Today I started planning the design and components for my custom telescope project! I broke down the requirements for both Reflector and Refracting telescope designs to figure out what parts I’ll need to source and how they actually work.1. Reflector Telescope DesignReflector telescopes use mirrors to gather and focus light.How it works: Light enters the open tube, hits a curved primary mirror at the back, reflects forward to a smaller secondary mirror, and bounces out through the side to the eyepiece.Parts I will need:One primary mirror & primary mirror stand/mountOne secondary mirror & mountA main tube (like PVC) sized according to the focal lengthBarlow lensEyepieceFocal adjusterFilters (useful for looking at the sun safely)A sturdy stand/tripod for the telescope2. Refracting Telescope DesignRefracting telescopes use lenses to bend (refract) light to a focal point.How it works: Light passes straight through an objective lens at the front, converges at a focal point down the tube, and passes through an eyepiece lens for viewing.Parts I will need:TubesObjective lensEyepiece lensEyepiece extender90-degree mirror / diagonalFilters
