8" Newtonian Telescope "Leavitt"

Update 9/26/23 - v2 is published! This includes updates to most major components. Instructions have been updated wherever any assembly would differ, though some of the instructional images still show parts from v1 if the assembly steps are identical.

The 203 Leavitt is an 8" (203mm) Newtonian reflector telescope that you can print on a Prusa MK3S with no supports or captured hardware, assemble with easy-to-find hardware you can get on Amazon or at a local hardware store, and get beautiful views of the moon, planets, and many deep sky objects.

If you have never used a telescope before and want to get started in amateur astronomy, I highly recommend the 114 Hadley project, which was the inspiration for many of the design decisions made on the Leavitt. While a 114mm mirror may cost you $20, a 203mm mirror will likely cost $300 or more, so you may want to dip your toes in with the smaller, cheaper project.

Detailed printing and assembly instructions, a shopping list for hardware and other parts, a list of differences between the Hadley design and the Leavitt, dimensional drawings in case you want to design your own accessories, and so on are available on the 203 Leavitt's official site.

Accessories

Mount for the battery pack I used in my build

Snap-on dust cover for primary mirror

Anchors for enclosing the tube with black cloth