DIY

How-to and DIY projects to help you get the best out of practical astronomy.

The sensor of a DSLR camera is tucked behind the reflex mirror – as such, the camera has to be switched on while you clean it. Credit: Ian Evenden

How to clean your DSLR camera sensor

For those of us unable to see the aurorae, there’s another way to experience the effects of the solar wind on Earth’s atmopshere. Credit: Getty Images

Can’t see the aurora? You can detect it with a homemade magnetometer

The finished smartphone finderscope. Follow our guide to make your own. Credit: Mark Parrish

Build a smartphone finderscope for your telescope

An astronomical quadrant is both fun and educational. Credit: Mark Parrish

Build your own astronomical quadrant

Red-image

How to turn your iPhone screen red for astronomy

Sundial HEADER

Make your own portable sundial

Keep your binoculars steady with a mount that faces down to look up. Image Credit: Will Davis

How to make a binocular mirror mount

Plumbing fittings and bespoke clamps attach your mobile to your scope. Image Credit: Mark Parrish

Build a smartphone holder for your telescope

Build polarscope adaptor

Build a right-angled polarscope adaptor

How-to-clean-binoculars

How to clean binoculars

The rocket ready for lift off: stamp hard on the bottle and your spacecraft will go flying. Image Credit: Jo Richardson

How to build a stomp rocket launcher

The finished platform will enable your altaz Dob to follow the motion of the stars. Image Credit: Mark Parrish

Build a Dobsonian equatorial platform

The completed shutter mounted on its own tripod and positioned beside a camera. Image Credit: Mark Parrish

Build a rotating meteor shutter

How to build a rolling telescope dolly

Build-wooden-tripod

Build a low-cost wooden tripod