Telescope with improved mirror support

Abstract

A Cassegrain telescope having a primary mirror having an aperture centeredn the axis thereof and a secondary mirror spaced from the primary mirror and centered on the axis of the primary mirror for receiving reflected light from the primary mirror and reflecting it through the aperture in the primary mirror and a support member extending from the primary mirror support structure to the secondary mirror. The support member is in the form of a conical honeycomb having cells extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the primary mirror. The support member is made from a carbonized polymeric material.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A telescope, comprising a. a primary mirror having a central axis and a central aperture centered on said axis,   b. a secondary mirror spaced from and positioned on the axis of the primary mirror to receive reflected light from the primary mirror and reflect it through the central aperture in the primary mirror,   c. means for supporting the primary mirror, and   d. a conical support member attached to the primary mirror support means for supporting the secondary mirror, said conical member being in the form of a honeycomb having therein openings extending in a direction parallel to said axis.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 wherein the openings are hexagonal in cross section. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 3 wherein the conical support is made from a carbonized polymeric material. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 3 wherein the polymeric material is a polyester resin. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 3 wherein the polymeric material is an epoxy resin.