Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Robert Thibodeau, Junior Mario Gutierrez, Freshman Emma Snow, Sophomore Quinisha Huggins, Senior Desiree Robinson
Lead Presenter's Name
Ahnika Gee
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Stephen Gillam
Abstract
High-quality parabolic mirrors, essential for reflecting telescopes, are traditionally bulky, expensive, and extremely fragile. This experiment investigates the feasibility of using unconventional mirrors, specifically specular Class B Mylar, as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative. This approach could lead to new methods for telescope design by significantly reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining optical performance. The Mylar sheet is shaped to the necessary curvature by applying a negative pressure, allowing for an adjustable focal length, which is unachievable with conventional glass-aluminum mirrors. This adaptability could enable real-time adjustments directly from the primary mirror, potentially improving telescope versatility. To evaluate the viability, the Mylar mirror will undergo both qualitative and quantitative comparisons against a conventional 8-inch mirror as the control subject. A custom-designed modular telescope frame will have housing for both mirrors, which will have equal focal lengths, effective apertures, and will use the same secondary system of a secondary mirror and lens. Performance metrics will include optical clarity, and the Foucault test to measure distortion. This experiment could lead to new, cheaper, methods of observational astronomy for amateurs and researchers alike.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Feasibility of Mylar as a Replacement for a Primary Mirror in a Reflecting Telescope
High-quality parabolic mirrors, essential for reflecting telescopes, are traditionally bulky, expensive, and extremely fragile. This experiment investigates the feasibility of using unconventional mirrors, specifically specular Class B Mylar, as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative. This approach could lead to new methods for telescope design by significantly reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining optical performance. The Mylar sheet is shaped to the necessary curvature by applying a negative pressure, allowing for an adjustable focal length, which is unachievable with conventional glass-aluminum mirrors. This adaptability could enable real-time adjustments directly from the primary mirror, potentially improving telescope versatility. To evaluate the viability, the Mylar mirror will undergo both qualitative and quantitative comparisons against a conventional 8-inch mirror as the control subject. A custom-designed modular telescope frame will have housing for both mirrors, which will have equal focal lengths, effective apertures, and will use the same secondary system of a secondary mirror and lens. Performance metrics will include optical clarity, and the Foucault test to measure distortion. This experiment could lead to new, cheaper, methods of observational astronomy for amateurs and researchers alike.