Liquid Telescope Mirror
Liquid Telescope Mirror
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As the rotational speed increases, the focal length decreases. This series of photographs documents the proof-of-concept mock up using a variable-speed record player supporting water which was sprayed silver for the photographs.
This is a proposal to allow the creation of large telescopes to avoid the cost, weight and fragility of a glass mirror, and to provide adjustable focal length by changing the rotational speed. The prime mirror can simply be poured into the cylindrical container and rotated to achieve the desired parabolic curve and focal length. This is classic mirror-telescope design plus a an additional large flat mirror, mounted above the rotating mirror, on a gimbal so that it can be turned to face the object of interest.
This product is not for sale. Do not contact us to purchase this product. This project is shown only as an example of past concepts. HinesLab currently offers consulting in the area of engineering design, photographic equipment design, as well as a variety of licensable technology.