Amy showing the telescope to mini-4Hers.
In 1993-1994 the Palomares 4H Astronomy Project built 2 telescopes: f/8, 5.5" mirror Newtonian reflectors on Dobsonian mounts. The telescopes were constructed at a telescope workshop run by Rich Combs of the Tri-Valley Stargazers astronomy club. The kids ground and polished the two mirrors as well as constructed the mount. The process took about 4 months of working twice a week at the workshop.
The kids check out the telescope for 2 weeks at a time, and use them at home. They are also used at star parties and campouts. The group put together a demonstration on how to grind and polish the mirrors and build the telescopes. The demonstration was given at Presentation Day, Regionals at UC Davis, at the California State Fair as well as astronomy clubs and other groups.
Builders of the 4H Telescopes: Ricardo, Tim, Deborah, Andrea, Amy, Ben, Jacqui, and Penney.
Those who participated in the Telescope-building Demonstration: Deborah, Andrea, Amy, Jacqui, and Penney.
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