Stellafane

Stellafane: How a Century-Old Vermont Telescope Gathering Shaped Modern Optics

For a century, the Springfield Telescope Makers club has hosted the annual Stellafane gathering in Springfield, Vermont, where enthusiasts build telescopes by hand. This three-day event has evolved from a local hobby into a global influence, fostering a community that has contributed to the optics industry, space exploration, and national defense while popularizing amateur astronomy worldwide.