Lithophane Toy Telescope
Print Profile(6)
Description
Explore the stars… from your couch! This telescope is designed to have interchangeable slides that let you see constellations, planets, and far away nebula. Everything in this design is 3D printed, no additional hardware required! Current lithophane images include some of my favorites from the James Webb Space Telescope, and I plan on adding more over time. Let me know in the comments if there are additional slides you think should be added to the collection!
***Update April 2026 : New lithophane slides available! Includes 3 new James Webb Space Telescope images and an image from the Artemis II mission.
Boost Me (for free)
I have plans to continue to develop this design, add slides and other features. If you like this design, please give it a boost, rate the model and post photos of your prints. That helps me see that you enjoy this and motivates me to put more time into this.
Assembly Instructions
The telescope print completes in 4 parts (not including the view slides) as shown below.
To assemble the main telescope base, slide each smaller component into the next large part with the tabs aligned in the slots as shown (different colors are shown for better visibility). After the tabs are fully seated, twist the two parts in opposing directions until you feel them click into place. The tabs will be almost completely hidden as shown in the image on the right.
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After assembling the 3 main telescope parts, you can load any slide you want. Drop the slide into the ring and then twist the ring into place on the end of the telescope in the same way you assembled the rest of the telescope.
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Finally, point your telescope towards a light source, and enjoy the view!
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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