Reflecting Telescope

Description:

Reflecting telescope made in the 1980s as part of the "Dobsonian revolution" in amateur astronomy.

John Dobson began developing this form in 1956. At the time he was living in a monastery in San Francisco, working as a gardener. Although he had a degree in chemistry, Dobson had always been interested in spiritual issues. Seeking a way to experience a fundamental reality, he became obsessed with seeing the "deep sky"—the distant realm of nebula and galaxies.

Unfortunately, to actually see these astronomical objects required large telescopes that were generally only available to astronomers and were too expensive for many people, and especially for Dobson, who had taken a vow of poverty.

Undeterred, Dobson began teaching himself telescope making. In time he developed a new telescope design and a new approach to telescope making. Compared to the typical amateur telescope of the time, what came to be known as the "Dobsonian" telescopes were large, easy to use, inexpensive, and portable. They were also easy to make. The mirrors were ground from simple porthole glass. The mounts were made from common construction materials. Although comparatively crude, these strange new telescopes worked. Thrilled by his success, Dobson put them on wheels and pulled them around the streets of San Francisco, offering to show the wonders of the sky to anyone he met.

Around 1967 Dobson helped found the Sidewalk Astronomers. They became famous for touring the United States, setting up their telescopes (affectionately known as "light buckets") and inviting passers-by to look through them. Telescope design continues to evolve and today the majority of amateur telescopes (like this one) are precise and commercially made. However, many active amateur astronomers credit an early encounter with a Dobsonian for starting their interest in astronomy and changing the way they view the sky.

Date Made: 1988

Inventor: Dobson, John L.Maker: Coulter Optical Co.

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: California, Idyllwild

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Sports & Leisure, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Dr. Ronald S. Wilkinson

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1994.0399.01Accession Number: 1994.0399Catalog Number: 1994.0399.01

Object Name: telescope, reflecting (Dobsonian)

Measurements: overall: 70 in x 18 in x 19 in; 177.8 cm x 45.72 cm x 48.26 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-4bc8-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1184523

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