Title: Conceptualization, Design, and Fabrication of a Multi-Directional Liquid Mirror Telescope

Physics Major: Joseph Boales

Abstract: In order for telescopes to be useful for modern research purposes, they need to collect large amounts of light. In terms of telescope design, that means increasing the aperture size, which is often prohibitively expensive. Therefore, there is a need for a low-cost, research-grade telescope for low-budget astrophysicists, astronomers, and universities with such programs.

In general, the parabolic mirror is the most expensive part of a reflector telescope. Conceptual designs were developed using the concept of a liquid parabolic mirror telescope. Current liquid-mirror telescopes only have the ability to view the sky straight upward. Therefore, we propose alternative designs to view the sky in multiple directions, making it more useful for astronomical purposes.

To accomplish this, we developed a frame-based design that contains two independently rotating at mirrors to direct light toward the liquid parabolic mirror. After eight months of design, fabrication, revision, and testing, we successfully completed a working multi-directional liquid mirror telescope with a 12-inch aperture for less than $3,000.

Advisor: Dr. M. Ani Hsieh