My apologies to those who have asked to be removed from this discussion, but isn't the UVAA list for local astronomers (and distant friends) to talk about this hobby and what they are doing to spread the joy of star gazing? That is unless I am mistaken. If I knew how to filter out specific individuals, I would, but I do not know if that is possible. So I apologize in advance to those who do not want this thread.

This Kiddie scope is one my wife designed. We will be teaching a mini telescope making class at a Montessori School in Bountiful next month. The kids in the class will be building these scopes with either the 4.5", 6", or 8" mirror from kits we are putting together. We traded some grinding turntables for some of the Meade 4.5" mirror sets from Bill Kelly who used to be a member of SLAS but has since moved down to Arizona. We are trying to put together a set of plans for this scope, and to put pictures up on our web site of the scope along with details on how to build it. (Patrick, I'll let you know when we get those posted).

I'll keep this one short.

John R. Zeigler

-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Ratkowski [mailto:ratkwski@maui.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2003 5:19 PM
To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association
Subject: RE: [UVAA] Scope Length

Hi John

I like your Kiddie-Scope.  It's what needed to get kids interested in astronomy and being in the dark and enjoying the sky at night.  You have plans for the scope or do you make them or what?? I have twin grandsons that I sent binoculars to for Christmas last year and they love them and a scope for them to share is a thought I have for this year.

I'm enjoying the scope length conversation, I'm into convenience and ease of transport.  My car (BMW 5 series) is not big enough to haul big gear or tons of stuff, though I am thinking of getting a pick up w/ a shell.  Hummmmmm ........

aloha

Rob