Brian Miche is on a quest to democratize stargazing experiences globally, and 3D printing is key to its success.
In the late 1970s, a glimpse of Jupiter’s moons through a store-bought telescope ignited Michel’s passion for astronomy. Fast forward to a few years ago, driven by a desire to share his fascination, he crafted a low-cost telescope for his niece.
Inspired by the success, Michel established Ten Telescopes, fostering a community of astronomy enthusiasts using his 3D printed designs. The Blue Door Astronomy Library, situated in his Guelph home, serves as a hub for telescope plans and manuals. Adjacent is the Bent Nail Observatory, where volunteers assemble freshly printed telescopes.
Ten Telescopes offers a unique approach—before crafting their telescopes, individuals, schools, and organizations can borrow a telescope from Michel’s library. The collection includes an adapter accommodating most smartphone cameras, merging traditional stargazing with modern technology.
Traditional telescopes often carry a hefty price tag, deterring potential astronomers. Michel’s Skyward 150, with parts costing $300-$350, disrupts this norm. The telescopes employ durable ABS plastic, generously provided by his son’s company, tundra3d.ca. A thoughtful design feature includes a counterbalance at the base, enabling smartphone attachment without disrupting the telescope’s alignment.
Beyond the Skyward 150, Ten Telescopes extends its impact through open-source initiatives on platforms like GitHub. This collaborative approach invites enthusiasts worldwide to contribute and enhance the designs.
Michel’s project exemplifies how 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize telescope accessibility, making astronomy an affordable and communal experience. As this technology continues to evolve, the future promises an even broader embrace of stargazing, uniting enthusiasts globally under the vast cosmic canopy.
Source: therecord.com
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