Typically our workshops formats are as below

• 1-day workshop to assemble a 2-inch refracting (Galilean) telescope.
• 2-day workshop to assemble a 5-inch reflecting (Newtonian) telescope.
• At your own pace, to make a reflecting (Newtonian) telescope from scratch by grinding a mirror of your size preference.

For large groups we conduct the workshop in our classroom. For individuals we give instructions and space to work in our small Amateur Telescope Making (ATM) lab at IUCAA MVS.

The process of making a reflecting telescope from scratch involves grinding a glass piece to a smooth curved shape, then mirroring, assembling and calibrating it. It gives a deeper insight into the working of telescopes.

The workshops can be registered for by informing us of your interest via email or the form below. Amateur astronomers grinding a 15-cm (6 inch) can take up to a a few weeks (approx 30 work hours) to complete the mirror. They can interact with us for that time, while working on it at their own place too.

Arrangements for a fruitful session, resulting in good telescopes, are made by the SciPOP team. Dealers in the city can be contacted directly for buying the glass, kit & mount for the telescope.

Some related help literature can be found here

Also do see the short video guide “How To Make a Reflecting type Newtonian Telescope”