The Optical Vertical is a core division of Team dhRuVa dedicated to Optical Astronomy. Our work spans a range of projects, including telescope design and fabrication, astrophotography, and advanced optical research. The Optical Vertical aims to deepen our understanding of optical astronomy through both instrumentation and scientific investigation. Below are the projects currently under this vertical.
Contributors: Vinay, Shashank, Shrish, Srujan
AN300 is a 6-inch Newtonian telescope designed and developed by our team. The 6-inch refers to the diameter of the telescope's parabolic primary mirror (f/4.5). The mirror cell was constructed using PLA 3D prints with an acrylic base plate. The optical tubing was made from a PVC pipe, and the secondary mirror is mounted using a steel spider web connected to a 3D printed joint. The telescope is capable of achieving up to 300× magnification.
- Build a fully automated telescope using a 6-inch primary mirror.
- Design and integrate a motorized Dobsonian (alt-azimuth) mount for accurate celestial tracking.
- Implement Go-To functionality for automated object targeting and navigation.
- Develop remote control capabilities using software or mobile applications.
- Ensure high-quality optical alignment (collimation) and minimal aberrations.
- Integrate a CCD or CMOS camera system for astrophotography and data acquisition.
- Enable live streaming or real-time observation for educational and outreach purposes.
- Design the system for modularity and future upgrades (e.g., spectrometers).
- Document the full design, assembly, and testing process for reproducibility and learning.
- 6-inch parabolic f/4.5 primary mirror
- Up to 300× magnification
- Astrophotography ready
- A 6-inch Newtonian telescope was built (manual, non-automated).
- A functional Dobsonian mount was designed and assembled.
- Redesign the telescope to reduce weight and improve modularity and automation.
- Design a motorized mount for easier tracking and object location.
- Develop an algorithm to track celestial objects and automate pointing.
- Enable remote access and live streaming functionality.
Contributors: Shrish, Vinay, Srinidhi
Astrophotography involves capturing images of celestial bodies such as stars and planets using long-exposure techniques and specialized optics. As part of the Optical Vertical, our focus is on developing hardware and software for sky imaging, planetary photography, and time-lapse tracking. A Raspberry Pi camera module and image stacking techniques are used to produce high-resolution images for both research and outreach.
- Capture high-resolution images of celestial objects including planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies.
- Design a stable imaging setup integrated with the telescope system.
- Implement precise tracking for long-exposure imaging.
- Develop an image processing pipeline with stacking, calibration, and enhancement.
- Catalog and document observations for educational purposes.
- Train team members in field imaging and post-processing.
- Build a repository of astrophotography content for outreach and exhibitions.
- Raspberry Pi camera module
- Custom image stacking and processing algorithm
- Module for live-streaming celestial events
- Successfully livestreamed the occultation of Antares.
- Captured and stacked high-resolution images of the Moon.
- Developed scripts to control camera properties such as ISO and shutter speed.
- Upgrade to a higher-resolution camera sensor.
- Develop a tracking algorithm based on real-time image input.
- Integrate the camera module with the automated telescope system.
Contributors: Snigdha, Pranjal, Sanketh, Anushka, Aryan A., Srujan
This project explores the application of Adaptive Optics (AO) in ground-based astronomy to enhance image quality by correcting atmospheric distortion. The focus is on modeling the effects of key AO system parameters on starfield imaging performance across different zenith angles. A controlled simulation framework is used to study the impact of turbulence, forming a foundation for experimental and real-time AO systems.
- Model the influence of AO system parameters (e.g., actuator count, correction frequency) on image quality.
- Simulate atmospheric turbulence at varying zenith angles.
- Evaluate AO performance based on image sharpness, Strehl ratio, and PSF (point spread function).
- Develop a modular simulation framework for AO testing.
- Prepare for future experimental validation and AO integration with telescopes.
Contributors: Sudeep, Dayamaya, Arun, Pranav
The 2-inch refractor telescope is a beginner-friendly instrument designed for wide-field celestial observations. It uses a simple achromatic lens system to view the Moon, planets, and bright stars. Lightweight and easy to assemble, it is ideal for quick deployment and public outreach.
- Design and build a compact refractor telescope using a 2-inch achromatic lens.
- Enable basic astronomical observations for educational purposes.
- Provide a stable, lightweight platform suitable for outreach and beginner use.
- Ensure ease of alignment and assembly.
- 2-inch achromatic objective lens
- Up to 40× magnification
- Lightweight optical tube
- Stable equatorial mount
- Successfully built and tested a functional 2-inch refractor telescope.
- Demonstrated lunar and planetary observations.
- Validated performance through field testing.
- Created a low-cost, replicable design for educational use.
Contributor: Vinay
Project Ballman aims to develop a modular attachment to the Dobsonian telescope mount. This mechanism uses the shifting of the center of gravity via ball bearings to automate the movement of the altitude axis.
- Design a ball-bearing mechanism that shifts the center of gravity to move the telescope’s altitude axis.
- Make the system modular, scalable, and compatible with future automation modules.
Contributors: Aditi, Anushka, Pranjal, Snigdha, Suryanshu, Srujan, Aryan A., Manav
This project involves designing and fabricating a functional marine sextant using 3D printing. Based on classical celestial navigation techniques, the sextant allows users to measure the angle between a celestial object and the horizon for basic position fixing.
- Design a fully functional marine sextant optimized for 3D printing.
- Accurately measure the altitudes of celestial bodies (e.g., the Sun).
- Explore the use of optical filters, mirrors, and index arms in angle measurement.
- Ensure structural accuracy and durability within a ±1 arcminute range.