1963 --This 12.5" Dall-Kirkham reflector was built for Hidden Valley
Observatory in Rapid City, SD. The original optics were fabricated by Ron Dyvig.
Unfortunately, vandals destroyed those optics, requiring replacement by a commercial
Newtonian system in 1967. The German equatorial mount was constructed by Ivan Crown and
Byron Painter (both now deceased) of the Black Hills Astronomical Society. The rejuvenated
version of this telescope is still actively used by the BHAS.
1975--This is a replica of the first reflecting telescope invented by Sir Isaac
Newton in 1668. This remarkable invention resulted in his being inducted into the Royal
Society of London, the most prestigious scientific organization in the world at the time.
Recent historical evidence has indicated that Newton's original model stored in the Royal
Society archives may itself, in fact, be a very old replica. Some of the parts used
may have been part of Newton's original models. Ron Dyvig's model is patterned after
the specimen in the archives. However, he chose to make the primary mirror from plate
glass instead of speculum metal. (destroyed in fire)
1984--A telescope can be made on a real budget when necessary. This 6"
Newtonian/Cassegrain combination telescope was built for less than $100. The optical
system could be switched between the Newt/Cass by use of a quick change secondary. The
mount was constructed from PVC tubing that was internally stiffened with copper pipe
imbedded in Epoxy resin, creating a very sturdy yet lightweight instrument. The optics, of
course, were also homemade. (destroyed in fire)
1986--This vintage-style brass refractor used an objective lens manufactured by the
A. Jaegers Co., but the rest was designed and constructed by Ron Dyvig. It was featured in
the December 1986 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine. This was not a replica of a
particular antique instrument, rather an original design employing the methods and
materials prevalent in the 19th century. (destroyed in fire)
1986--The vintage refractor was made to disassemble for transport via these
mahogany cases. It was enjoyable using this telescope to observe Comet Halley during its
return in 1986...76 years after it would have been observed with similar instruments on
its last passage. (destroyed in fire)
1992--This 6" f/8 Dobsonian was made for use at Hidden Valley Observatory.
Optics by Michael O’Connor, and telescope by Ron Dyvig.
1993--8" f/8 Dobsonian made for use at Hidden Valley Observatory. Optics and
telescope by Ron Dyvig. The 8" mirror blank was donated by former BHAS member Walter
Kaminski. The telescope has now been loaned back to Ron Dyvig for use at Badlands
Observatory. The open skeleton tube assembly is from Ron’s first telescope project in
1962.
1994--This is a 10" f/5.0 Dobsonian telescope that was made for use at Hidden
Valley Observatory. The telescope was constructed by Steve Parker and the optics
fabricated by Ron Dyvig from a partially completed primary mirror that was started by
former member Kent Stevens and then donated to the BHAS. Pictured with the telescope is
former member Jan Buckley.
1995--This is
the 26" Dobsonian version of the telescope that now resides in Badlands Observatory.
This version was used as a test bed to evaluate the optics before proceeding with the rest
of the project. Fortunately, the primary mirror and its cell, along with the upper cage
assembly, were spared destruction by the Badlands fire. The rest of the telescope was
consumed.
Back to Badlands Observatory homepage