by deabis
At the curious reader, passing on this blog, could pass a question for the mind: because a person, obviously an amateur, It should feel attracted by handwork of an astronomical mirror? Why build your own tool? Why invest their time, definitely a good amount of patience and determination in this work, the result of which can be disarmingly similar to that obtainable from a commercial tool, that on balance probably is likely to cost less of their finished work?
I remember reading one day, on a forum, a post by a user who claimed that the construction of a telescope came to meet the demand of the builder……..feel someone. Maybe it has not actually used these words, but the concept was basically. Well: they stay away from the work of building an astronomical mirror those, actually, They are hunting for an extra dose of self-esteem. The processing of an astronomical mirror requires such a large amount of patience and humility that the ego and the likelihood that this will fatten before really got to do the work completed shortly!
I also think of all those who believe it is “goods” For who is it, one way or another, “industry”: physical, astrophysicists, technicians, craftsmen verto, etc., in the hunt for confirmations to what they have studied only. In truth, the passion and attraction to this activity is similar and shared between people and experience different preparation, sometimes diametrically opposed: They are “scratchers” hardened both among amateurs scientifically and technically prepared, both among people who during the day dealing with human relations, sales, in marketing, to drive for kilometers, the areas in which you know what is the radius of curvature or know how to use a jigsaw is really irrelevant.
Building an astronomical mirror and then, thereabout, conceive and create a structure that contains and addresses to the universe, Also at that escapes “need to own things” to which the modern world has come to expect from: for what there is what is often referred to and willingly “strumentite”, which comes in the form of attacks and which is met only by buying this or that accessory finalized (more or less) observation. But this need for gratification (be clear: far be it from me to justify it or demonize, Here I will simply take note, aware that there are probably borderline cases, but for sure there is no vaccine it immune persons…) can not be satisfied by a work so complex, slow, full of surprises along the way (some of which force you to throw in the trash several hours work and start over), works , especially for non-technical, It is based on an act of faith.
And, an act of faith: start with two glass discs, beautiful transparent, smooth; draw a veil of shimmering grain, sprinkle water for hours and begin to scrape the two discs one above the other, is pure act of faith in who told you that, in this way, He will be born an astronomical mirror! And, a mirror…. And after hours trying to figure out what and how much water to add abrasive roll, you see that your two beautiful glass discs have only……. ruined…..
But continue, do not give up, do not stop. Why?
The curiosity: and, one is that it is a great tank of gas, of course! The Sight “see how it ends”. The realization that, in this way, you will understand what is blessed sphere where many speak; the difference with the parable; how do you measure the quality of a mirror; what does it mean “lambda / something”; What happens, before our eyes, during one star test. And: so many questions have answers. And this certainly, It is a bell'incentivo. sure: all this are, wanting, also wrote the books….then?
The confidence: all this new knowledge help you to give you the mirror, to safely handle a telescope, not like something sacred and mysterious, the sight of whom speak softly for fear that something might happen that is beyond our knowledge and our control. sure, after years of use and meet a tool, now you've realized that you just treat him well and he will not betray…..
maybe, But, something deeper happens during and, mostly, after, ie at the end of the work: you buy a little’ freedom from tangible, the telescope, because that object is what you use your, are a bit’ you. This lightens the entire infrastructure that is between you and what you're watching: the Universe. And this is good for a Astrofilo: Everyone knows those who have had the good fortune to observe, under extraordinary skies, deep sky objects with the naked eye. So the idea of shortening the distance between the eye and the universe can be a stimulus to a long and demanding work. And the thought of being able to do more and better leads you to repeat. But maybe this one can only imagine in during and this can be understood only at the end…..
Maybe a little’ all of this. Or maybe not. When in doubt, prefer to think that all love, every passion is beautiful that can be explained to a certain point, because what is lacking to understand it is at the center of our attention tomorrow. And now that's petrol!