Physics Investigatory Project

CONSTRUCTION OF A TELESCOPE

Submitted By: Dashiel Concessao

1. Introduction
2. Objectives
3. Materials Required
4. Theory
5. Procedure
6. Picture Gallery
7. Calculation
8. Result
9. Precaution
10. Sources of Error
11. Conclusion
12. Bibliography

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Title:
Construction of a Telescope

Introduction:
Telescopes have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the
universe. They enable us to observe distant stars, galaxies, and other celestial
objects, helping us unravel the mysteries of space. In this project, we will construct
a refracting telescope, a Galilean telescope that utilizes lenses to gather and magnify
light.

Objectives:
1. To understand the basic principles of optics and magnification in a refracting
telescope.
2. To construct a simple refracting telescope using readily available materials.
3. To evaluate the performance of the constructed telescope by observing
terrestrial and celestial objects.

Materials Required:
1. Objective lens (convex lens with a long focal length)
2. Eyepiece lens (Concave lens with a shorter focal length)
3. Cardboard tubes (one slightly wider and longer than the other)
4. Brown paper
5. Craft knife or scissors
6. Tape or glue
7. Measuring tape or ruler

Theory:
1. Optics in a Refracting Telescope: The refracting telescope utilizes the
principles of optics to gather and magnify light. It consists of two essential
components: the objective and eyepiece lenses.

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 1. Objective Lens: The objective lens is a convex lens with a long focal
length. Its purpose is to gather light from the distant object being
observed. As light passes through the objective lens, it refracts and
converges to form an image.
2. Eyepiece Lens: The eyepiece lens is a convex lens with a shorter focal
length. Its function is to magnify the image formed by the objective lens.
The eyepiece lens further refracts the light rays, allowing the viewer to
see a magnified and focused image.
3. Focal Length and Magnification: The focal length of a lens determines
its ability to converge or diverge light. In a telescope, the magnification
is determined by the ratio of the focal length of the objective lens to the
focal length of the eyepiece lens. Higher magnification can be achieved
by increasing the ratio, while a lower ratio results in lower magnification
but a wider field of view.
2. Construction of the Telescope:
4. Objective Lens: The objective lens is mounted at one end of the
telescope tube. It should be secured in place using tape or glue, ensuring
it is centered and aligned with the tube's axis. The objective lens collects
incoming light and forms an image closer to its focal point.
5. Eyepiece Lens: The eyepiece lens is positioned at the other end of the
telescope tube. Similar to the objective lens, it should be securely
attached and aligned. The eyepiece lens further magnifies the image
formed by the objective lens, allowing for comfortable viewing.
6. Tube Design: The telescope tube serves as a housing for the lenses and
plays a crucial role in minimizing external light and reducing internal
reflections. It is recommended to paint the inner surfaces of the tube
with black paint to absorb any stray light and prevent reflections that
could degrade image quality.
3. Testing and Adjusting: Once the telescope is constructed, testing and
adjusting its performance is essential.
7. Terrestrial Observations: Point the telescope towards a distant terrestrial
object, such as a building or tree, and adjust the position of the eyepiece
lens until a clear and magnified image is obtained. This adjustment
ensures that the eyepiece lens is positioned correctly to focus the image
formed by the objective lens.
8. Celestial Observations: Research the positions and timings of celestial
objects visible in your location. Mount the telescope on a stable tripod or
stand to minimize vibrations and enhance the viewing experience. Point
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 the telescope towards the desired celestial object and observe its
magnified image through the eyepiece. Adjustments can be made to
improve the focus and clarity of the observed celestial object.
4. Performance Evaluation: Evaluate the performance of the
constructed telescope by comparing the observed images with the
expected performance based on the principles of optics and
magnification. Assess factors such as image quality, clarity of details,
and the magnification achieved. Note any discrepancies and make
necessary adjustments to improve the telescope's performance.

By understanding the theory behind optics and the construction of a refracting

Procedure:
1. Designing the telescope: a. Determine the desired focal lengths for the
objective and eyepiece lenses based on the desired magnification and field of
view. b. Calculate the total length of the telescope tube using the formula:
Total length = focal length of objective + focal length of the eyepiece.
2. Constructing the telescope: a. Take the wider cardboard tube.
b. Cut a circular opening in one end of the wider tube to snugly fit the
objective lens. c. Attach the objective lens securely inside the opening using
tape or glue. d. Take the narrower cardboard tube. e. Cut a circular opening in
one end of the narrower tube to fit the eyepiece lens. f. Attach the eyepiece
lens securely inside the opening using tape or glue. g. Connect the narrower
tube with the eyepiece to the wider tube with the objective, ensuring they are
aligned.
3. Testing and adjusting: a. Point the telescope toward a distant terrestrial object
(e.g., a building or tree). b. Adjust the position of the eyepiece until a clear,
magnified image is observed. c. Experiment with different objects and
distances to assess the telescope's performance and make any necessary
adjustments.
4. Observing celestial objects: a. Research the positions and timings of celestial
objects (e.g., planets, the Moon, or bright stars) visible in your location. b.
Point the telescope towards the desired celestial object and observe its
magnified image through the eyepiece.
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Calculation:
Magnification:

To calculate the magnification achieved by the telescope, you can use the following
formula:

Magnification = Focal length of the Objective lens / Focal length of the Eyepiece
lens

For example, if the focal length of the objective lens is 500 mm and the focal length
of the eyepiece lens is 25 mm, the magnification would be:

Magnification = 500 mm / 25 mm = 20x

This means that the telescope would magnify the observed objects 20 times
compared to the naked eye.

Result:
Document your observations of terrestrial and celestial objects using the
constructed telescope. Assess the quality of the images, the magnification achieved,
and the clarity of details observed. Compare your results with the expected
performance based on the principles of optics and magnification.

Precaution:
Handling Lenses:

Handle the lenses with clean hands and avoid touching the optical surfaces.
Fingerprints or smudges on the lenses can degrade image quality.

Be gentle when placing or removing lenses to avoid scratching or damaging them.

Store the lenses in protective cases or covers when not in use to prevent dust, dirt,
or scratches.

Light and Reflections:

Paint the inner surfaces of the telescope tube with matte black paint or line it with
black felt to absorb stray light and prevent reflections.

Avoid observing objects near bright light sources or reflective surfaces, as they can
cause glare or unwanted reflections.

Viewing Safety:

Never look directly at the Sun or any other bright light sources through the
telescope. It can cause severe eye damage or blindness. Use appropriate solar filters
or dedicated solar telescopes for solar observations.

Sources of error:
1. Misalignment: Improper alignment of the lenses within the telescope tube
can lead to astigmatism and decreased image quality.
2. Human factors: Observer bias and eye fatigue can introduce subjective
errors and impact the ability to discern fine details.
3. Telescope limitations: Design and quality limitations, such as aperture size
and magnification, can affect the overall performance and resolution of the
telescope.

Conclusion:
The construction of a refracting telescope provides valuable hands-on experience in
understanding the principles of optics and magnification. By building and testing
your telescope, you have gained insight into the workings of this important
scientific instrument. This project enhances your knowledge of telescopes and may
spark further interest in astronomy and space exploration.

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Picture gallery:

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Bibliography:
"Build Your Telescope" by Richard Berry
"The Dobsonian Telescope: A Practical Manual for Building Large Aperture
Telescopes" by David Kriege and Richard Berry
"Telescope Optics: A Comprehensive Manual for Amateur Astronomers" by
Harrie Rutten and Martin van Venrooij
"The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" by Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer
"Introduction to Optics" by Frank L. Pedrotti, Leno M. Pedrotti, and Leno S.
Pedrotti

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