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Eye doctor makes telescope from discarded optic lens in Kollam

Apart from all these, he is the man who has made the furniture for his house by himself

KOLLAM: A doctor experienced in repairing human eye has invented an astronomical telescope using discarded optical instruments, extending the limits of human vision to the outer space. Dr Mathew Joseph (67), who works as the ophthalmology department head with the Benziger Hospital in Kollam, finds observing celestial bodies as one of his hobbies.

“I thought of making such a telescope as part of my hobby. The one I invented is powerful than the ordinary ones available in the market. And also, if searched the internet for techniques to manufacture one, we will find an answer that it's hard to build at home. However, I made it myself. An ordinary telescope would cost around '1 lakh while I made it for less than Rs 3,000,” Dr Joseph told DC.

“The technology of telescope is so simple that college departments can build it by themselves with a slight knowledge of optics.” He used various lenses from discarded optical instruments including operating microscopes, slit lamps, fundus, and old cameras. The pipe of the telescope has been created using a 200mm PVC pipe painted in white outside and matt black inside.

“Only the main mirror and the secondary mirror were purchased online. I got a wooden stand also made by a carpenter. The photos using the telescope are taken using my Canon SLR camera and my iPhone,” he says. The doctor-turned-stargazer has observed the sun, moon, and Jupiter closely with his homemade telescope taking their pictures with his camera.

However, he finds the cloudy sky this monsoon season and the atmospheric pollution a hindrance to the clear vision of celestial bodies through his telescope. Being an astronomer, this multi-talented doctor is at the same time a painter, sculptor, and a scientist. He remembers the invention of a ‘front view mirror’ during his childhood days. Apart from all these, he is the man who has made the furniture for his house by himself!

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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