How to Make a Simple, Inexpensive Telescope

If you're interested in building a telescope at home, you might be surprised to learn that you can make one using cheap, basic materials that you may already have sitting around your house. For the lenses, you will need two magnifying glasses, one large and one small. The only other major component you will then require is a tube to hold the lenses. A sturdy cardboard tube, like the type that holds wrapping paper, is a good choice. With just these basic components, and some scissors and tape, you'll be able to make your own simple telescope.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• Large magnifying glass
• Small magnifying glass
• Measuring Tape
• Cardboard Tube
• Scissors
• Duct Tape

1. Focus the magnifying glasses. Look at the newspaper through the smaller magnifying glass while holding the bigger one in front and moving it back and forth until you are able to read the newspaper print.

2. Get your assistant to measure the distance between the lenses. This is your focal length.

3. Make slots in the cardboard tube to hold your two lenses. Cut a slot halfway through the tube, just an inch or two from the end, so that the large magnifying glass sits inside the tube.

4. Cut the second slot for your eyepiece. Take the focal length measurement you made earlier and measure out that distance on the tube starting at the larger lens. This is where you will make the slot for the second lens.

5. Secure the lenses. Use small pieces of duct tape to hold both lenses in place.

6. Shorten the telescope eyepiece. The eyepiece lens should only be one inch away from the end of the tube. Cut away excess cardboard and try out your new telescope.

References

• Ultra-Simple Telescope