Nichol Optical

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A short review of John Nichol's Mirror and Telescope making Seminar 22^nd November 2015.

I went along not knowing what to expect, although having heard John speak at star parties before, I knew it would be enjoyable.

All the basics of choosing glass, shaping, grinding and polishing were covered at the right level of detail for me. I picked up a lot by just watching him demonstrate the subtle movements required to achieve the precise parabolic shape.

Demonstrations of the optical testing of the mirror shape answered my own worries about the whole process.

I also enjoyed his description of building a telescope as he introduced me to some software and ideas I had not come across before.

John's seminar was followed by a talk by Damian Noble on his large dob building adventure. It was good to hear how he went about it and the support John gave Damian to build a huge mirror as his first venture into glass grinding. John does recommend starting on something smaller.

I recommend these seminars to anyone considering their own scope build as John is very knowledgable and does not hide the time and cost involved in this new sub hobby.