Telescope Mirror

Take total control of your Amateur Telescope Making (ATM) projects and achieve optical surface precision without expensive interferometers. Telescope Mirror is a dedicated workshop companion and diagnostic utility engineered for astronomy hobbyists to log mirror-making workflows, calculate optical test patterns, and map surface variations against an ideal paraboloid shape. Core Features & Optical Testing Mechanics Foucault Mask Generator: Calculate precise zonal parameters and reference metrics tailored to your custom test setups to ensure accurate structural evaluation across specific zones. Foucault Photo Analysis: Eliminate subjective estimation at the testing tunnel. Use your device's camera to capture or select a Foucault shadow photo; the analytical framework reviews grayscale levels to provide a quantitative evaluation of your mirror’s surface contour. Surface Error Mapping: Input your physical measurement data to build a clear surface deviation map, making it easy to spot zoning errors, high spots, or center depressions relative to your target parabola. Custom Project Initialization: Create locally stored mirror workflows by defining exact technical specs: Geometry & Sizing: Input custom mirror diameters from 150 to 600 mm, define target focal lengths, focal ratios (e.g., f/5), and core glass thickness. Substrate & Methods: Select specialized glass material profiles such as Pyrex or BK7, and specify your preferred production technique via the Build Method selector (such as utilizing a full size tool). Zonal Resolution: Configure your testing configuration by defining a default zone count (e.g., 5 zones) to segment measurements cleanly. Step-by-Step Build Progress Tracking Navigate your fabrication pipeline using an integrated progress timeline that provides clear benchmarks for every milestone: Blank Selection: Finalize physical dimensions, choose raw glass materials, and calculate necessary sagitta depths. Rough Grinding: Hog out the initial curve using coarse abrasives spanning from 60 to 120 grit. Fine Grinding: Progress methodically through finer abrasive grits to clean out residual pits and achieve surface smoothness. Polishing: Work with cerium oxide on a custom-poured pitch lap until the optical surface reaches reflective quality. Spherical Test: Use the Foucault test to confirm a true, uniform sphere before moving into the parabolizing stage. Final Verification: Execute complete diagnostic test sessions to verify that your final parabola meet strict optical targets. Aluminizing Prep: Follow guidelines to clean, protect, and prepare your completed mirror for its reflective aluminum coating.

Track telescope grinding, analyze Foucault test photos, map surface errors!