Building the Future
of Astronomy
A student-built autonomous telescope bringing the night sky to the Bay Area
About Our Project
Building a research-grade telescope from scratch — designed, engineered, and assembled entirely by high school students.
The MVHS Physics & Astronomy Club is a student-run organization at Mountain View High School in Mountain View, California. Our team of 7 high school students is building a research-grade telescope entirely from scratch — covering mechanical design, optics, electronics, and software engineering. Our mission: bring the night sky to the Bay Area community through free public star parties.
Hands-On Engineering
We're building a 10-inch reflecting telescope from raw materials — plywood, aluminum, optics, and electronics, designed and assembled by students.
Free Star Parties
Open community observation nights for families across the Bay Area. No tickets, no fees — just curiosity and clear skies.
Student-Led Software
6,800+ lines of Python powering autonomous tracking, plate-solving, and auto-alignment — written and tested entirely by our team.
Meet Our Team
Seven students with a shared passion for astronomy and engineering.
Aryan Khanna
Club President
Eeshan Khandelwal
Software & Electronics Lead
Vidu Senadheera
Mechanical Lead
Neel Chhatrala
Electrical Member
David Cho
Mechanical Member
Tristan Schaefer
Outreach
Ishaan Sakariya
Mechanical & Software Member
Technical Specifications
Engineered for performance — every component carefully selected and tested.
Primary Mirror
10" f/4.48 parabolic mirror — the optical heart of the system
Star Tracking
INDI-compatible GoTo with plate-solving and auto-alignment
Stepper Motors
NEMA 23 altitude/azimuth + NEMA 17 focus with TMC2209 silent drivers
Software Stack
Python + TypeScript control system with web dashboard, ASCOM/INDI drivers
Dobsonian Build
Truss-tube Dobsonian design for optimal portability and rigidity
Portable Design
Breaks down into two sections — fits in a car trunk for field trips
Weight Target
Under 50 lbs total — manageable by a single student
Imaging Camera
ZWO ASI120MC-S for planetary and deep-sky astrophotography
Project Timeline
From concept to first light in under six months.
Design & Planning
Finalize optical design, source the primary mirror, complete CAD models for all mechanical assemblies, and begin procurement of materials.
Fabrication & Assembly
Cut plywood, assemble mirror box and rocker box, machine bearing surfaces, build truss structure, and integrate electronics enclosure.
Electronics & Software
Wire stepper motors and drivers, integrate Raspberry Pi control system, develop tracking software, and run automated test suites.
First Light & Star Parties
Achieve first light, calibrate optics, perform star tests, and host our inaugural free public star party for the community.
Support Our Mission
Help us bring the night sky to the Bay Area community.
$1,706–$2,593
Estimated Budget
We're building this telescope with donated materials wherever possible and keeping costs minimal. Your sponsorship — whether $10 or $100 — directly funds the optics, electronics, and materials that make this project possible.
Sponsor Benefits
- Your name engraved on our 10-inch Dobsonian telescope
- Shoutout at every community star party we host
- Featured on our Instagram (@mvhs_physics_astro_club) and website
- Invitation to our First Light event in August 2026
- Tax-deductible donation through our school district