Planetary scientist Alan Binder (left) and astronomy writer Ken Graun (right) showed off their handmade replicas of Galileo's telescopes at the 2006 RTMC Astronomy Expo.
S&T photo by Rick Fienberg.
Ken Graun, author of numerous books for backyard stargazers, built working models of the telescopes Galileo used in his exploration of the skies. Ken gave a well-received talk about a year and a half ago about Messier and his catalog.
"Galileo's Telescopes"
Mr. Graun returns to tell us about his exploits building and using a telescope similar in quality and light-gathering power to that used by Galileo and to demonstrate what a skilled observer like Galileo could do with the primitive equipment available in 1609.
