The Delmarva Star Gazers announce the second Mid-Atlantic Mirror Making Seminar. The Seminar will be held March 1-3, 2002, in Mallard Lodge, Smyrna, DE.

Activities will include – but not be limited to - the following:

Prominence Scope Making: this year, we will offer a kit and supervision to assemble your own dedicated solar prominence scope.  The scope is based around a 60mm refractor, occults the sun’s disk and produces images of solar prominences.  All materials and tools for assembling the scope will be provided along with supervision from the developer, David Groski.  The number of prom scope makers is limited to 20.

Camera Hacking: Douglas Miller will assist those wishing to understand the basics of hacking a webcam for astro photography.  Participants should bring a webcam and their computer to be used for controlling the camera.  There is no participant limit for Camera Hacking activities.

Mirror Making: the purpose of the Seminar is to introduce proven successful mirror making techniques and practices to those wishing to make their own mirrors; special emphasis will be placed on successfully figuring the mirror.  All mirror grinding materials will be furnished and expert mirror makers will be available to guide the activities.  For those who have not made a mirror previously, we suggest beginning with a 6” F-8 or 8” F-6. Those with previous mirror making experience are encouraged to go for the 10” F-6. The mirror and tool will have a diamond pre-generated curve – ready for 220 grit.  Successful mirror makers will leave the Seminar with a fine-figured mirror, ready for aluminizing, and with the skills, knowledge and confidence to repeat the process as desired.

Mirror grinding, polishing, figuring and testing assistance will be provided by Steve and Bruce Swayze of Swayze Optical and several experienced mirror makers from Delmarva Star Gazers .

Mirror making stations will be limited to 12 on a first come, first served basis.   Non-mirror makers are encouraged to attend – to watch the process, to learn, and to participate in other planned activities.