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

[Bob Lombardi <boblombardi@cfl.rr.com>]

> Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 18:58:53 -0700
> From: "Mel Bartels" <mbartels@bbastrodesigns.com>
> Subject: [ATM] the future of amateur telescope making and amateur
> 	astronomy
> To: "'ATM List'" <atm@atmlist.net>
> Message-ID: <000001c79114$6f0e4c90$63012001@bbad>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"
> 
> 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
> 
> 

Mel,


Interesting idea for a thread!

I think this is this the age of silicon, and I see increasing use for 
integrated electronics.  Not just systems like "goto" but autoguiders, 
field de-rotators, better imaging sensors and features we probably can't 
imagine.  The age of the equatorial may be over.

Just as the stepper motor has enabled a new generation of small CNC 
machines for the hobbyists, this will give way to the 3-D printer that 
allows precise plastic models that can be cast, giving way to systems 
that will allow you to sinter or bake a part in the oven to make a metal 
piece for a mount.  I envision easier materials to work in.

The move to much larger optics won't really accelerate until something 
Peter Chen's molded approach works out.  But I think there will always 
be mirror makers.

I'm not very optimistic about light pollution, but I think the advances 
in photographic sensors will allow us to see and image better in the 
light we have.  And the age of valuable, backyard science may just be 
getting started.

Just some thoughts....



Bob
http://www.amateurtelescopemaker.com/


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