Cold War Spoils: Amateur Builds Telescope With 70-Inch Lens

First time accepted submitter 192_kbps writes "Mike Clements, a long-haul trucker from West Jordan, Utah, built the largest amateur telescope ever with a whopping 70 inch primary mirror he purchased at auction. The entire telescope is 35 feet tall, 900 pounds, and he hopes to tour it in parks. As a hand-turned Dobsonian the telescope lacks the photographic capacity and tracking required for professional astronomy but the views must be breathtaking." (Are there other compelling candidates out there for "largest amateur telescope ever"? The 71" scope listed by nitesky.org appears to be dormant.)

Comments

Isn't there even one picture through it?

[Dr. Manhattan]

How hard is it to rig up a camera adapter? That'd help demonstrate exactly how powerful it is...

Re:Daily Mail is like National Inquirer

[HornWumpus]

FYI over the last 10 years or so the 'National Inquirer' has done more genuine 'investigative reporting' then the New York Times.

They have the nerve to report stories that 'the powers that be' have put an embargo on.

Hats off to this man! And for once, the Eds..

[Bearhouse]

Truely "news for Nerds". Brings back fond memories of building 'scope and staring at the skies with my father.
This man has drive, dedication and the ability to both conceptualise and physically realise his dreams.

Instead of bullshit "surveys" with no-longer-funny "CoboyNeal" options, here's a serious suggestion - how about we instigate the /. annual "Nerd" awards?

Fuck it, this is going way offtopic, but I don't care...categories anyone?

Re:70- inch mirror, not "70 inch lens"!

[bruce_the_loon]

You might owe yourself another slap. It's a reflecting telescope. Grins.

Re:Daily Mail is like National Inquirer

[GodfatherofSoul]

Let's not get hyperbolic. As many problems as I have with the NYT, a couple of sex scandals involving politicians doesn't measure up to what the NYT does every day. Now, take a look at what the Enquirer reports on every day.