Al Naglers journey to Stellafane 2024

Imagine a place where the stars feel a tad closer, and the art of crafting telescopes is not just a hobby but a heartfelt passion. This place is Stellafane, a haven for amateur telescope makers, and for Al Nagler, the co-founder of Tele Vue Optics, it's nothing short of a voyage home that him and his wife have been going to since the 1950's.

Al Nagler's journey to Stellafane isn't just about attending a convention; it's a return to his roots, where his love for optics began. Here's where Al, back in 1958, won third prize for mechanical excellence with his 8-inch telescope, a prelude to his later triumph with a 12-inch f/5.3 Newtonian in 1972.

What is Stellafane?

Stellafane, located in Springfield, Vermont, is renowned as the oldest and most active amateur telescope-making club in the world, founded by Russell W. Porter in 1920. The name "Stellafane" itself, which translates from Latin as "Shrine to the Stars," reflects its purpose as a sanctuary for astronomy enthusiasts. Here's what makes Stellafane significant:

• Historical Significance: The club's history is deeply intertwined with the popularization of amateur astronomy. The pink clubhouse, built in 1923, stands as a testament to this legacy. Stellafane's contributions were recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
   
• Annual Convention: Stellafane hosts the longest-running astronomical convention in the United States. This event, typically held during the new moon closest to the Perseid meteor shower in early August, attracts thousands of amateur astronomers and telescope makers. It's not just a gathering but a celebration of celestial observation, featuring competitions for homemade telescopes, workshops, and nighttime sky watching.
   
• Facilities: Beyond the historic clubhouse, Stellafane includes various observatories like the Porter Turret Telescope, McGregor Observatory with its Schupmann telescope, and the Breuning Domed Observatory. These structures are equipped with various telescopes, reflecting the club's dedication to both historical preservation and advancing amateur astronomy.
   
• Community and Culture: Stellafane embodies a spirit of community, education, and hands-on learning. Members and visitors engage in maintaining the site, sharing knowledge, and observing the stars, fostering a culture where astronomy is not just observed but lived.
   
• Inspiration and Influence: Stellafane has inspired generations of astronomers and telescope makers. Its influence extends beyond its conventions, impacting how amateur astronomy is practiced and shared globally.

A painting Al commissioned by Hulan Fleming, of his family attending Stellafane in the early 1990s

Tele Vue: A star is born

Now, let's zoom into Tele Vue, a name synonymous with innovation in the eyepiece and telescope design. Founded by Al Nagler in 1977, Tele Vue wasn't just about making telescopes; it was about redefining how we see the universe. Here are some fun and fascinating tidbits:

• The Nagler Eyepiece: Al's claim to fame in the astronomy community. Introduced in the '80s, these eyepieces were revolutionary, offering an ultra-wide field of view that made users feel like they were diving into space rather than just observing it. Imagine putting on glasses that suddenly let you see the world in IMAX.
   
• From Apollo to Astronomy: Before Tele Vue, Al Nagler was involved in the Apollo program, designing simulators for astronauts. This blend of space exploration tech with amateur astronomy gear gives Tele Vue products an edge, like having a bit of moon dust in every eyepiece.
   
• Innovation Continues: Tele Vue didn't stop at Naglers. They've rolled out series like the Panoptic, Delite, and Ethos, each pushing the boundaries of what eyepieces can do. It's like they're in a perpetual race with the universe itself, trying to capture more of its vastness in their lenses.
   
• A Culture of Quality: Tele Vue's commitment to quality is almost legendary. They're like the artisan bakers of the telescope world, where every piece of glass is crafted with the kind of care you'd expect for a fine wine or a luxury car.
   
• Stellafane as a Catalyst: Al's annual pilgrimage to Stellafane isn't just nostalgic; it's where ideas spark. Conversations under the starlit sky, surrounded by homemade telescopes, often lead to the next big innovation at Tele Vue. It's where community feedback directly influences product development.

Stellafane memories - image and caption from October 1972 Sky & Telescope magazine report on that year’s Stellafane. Courtesy S&T.

The human element: Al Naglers journey to Stellafane 2024

What's truly heartwarming about Al's journey is the human connection. Stellafane isn't just about the stars; it's about the people who look up at them. Al's interactions, from sharing stories of his Apollo days to discussing the intricacies of lens design with fellow enthusiasts, underline a core aspect of astronomy: community.

"This August, my wife Judi and I made our annual pilgrimage to the Stellafane convention in Vermont, a tradition we’ve kept alive since the 1950s. Hosted by the Springfield Telescope Makers (STM), it takes its name from the group’s clubhouse: “Stellafane” is a Latin/Middle-English contraction of “star” and “shrine”. This year was particularly special as it marked the 100th anniversary of the Clubhouse’s opening. Situated on a 3½ acre site on Breezy Hill, this location has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1989," said Al Nagler.

"STM owes its existence to Russel Porter, an amateur telescope maker, and the founding bylaws still require full members to have crafted their own telescope objective. The convention at Stellafane is a celebration of telescope making, with prizes awarded for craftsmanship and optical quality. As a two-time award recipient myself, it’s an honor just to participate. It’s always a joy to return to the “birthplace of amateur telescope making” in the United States, where amateur astronomers and telescope enthusiasts come together to share their passion for handcrafted astronomical instruments," said Al Nagler.

"Stellafane is not just about the telescopes and hardware; it’s also about the people. Many individuals make the yearly pilgrimage to Breezy Hill, including Dennis di Cicco (writer / editor / asteroid hunter) and Joe Rao (on-camera meteorologist / Space.com columnist). Judi, and I also had the pleasure of meeting with Cecilia Detrich, President of STM, several times throughout the event. Cecilia’s contributions to the field are truly inspiring," said Al Nagler. Judi also commented "It’s nice seeing people you haven’t seen in a while."

Stellafane memories - Judi with Al's 12-inch Newtonian circa 1970s

Al's story, from Stellafane to creating some of the most beloved astronomical tools, reminds us that at the heart of technological innovation lies a simple human desire: to connect, to explore, and to marvel at the universe.

Every year, when Al Nagler heads to Stellafane, it's not just another journey for him, it's like his personal pilgrimage where his love for the stars blends with his life's work. It's where each telescope, each starlit chat, fuels his drive and connects him with folks who get just as starry-eyed about the cosmos as he does. Now, when you're peering through one of those Tele Vue eyepieces, you're not just looking at the night sky, it's more like you're looking through a piece of Al's heart and soul.

Me, I've got a few Nagler eyepieces myself. Don't use 'em much now since I'm all in on astrophotography, but I keep 'em around. They're more than just glass to me; they're like keepsakes from a friend, crafted with care and a passion for the stars that you can't help but admire. Plus, the views through a Naglar are astonishing, especially through my 24” Dobsonian.