5 replies to this topic

[KI5CAW]

Many years ago I happened upon Dobson and his buddies showing off the Sun's disk and spots, using a telescope of Dobson's design that had a diagonal that consisted of a full diameter flat at 45 degrees to the optical path. The flat and primary were uncoated and hence passed most of the light. One side served as the diagonal....anybody out there remember this design? I can't find pictures of it anywhere.

[SomeDoSomeDont]

I remember his solar telescope.  I think I have pics on another drive.

Is it your plan to build one?  I have a 6 inch f10 uncoated mirror that I'm willing to sell somewhere stored.

   Andy

Edited by SomeDoSomeDont, 27 March 2023 - 08:47 PM.

[Lazaroff]

I remember it. Here's a link to an article with a photo. The diagonal window may have been coated.

 

https://www.nytimes....stargazing.html

[hamishbarker]

diagram for the intrinsically safe solar dobsonian.

 

https://www.sidewalk...erfiles/sun.pdf

 

here's mine alongside a commercial cardboard safe solar projector/viewer

[KI5CAW]

Thanks everybody, that's exactly the design I remembered. I have no plans to build one but was still curious. Another design I have seen used an unaluminized primary and a Herschel wedge as the secondary. My current solar observing is using a Baader aluminized Mylar filter. It's gotten dusty but I'm afraid to clean it

[SteveInNZ]

When we visited the Smithsonian in 2017, there was an observatory outside. I don't know if that's a permanent thing or not. At the back, out of the way, was a Dobson solar scope. When I asked if that was what it was, the guide got all excited that I recognized it and then went on to relive her first eclipse experience.

I think it's pretty cool that his scope is (almost) under the same roof as the Wright Flyer, etc.

 

Steve.