re: [ATM] the future of amateur telescope making and amateur astronomy

["Tony Owens" <towens@shibumi-consulting.net>]

I'd say:
1. greater use of automation (collimation through image analysis; automated
focus correction; relaying of real-time video imagery from the focus etc)
2. continued weight reduction in medium/large scopes (replicated
epoxy/carbon primaries; more use of honeycomb conposites in structure)
3. more use of clever coatings (low-cost SolGel-based broadband coatings in
refractive elements; anti friction and slick-slip coatings on rubber and
metal mechanism)
4. greater use of 'origami technology' to allow transport of medium/large
aperture scopes
5. erosion of the boundary between ATM as a hobby and the actual profession
of ATM'ers
6. greater use of the ATM body of knowledge in other areas (e.g. light
efficient structures and pointing systems for solar energy machines)

That's my guess

Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Mel Bartels [mailto:mbartels@bbastrodesigns.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 2:59 AM
To: 'ATM List'
Subject: [ATM] the future of amateur telescope making and amateur astronomy

What do you think the future of telescope making and amateur astronomy will
be like?

I'm giving a presentation this summer at ALCON07 and wish very much to
supplant my ideas with yours.

Mel Bartels




_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/