My DIY telescope vs $1million Observatory │Betty's Story Ep 2

In this video I head to the Canary Islands to see if my homemade telescope ‘Betty’ can match the resolution of the IAC80 - a giant professional Observatory.
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Secondary Lens: Sony 35mm 1.8 prime lens: amzn.to/463esNY

[@MrEdxwx]

Fantastic work , i`m sure this video took a lot of time to make ! can`t wait to see more videos!

[@RobBarter]

More gripping than a Agatha Christie novel. Fantastic and well done.

[@Astrobiscuit]

thx mate

[@kayenne221]

@@Astrobiscuitthanks mate, for what? An endorphin boost, or ego boost?

[@JohnnyApplePie15]

@@kayenne221a compliment

[@Kimhyori_]

​@@kayenne221Somebody's bitter than bitter gourd!

[@no_mercy4183]

​@@kayenne221 for being nice and appreciating his content his effort into each of these extremely enjoyable videos ❤ And if you think Rory has ego then I think you have a brain of a pig😂

[@MarkJones-df1fo]

That photo is amazing love this channel, well done Astrobiscuit.

[@Riktenstein]

Agreed

[@feelincrispy7053]

It’s cool that we are in a time where 200 people can help a man achieve something of his dreams

[@karluk7724]

@@feelincrispy7053 Yeah then he vanished😂😂

[@CIBERXGAMING]

@@karluk7724 hes back in the canarys haha

[@Astrolavista]

Simply brilliant story telling and great effort which all paid off in the end with that stonkingly good M33 image! So many twists and turns; my heart sank when the mirror was glued to the cell ! I've made that mistake before and the temperature expansion between the glass mirror and metal mirror cell causes astigmatism. Very well done to Rory for getting it fixed and to all involved in making these epic videos happen. Until the next exciting episode!

[@dan14632]

Do you think affixing a small primary mirror with something that might allow a little expansion, say heavy duty sticky back velcro would work?

[@Astrolavista]

@@dan14632 Yes that should work; Rory used a similar approach to resolve the issue in his video.

[@Astrobiscuit]

Well said and thx everyone

[@justklaas4703]

Yes. An other way of gluing a glass mirror to an aluminium support while still avoiding stress occuring in the glass causing astigmatism, is to have leaf springs in between glass and aluminium support. Just imagine 3 leaf springs (every 120°). Leaf springs bended 90° so it forms a lip that can be glued onto the glass. The other end of the leaf spring can jut be screwed onto the support. This way, since a leaf spring "locks" 2 translations and 1 rotation, using 3 of them at 120° is able to constrain all 6 DOF's (degrees of freedom: 3 translations, 3 rotations) without inducing stress in the mirror.

[@RockinRobbins13]

Hey, at least he had the foresight not to use epoxy glue or other glue that couldn't be undone without force that would hurt his mirror. I call that a successful experiment!

[@patrickl9930]

Every AtroBiscuit video is a lights out, home theater, no-distractions event. 🎉

[@Gooders478]

Pity he only makes one episode a year.

[@venombhai69]

You know its a great day when aatrobiscuit uploads, cant wait!!!

[@nikpan9744]

I love aatrobiscuit as well!

[@DreadEnder]

Aaaaaatrobiiiiiiickit!

[@krishna12645]

Aatrobiscuit Rocks

[@Martinko_Pcik]

What a cliffhanger. I am always amazed how amazing your pictures end up with those beaten up telescopes 😂 At the same time you know and give enough attention to things that really make a difference. Great job. Enjoyed it again.

[@marmotadigitala]

the editing and narrating alone deserves 1 million sub

[@thetinkerist]

What a journey! and you know, it's not just Betty taking sharp pictures, this also shows what an amazing astronomer you are, Biscuit!

[@Adie_Brown]

This channel deserves 1,000 times the subs it has. The production quality is staggering Mr Biscuit - always look forward to your videos coming out. What a story this one was, Betty is a stunning scope isn’t she!

[@Astrobiscuit]

Aye she's a keeper

[@das250250]

I've been eating chocolate biscuits for 6 months waiting for astro biscuits to become available. .

[@idelstream2941]

When is the new upload??????????????????????????????😅

[@Learn_astronamy14]

​@@karluk7724 u serious?pls tell me you're joking😢😢

[@karluk7724]

@@Learn_astronamy14 I wish I was🙏🏼

[@CaliforniaCapitalRefuse]

​@@karluk7724quit lyin bruh

[@CaliforniaCapitalRefuse]

​@@karluk7724ricktenstein replied to a comment saying that there is 2 vids for the patreon only rn

[@pkmrock]

​@@karluk7724 dont say that bro come on

[@adamellison5897]

The CTE of aluminum is much higher than glass, but its elastic modulus is similar. That approximately torques the mirror as the aluminum cools differently than the glass due to drastically higher thermal conductivity. Richard Berry recommended a quarter-thick layer of silicone. I use a reserved set of steel skewers.

[@TheAstroPlane]

I don't know how you do it... but each and every single upload you do is outstanding!!! The production value is amazing. The atmosphere in your episodes is always so friendly, and overall, it's just fun to watch! Please never stop being awesome! ❤❤❤🌌🌌🌌

[@mschmalenbach]

I’d love to say this is your best yet… but you’ve got so many great videos… This is just brilliant on so many levels. My father in law would have loved this too - he passed 2 years ago today, and we shared many a great time over our shared passions of astronomy and single malts. I felt like I was watching this with him, imagining the chat we would have had had we watched this together.

[@Astrobiscuit]

Ah mate my dad died 18 months ago

[@mschmalenbach]

I'm sorry to hear that.@@Astrobiscuit

[@justin_smith556]

oh man I have been looking for this one! The anticipation is killing me.

[@uweinhamburg]

Just imagine the guys at the building site of the ELT: 'i guess one of us has to go to the next DIY store and buy a few kilometers of Scotch tape....'

[@simongoldsmith6084]

What a drama!! What a video!! What a photo!! The A2 is going to look amazing up on the wall…. And anything to help fund the next instalment! Thanks Rory for all you do - one of the most entertaining channels on YT

[@clank_sinatra]

I love your images! one of the main reasons why I'm dedicated to astrophotography. I'm finally getting good galaxy and nebula images because of you.

[@clearskiesforever7154]

Really hope that there will be a new Astrobiscuit video soon!

[@samcerulean1412]

An Astrobiscuit video a Christmas is a present within itself. Your content is so engaging

[@AIAGE7821]

He is one, if not the only, KZbinr I follow that I wish his video never ends. That I don’t ever want to skip one second of it. Very good job of making the videos and very nice background music.

[@painlesskun3959]

WELL SAID!! I can repeat but nahh I can't skip a second of it!! Other youtubers i can skip anything, but for Mr. Biscuit I can't even skip his advertisement telling sections!!

[@fofomp723]

You bring such a smile to my face as i watch your video...Amateur astrophotographer Zimbabwean living in Australia

[@Astrobiscuit]

Good

[@igibomba]

I have been waiting for so long for you to upload, I cant express how happy I am. Your videos made me start with astronomy! I bought my first 8 inch dobsonian 2 months ago and I am already addicted to this hobby. Recently I made calculations and CAD design to build my first euatorial VNS platform which will make planetary imaging much easier. I wish you clear skies in 2024 and many videos to come, greetings from Slovenia.

[@meadmaker4525]

Looking closely, you could see more star detail in the observatory's shot, but it's by a very thin margin. I think you did really well with your setup, particularly given the last-minute modifications. I'd definitely be interested in seeing you go back with a larger scope to see if you can close that margin of detail. It'll be tough to travel with a quality scope that size though...at least by plane. Maybe take a boat? Thanks for sharing this journey with us. Really enjoyed it.

[@SMGJohn]

He has to get a proper case for it and board it on the plane as fragile and special travel goods, which means it will be handled better and put in a different place on the plane, they deliver it to you personally after the landing, it costs more, but the price of beating a million euro telescope, is well, its priceless.

[@zaphus]

Fantastic video, I love the journey you take us on, through all the ups and downs. This is why we love Astrobiscuit (and Pink Bunny) - I hope you can do more big projects like this! How about a southern hemisphere trip, there has to be something down here worthy of a challenge!

[@saturnball_cz]

What an AMAZING journey!

[@ninjaaw997]

Outstanding effort and an absolutely epic shot! Tenerife is a very special place to me, I have been up the mountain stargazing many times and can attest to the mind blowingly amazingly clear skies up there! I have never seen stars like it and to be able to clearly see the milky way with the naked eye with clarity is unreal. Brilliant episode as always and big shout out to all those that made it possible. I have just purchased a print and can't wait to get it framed and on the wall!

[@Astrobiscuit]

Ahh thx bud very much appreciated

[@no_mercy4183]

Hi, missing your videos 😢 when the next one is coming?

[@miazga82]

Yeah, I'm worried too. It's been 5 months since the last one.

[@Riktenstein]

We have two more but they are first to patreons.

[@no_mercy4183]

@@Riktenstein yep, it's assuring that you're okay, we can wait for the video

[@MeteOguc]

We can still say that Betty won this competition in her own class. The photo looks great. It is sure to be an inspiring result for amateurs! I agree with Bunny. The next mission is obvious! You have to do it! Happy new year to you, the whole team and your family! 🎄🎉🎊

[@Riktenstein]

Thanks!!!!

[@Astrobiscuit]

thanks mate

[@painlesskun3959]

I can't!! I have been soo excited ever since i found this channel. It is just something that I love, You document and put together the contents in such a way that caters to my taste, I can't describe it!! The past 4 months have been wearing on me and watching another video of Astrobiscuit really brightens my day!! As expected THIS VIDEO WAS A BANGER!!! I wish I could support your channel with money, not right now, BUT HEY I CAN SHARE THIS! Amazing work as always, You are *my Idol in the world of Astrophotography and Hobby Astronomy*.

[@thatguy-xt7dz]

Recently recieved my print and it looks great on the wall. Cheers from Northern Québec. Keep up the great work.

[@Astrobiscuit]

Ahh thx for getting one cheers bud

[@ENGAGEXR]

Where do you get your prints from? I'm looking to get my own astro images printed.

[@-M0LE]

​@@ENGAGEXRbuy them from his website I assume

[@thatguy-xt7dz]

Rouyn noranda loves you brother

[@Learn_astronamy14]

Please upload a new video mate😢.we miss you

[@radov22]

yeah ! we miss you astrobiscuit _(

[@MeOwOgai]

Best Horror/Adventure KZbin video I've seen in a while, insane shot, insane... Also legendary moment that you mounted the steel plate with patrons names on the telescope 😢

[@EssBeeStream]

Honestly netflix need to give you a show, the way you deliver the story and the exciting way you talk about astronomy is out of this world, pun intended

[@SMGJohn]

Why? You know how many big KZbinrs who sold out to Netflix ended up going back to KZbin because their audience on Netflix is vastly different from audience on KZbin?

[@painlesskun3959]

@@SMGJohn So what we need is a better funding for such youtubers, and a freedom to do what they have always done, but with more assests!!

[@SMGJohn]

@@painlesskun3959 KZbin is entertainment, and entertainment is a business. KZbinrs who do this for a living should treat it like one if they want to grow larger, thats just how the market works.

[@jeremymcadam7400]

Come back mate the world needs you

[@johnlavin-ford8372]

Thoroughly good job… fun to watch… and unbelievably geek ridden (AWESOME)…. This has given me the drive to pop up some more videos… thank you.

[@johnandrewcook79]

Tickled to see our names on the telescope! Another wonderful video and congratulations on a great feat in the Canary Islands!

[@Astrobiscuit]

Thx for helping make this happen

[@toosas]

this is some good content, drama, anticipation, accountability, the unfolding story, the amazing new places, just a joy to watch

[@ChrisRedfield--]

A cat is always a good sign, all knowing but unable for humans to understand fully.

[@Megavoltamper]

Wow this is so horrific and fantastic at the same time! Nice job, thank you!

[@TheOtherSlideYT]

Amazing. This is a video I never knew I needed! 😁

[@Anik_cosmos]

I started watching you videos for a week and immediately subscribed! and one of the reasons is that you're very entertaining and do not just make anyone feel broke... anyway, I would love to see you give a really short review of f70076 newtonian reflector in your 100 pounds series

[@painlesskun3959]

This is a phenomenal channel!! Unlike any other. Have a great day!!

[@powerconversionlimited4013]

What a lovely Christmas treat! 😁👌 I've really been looking forward to this one. Your vids are better than anything on the BBC.

[@GoldenTenders6]

blimey rory weve been waiting ages! hope u upload soon.

[@jeromesena5967]

Bro where are you? You're my favorite guy for this stuff. There was supposed to be a pretty cool planetary allignment just before sunrise june 3rd 2024. I bope you recorded some stuff and upload it soon. My 4 uesr old and i just zone out on your videos. He's amazed with space and planets.

[@TheGamePlayer830]

He has not released the video but if you go on his website you can see a small part of the video

[@jeromesena5967]

@@TheGamePlayer830 Thanks. I didn't even think to check it he had a website. 👍

[@alexis8471]

Awesome video! I’ve been waiting for this video! Amazing shot and keep the work going!🔭🔥

[@paulmoore8359]

It has been a long two months Astrobiscuit, well done, love this channel

[@seanbravo306214]

This is still one of the best channels I’ve ever subscribed to

[@dot6102]

Great video as always :) it's well worth waiting for your uploads! keep them coming! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Biscuit :)

[@sunsetraving]

Once again a great film! The soundtrack is fitting perfectly. Thank you

[@Riktenstein]

Thanks

[@zsoltminya5718]

Absolutely wonderful, great journey, Happy Holidays!🎉

[@jimporter6084]

Fyi, we mount all our space telescopes with RTV on the kinematic PM mounts which glue to the backplate of the mirror. Any adhesive will have cure shrinkage and will put strain energy into the PM but the RTV flexes enough to keep it very low. This is pretty much a standard used for 50 years on weather satellites, Hubble, Ikonos, Worldvview, etc...

[@diotough]

The 2h processed shot is absolutely amazing and I'm pretty sure that the professionals at the observatory will agree. Yes, the 1h unprocessed image is not as sharp as the one from the much bigger IAC80 but it's still impressive as heck. You've pushed the limit of what's possible at that size, so next step: go bigger. But if you can: do make a video call with the folks and get their reaction to the results of Betty.

[@Astrobiscuit]

Yep yep and I'll try 🤣

[@vitalieBu]

I'm sure that with a 14 inch telescope you would have match it probably like 99.5%.... this is quite mind blowing!

[@RockinRobbins13]

A 14 inch telescope would have just a bit less than half the resolution of the professional scope. Think about it. If the professional astronomers could get the same resolution as their $1 million telescope for $10,000 or $15,000 they would have already done it. Aperture is inescapable as the arbiter of resolution unless the steadiness of the atmosphere is terrible. And the laser based adaptive optical systems on some larger scopes can adjust for atmospheric scintillation automatically in real time. But imagine this: undebatable spiral structure in galaxies wasn't definitively shown until 1917 with the 100" Hale Telescope on Mount Wilson, California. AstroBiscuit doesn't only get spiral structure, but virtually dissects M33, a more difficult galaxy than M51 that they used in 1917. It is true that Lord Rosse's 72 inch Leviathan showed him spiral structure in M51 in 1845 but he had to sketch what he saw. His findings weren't accepted by the scientific community as definitive. They were very busy debating whether the "spiral nebulae" were inside the Milky Way or external structures. AstroBiscuit's photo of M33 is better than any from the 200" telescope on Mount Palomar from the 1960s. Their limitation was very grainy black and white film with a low exposure latitude. Telescope resolution isn't always the only game in play.

[@mazdaram226]

I’ve not got a telescope, don’t know nothing about astronomy but love your passion and this was a brilliant journey… thank you ..

[@Riktenstein]

Glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@Riktenstein]

The scene at 10 mins was painful to film. We really thought we had Royally screwed up.

[@trumpetcoder]

Just amazed you found a solution! I watched this like I was sitting on pins and needles.

[@PetterBruland]

The upper lever of Canary Islands looks much like how Las Vegas looks :-) Thanks for another great video!

[@MartinLeeney]

Was looking forward to this one. It didn't disappoint. Happy Christmas Astrobiscuit. 🎄

[@Astrobiscuit]

Happy Christmas 🎄

[@jirkasvitil2762]

I never thought I would randomly find such an amazing channel. The music does your story telling justice. Now I am thinking about buying a telescope :D

[@Jeff-on7ug]

Day 6 of commenting until Rory uploads

[@oldcodgerplaysgames9610]

Finally a blue sky and a new biscuit vid. Happy days.

[@amarug]

Omg I have waited every day for this to come out!! Can't wait to watch it tonight!!

[@Jeff-on7ug]

Day 4 of commenting until Rory uploads

[@tbotnoblett]

I don't know if I can wait for the next installment!! Great stuff

[@thomasmadey9328]

when will the next video come out?

[@mistaskate8715]

Awesome! So exiting and so specatular that one can get such a clear shot fråm such a small scope! Well done! Very well done!

[@SurreySoundsystem]

Where have you gone brother

[@GavinFoyston]

Mission accomplished Astrobiscuit and what a nail biting video thought it was all going to end in tears but with your knowledge and intuition and help from your team you succeeded.

[@Riktenstein]

We so nearly screwed up. I filmed the scene at 10 mins and if that mirror had not come off, it would have been a total disaster.

[@vitecz5620]

Incredible! It's absolutely mindblowing how such a small telescope can beat the huge observatory beast and even more - its in color! Can't wait for the next iteration of the Betty, the Betty 2.0 - 2 times fatter mirror, 2 times sharper, 4 times coller results ;D

[@Astrobiscuit]

well bettty wan't sharper in the end but it was close

[@tubedude54]

His b/w image was not as sharp as their image... you have to compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges.

[@amaury1264]

@Astrobiscuit what a phenomenal effort! That photo is amazing...

[@McItoshi]

What an adventure, under such brilliant skies .. and an amazing image from Betty

[@Jeff-on7ug]

Day 1 of commenting until Rory uploads

[@richarddeboer8934]

Fantastic video regrads to all the Guys and Betty proof well being there so close to the Galaxy

[@JoraterFly]

Thanks for coming to the Canary Islands to spread your art! Awesome project and execution, un abrazo enorme!

[@Riktenstein]

It is a lovely little island.

[@pendago8484]

I just watched this for the third time... Best whishes for the new year, and looking forward to new Astrobiscuits, nice music, and a cunning rabbit.

[@viewintospace]

This was like a thriller - stayed glued to the screen until the end. Amazing storytelling!!!!!

[@johnheyfron5965]

Such an amazing video, the fact you have always shown when things go wrong means we all genuinely don't know what the outcome will be. Found the channel about 6 months ago, have watched every video and now am inspired to stargaze myself with a nice new 8 inch dob waiting for clear skies.

[@DaPablol]

Love the Pulp Fiction shirt!

[@Astrobiscuit]

My brother in law bought it for me

[@DaPablol]

@@Astrobiscuit He's got excellent taste!

[@maxmayer6009]

I am so glad you were successful!!! I’ve been following this epic adventure all along. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year!

[@ibeyheald9200]

You sir are the astronomical Richard Hammond, proper entertaining, funny and intuative, Nice one ....... I have recently got my first telescope and then found your channel. I watched one video and now I can't get enough so had to subscribe. Nice one .........Brother.

[@alexanderboroda8049]

Молодца! Человечество, в твоём лице, на пике своей технологической формы за последние 10 000 лет.

[@KreatandZonalwolf2]

i've been watching you since 2018 on my old account great to see your improvement also GOOO! BETTY!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cdl0]

Pink Bunny's genius advice always takes the biscuit every time on this channel. 🙂

[@defyent]

Mate, I’ve been struggling with pinched optics with triangular stars for months, your double sided tape trick solved it ! Kept the clamps in place in case the tape gives way, but backed off 1mm from the mirror surface and it’s the first time my reflector has had circular stars ever. You’re a legend.

[@ChrisM541]

This was worth the wait bud. Truly superb, as always, and that photo is stunning! All the best for 2024.

[@owerclockk]

It's insane how the qualities are so close to eachother, honestly unbelievable.

[@linecraftman3907]

Oh man I was waiting to see this for a long time! So glad that Ceri also could make it and almost see it in action.

[@andrewmurphy4116]

Having only ever had a 4" reflector, and making "Awww" noises whilst looking at Jupiter. You've rekindled my interest, and given us a reason to believe. Thanks mate!

[@Astrobiscuit]

😁

[@reflactor]

I'll never make it to the Canary Islands, but at least my name did on that plaque! That was fun... and this video is fantastic.

[@Riktenstein]

Thank you

[@alistairriggs5911]

This is fantastic wonderful very gripping and so much well done. the excitement is wonderful

[@PafMedic]

😂😂😂And Here’s A Black Cat Crossing Your Path..Thats An Awesome Image,Glad Everything Worked Out❤

[@LADZARS]

Im so amazed with that telescope you and other have worked together and made It has been beaten up to Perfection mate. Also merry Christmas❤❤

[@Astrobiscuit]

Thx bud

[@Matt_10203]

Production value top notch as always. I could watch your videos all day!

[@microbiologist]

Love this, followed this all the way and loved the finale. Though my take home message is how insanely tough and well made Betty's mirror is.

[@robloxfanlol3439]

Can u post more videos ur videos are so amazing😍

[@markattardo]

Your results are incredible! Congrats to all involved👏👏 As a very casual / occasional night sky viewer, this whole concept is a bit mind blowing. I find it interesting that the professional gear isn't using newer cameras. I wonder if upgradeability will change in the future.

[@global_nomad.]

great video, great work, as a regular visitor to the canaries, I know the excitemen of seeing the night sky - we're more often on La Palma. Not yet moved there (ha) so cannot offer you any accommodation. Looking forward to seeing the next video. We'll be over there day after tomorrow.

[@timsmith5339]

More tension and excitement than a roller coaster. Not quite the win, but a valiant effort and a stunning image. Well done Betty and all involved.