Actual Astronomy - ATM-ing With Special Guest Tom Otvos

Hosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. [email protected]   - Since this might be a new topic for some people, maybe we can define amateur telescope making a little for people? - Can you tell us about what we mean by a 10-inch or a 25-inch? - What is the f-number? - Why would someone choose to make a telescope when new telescopes can be readily purchased? - What size and types of telescopes have you made? - Have you built any refractors? If so, how do you get the focuser square to the tube? - What has been your favorite? - What eyepieces do you prefer? Let’s talk about the big fast scopes, this seems to be somewhat of a recent phenomenon but it must be challenging to build large fast scopes.  - Can you tell us about why you might build an f3.x telescope? - Do you have any advice or suggestions for people looking to try their hand at telescope building?   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].