Astronomy NGOs create Kolkata’s “largest low-cost handmade telescope”

The telescope construction itself is a mixture of fiberglass, wooden, and metal — supplies fastidiously chosen for his or her power and practicality.
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association

Two teams in Kolkata associated to astronomy have created what they declare to be the most important handmade telescope within the metropolis — a 14.5-inch f/5 Dobsonian that’s low-cost, highly effective, and simple to deal with.

Constructed by younger scientists and optical observers from Observational Astronomy Centre (OAC) and from Institute of Astronomy House and Earth Science (IASES) the telescope, in response to the teams, will create a singular alternative for area analysis that may serve not simply educational circles however the society at massive.

“It embodies each craftsmanship and scientific ambition. The core of this telescope is its massive parabolic major mirror, which was painstakingly hand-ground and formed in Kolkata — a rare feat of optical engineering,” Sudipta Sasmal, co-founder and affiliate professor of IASES, mentioned.

He mentioned the origin of the mirror’s glass clean made it much more spectacular. “It was repurposed from a ship porthole salvaged from the Kandala shipyard, showcasing a superb instance of upcycling for scientific development,” Dr. Sasmal mentioned.

The telescope was put in on the rooftop of the Shyambazar residence of Biswajit Bose, a major member of OAC and shut affiliate of IASES. “This initiative goals to make astronomy extra accessible and ignite curiosity and scientific considering within the wider group,” Mr. Bose mentioned.

Dr. Sasmal added, “This isn’t merely a private or beginner undertaking — it’s meant for scientific utility. Will probably be used for the research of brilliant variable stars, the follow-up statement of transient astronomical phenomena reminiscent of novae or supernovae, and detailed planetary observations. Along with these scientific pursuits, the telescope will even play an important function in science outreach. It’s set to turn out to be a helpful device for participating and educating college students from faculties, faculties, and universities, igniting curiosity in observational astronomy and experimental science.”

In regards to the craftsmanship, he defined that after the preliminary grinding and shaping, the mirror underwent advantageous sharpening and aluminisation in Delhi to attain the high-quality optical floor required for exact astronomical observations. The telescope construction itself is a mixture of fiberglass, wooden, and metal — supplies fastidiously chosen for his or her power and practicality. Though it’s operated by hand, the telescope can monitor celestial objects for a number of minutes, making it extremely practical for severe observational work.