Home >> Science & Nature >> Astronomy

How to Make a Tripod for Star Gazing

A tripod keeps your telescope steady so that you can achieve the clearest possible astronomical images. Although most large telescopes come with professional tripods, smaller spyglass telescopes and binoculars can also provide high-quality magnification for stargazing if they are properly supported. For these lighter pieces of equipment, it isn't necessary to buy an expensive metal tripod or construct an elaborate wooden model. Instead, you can create a simple but effective tripod using wire and electrical tape.

Things You'll Need

Wire coat hangers (at least 3, more if your equipment is heavier than 16 ounces)
Pliers
Wire cutters
Electrical tape
Metal bolt sized to fit your equipment's tripod socket

Instructions

- 1
  Straighten out the wire coat hangers and cut three 12-inch pieces of wire. These will be the legs of your tripod.
- 2
  Wrap each wire with several layers of electrical tape. The goal is to enhance the wires' strength and stiffness while retaining their flexibility. Leave about 2 inches of bare wire at either end of each piece.
- 3
  Create "feet" for your tripod by twisting the bare ends of each wire into small loops. These will brace your tripod when you place it on a flat surface.
- 4
  Wrap the head end of the bolt with electrical tape, then take one end of each wire and loop it over the bolt, tightening so that the legs are secure. Arrange the legs so that they are evenly spaced around the central bolt.
- 5
  Tape the wire loops to the bolt to keep them from slipping. The central bolt should now be held up by the three tripod legs, and the looped "feet" should keep the legs from sliding.
- 6
  Fit your binoculars or spyglass onto the bolt and test the tripod's support. If the tripod legs buckle under the weight of your equipment, add additional wire bracing to each leg. The tripod can be set on a flat surface, or the legs can be twisted around a fence or other structure to secure the tripod at any desired height.

Astronomy