Calibrating a Laser
In order to keep my astronomy gear at the highest quality possible, I need all sorts of specialized tools. The more specialized my gear gets, the more specialized my tools need to be. That being said, one of the most common tasks an astronomer needs at a high level of proficiency is the task of collimating optics. Lenses comprising a lens group need to be square to each other... lens groups need to be square to the focuser... and mirrors, if your telescope has any, need to be perfectly aligned so the light focuses at one sharp point after reflecting off of two mirrors. The solar spectroheliograph I am building also needs each of its four optical elements to be aligned perfectly with respect to each other. Astronomy isn't just about looking at the sky. Your gear needs to be properly maintained otherwise your observing sessions will be less-than-stellar (pun intended). Of course, I'm also not your typical backyard astronomer who is just looking for some "gee whiz&quo