Mark Parrish
DIY Astronomer
Mark Parrish is a consummate designer and a prolific producer of DIY astronomy products.
Recent articles by Mark Parrish
Build a solar funnel to safely observe the Sun or solar eclipse through your telescope
This easy-to-make device lets you view the Sun or solar eclipse in safety.
How to make a solar projection screen for safe observing the Sun or solar eclipse
Safely record features moving across the face of the Sun with this simple device.
Build a solar projector to safely observe the Sun or solar eclipse
Project an image of the Sun for safe observing with this step-by-step DIY astronomy build.
Make a Moon phase calculator and calendar
Make a mechanical instrument that calculates and displays the phase of the Moon for any chosen day of the year.
Make a collimation tool for your telescope
Save money by building your own collimator from household materials.
How to build a telescope case
Construct an easy to make, practical case for any size of telescope.
How to build an astronomy accessories case
Make observing the night sky easier by constructing a customisable container for all your astronomy equipment.
Build a rotating camera shutter to photograph a meteor's movement
Build a rotating shutter and capture images showing a meteor’s movement with our DIY astronomy project.
How to build a 4-camera DSLR 'bird table' mount
Construct our multi-camera mount to help you capture multiple areas of the sky at once: perfect for meteor showers.
How to build a tabletop tracking mount
This project is a simple tabletop mount that can track the apparent movement of the stars, which allows you to increase exposure times and capture more light with your camera.
Make your own equatorial camera mount for astrophotography
Build this 'artificial star' to test the quality of any telescope or lens
Make a useful tool to test the alignment and quality of any telescope or lens.
How to make a Bahtinov mask
Our DIY Bahtinov mask guide contains a link where you can download a printable, adaptable PDF template.
Build a zero-magnification finder for your telescope
Construct a device that will help you aim your telescope at a celestial target in the night sky.
Build an observing chair
Say goodbye to wet knees and aching joints with this DIY astronomy project – an observing chair that folds flat for easy storage.
Build a Dobsonian equatorial platform
Convert your altaz Dobsonian telescope into a sky-tracking lightbucket.
How to turn your sunbed into a mount for binoculars
Enjoy hands-free viewing with this attachment for your garden lounger.
Photograph the night sky with a webcam scope
Get started photographing the night sky with our simple DIY build: a webcam scope.
How to make your own telescope
It is possible to make your own homemade telescope and use it to observe the night sky.
Best laser collimators for telescopes, 2024
Find out how laser collimators can help with telescope setup, and some of the best models available.
DIY Astronomy | Make a planetarium projector
Project the night sky onto your bedroom ceiling with our homemade planetarium.
DIY Astronomy | Build a Galilean telescope
Follow our DIY project and make your own telescope just like the one used by Galileo Galilei during his most famous astronomical discoveries.
DIY Astronomy | How to make a red light torch
Follow our DIY guide to make your own torch that shines red light and preserves your dark-adapted night vision.
How to build a home observatory
Have you ever wanted your own garden observatory? Follow our epic How To guide and build your own.