In the astronomical community of the future, there are many types of astronomical telescopes.

According to technical principles, they can be divided into many models:

For example, reflecting telescopes, refracting telescopes, radio telescopes, etc.

The first astronomical telescope in human history, made by Galileo, was a very standard refracting telescope.

The modern Hubble Telescope is also a refracting telescope, although its diameter has reached the human manufacturing limit of a single optical mirror.

Telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope are reflecting telescopes.

As for radio telescopes, they are much less common.

For instance, the giant radio telescope in our local mountainous region is a radio telescope, and the ticket is only fifty yuan.

As for the astronomical telescope Xu Yun mentioned, it naturally refers to the reflecting telescope, which is the most manually constructed telescope in the future.

But regardless of how simple this manual construction process is, there is an unavoidable aspect:

That is the calculation of data.

From the smallest basic imaging focus,

to the medium atmospheric disturbances,

to the large human optimization through the axial spherical aberration curve.

Almost every process requires mathematical calculations.

Of course.

Xu Yun, as a professional who has been engaged in scientific research for two generations, these data calculations do not trouble him.

With just a few basic data, he could calculate them even with his eyes closed.

But the problem is...

Is it meaningful to do so?

Scientific knowledge is not like the liberal arts where rote memorization suffices; especially for professional research and development, spoon-fed education is meaningless.

Because the research and development field needs constant updating and iteration, meaning practitioners must possess hands-on operational abilities.

The previous preparation of allicin was to address an emergency, so Xu Yun didn't have time to elaborate deeper knowledge.

But now, in a conventional physics teaching scenario, if everything is explained thoroughly, it might not be beneficial to Old Su and others.

Even in future education, teachers sometimes let students conduct experiments by themselves to verify phenomena.

Hands-on practice to break through cognitive barriers.

This is much better than purely one-sided knowledge infusion.

Therefore, this time, Xu Yun chose to be a rare person.

He pondered for a moment and said to Old Su:

"Sir, according to the notes left by the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sect, the construction difference between telescopes and microscopes is not great.

Both require objectives and eyepieces, but focusing... that is, mirror precision is somewhat different.

But unfortunately.....

The notes on the telescope only describe it up to this point, and the latter part was unexpectedly lost.

And the latter part is precisely the most critical step in the manufacturing process, involving a large amount of calculated deduction, and some necessary precision was lost, then the telescope..... sigh."

Old Su could not help but furrow his brows; as a boss involved in combinatorial engineering, he naturally understood what precision data truly represented:

"Xiaowang, why was the data lost?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Yun sighed, seemingly remembering some regretful matters, and explained:

"It is rumored that in a certain year and month, the sage Shi Hao was calculating whether it was possible to sever time, but unexpectedly, a person covered in red fur suddenly barged in and stole the latter half of the notes and Shi Hao's beloved milk jug.

Since then, Shi Hao became disheartened, secluded himself from the world, and is not recorded in ancient histories..."

After listening to Xu Yun's words, a trace of regret instantly appeared on Old Su's face.

Throughout the history of former dynasties, talents who secluded themselves in the fields due to disheartenment are as numerous as stars in the sky.

Some, like Tao Yuanming, lived carefree and unrestrained after seclusion, leaving future generations with a magnificent silhouette of openness amidst mountains and rivers.

Others, like Wang Rong, merely left behind a footprint or two, occasionally lamented by future generations.

And many more have become unknown, with all traces dissipating with time.

They can only be glimpsed once or twice in the county records during their seclusion, often with the words 'birth and death unknown' added afterwards.

Meanwhile.

Old Su also thought of his good friend, another Old Su—Su Shi.

Currently, Brother Zizhan is situated in Danzhou (future Hainan), and no one knows how his health is at the moment?

It is said that in another year's time, the Emperor might proclaim a great amnesty, and hopefully, Brother Zizhan will be blessed with heavenly grace by then.....

Thereafter, Old Su withdrew his thoughts back to reality and focused on the astronomical telescope.

For such a "divine artifact," he really did not want to give up.

He contemplated for a moment, with some hope, and said to Xu Yun:

"Xiaowang, although the notes concerning the telescope have been lost, you still remember the object construction, correct?"

Xu Yun pretended not to understand the purpose of this question, obediently nodding:

"That's right."

Old Su upon hearing this, his eyes suddenly gleamed with a hint of light.

He remained silent for a moment, seeming to have made a certain decision, and solemnly said to Xu Yun:

"Xiaowang, if sufficient materials and calculated deductions are provided, is it possible to reconstruct an astronomical telescope?"

Xu Yun gently responded with a hum, a trace of seriousness appearing on his face:

"Although precision data needed for the astronomical telescope has long been lost, the axiomatic basis for measurement accuracy is still there.

If we can find some manpower and materials are available, and combine principles for back deduction... there is indeed a chance to recreate an astronomical telescope..."

After hearing Xu Yun's words, Old Su immediately showed a joyful expression and turned to exchange glances with Xiaoli and Xiaozhao.

Moments later.

Only then did Old Su take a deep breath, make certain decisions resolutely, and said to Xu Yun:

"Since that is the case, we will try to see if we can restore the astronomical telescope once again!

"Such tools that allow mortals to gaze upon the heavens, buried so silently, it's truly a pity."

Saying this, he paused, and continued speaking to Xu Yun:

"Xiaowang, what people or materials are needed to create an astronomical telescope?"

Xu Yun thought for a moment and said:

"First and foremost, mirror-making craftsmen, and they must be among the best of the era.

Be it a microscope or an astronomical telescope, the true core is actually the objective lens and the eyepiece.

Especially with telescopes, if the precision of the glass lens is high enough, you could cut a bamboo stick to make the body.

So high-quality glass materials and craftsmen are essential, and of course, further processing and polishing are needed afterwards.

Oh, and that donkey must also be prepared."

In the peculiar DIY circles of the later generations, handcrafting telescopes is quite a common activity.

Its prevalence is even higher than that of crafting hand-made generators.

After all, self-made generators generally aren't useful, whereas self-made telescopes can observe distant or celestial objects.

Thus in the DIY circle, sextoys and telescopes are basically the two most common items.

There are generally three methods of making homemade telescopes:

One is to buy parts from a package directly and assemble them oneself, thereby saving on brand fees and processing costs.

Two is to buy a cheap convex lens, grind the lens to indulge in a silver mirror reaction, fully polish and assemble the entire setup.

The third is to use Gaussian Optics to formulate equations with three surface curvatures as variables to calculate spherical aberration coefficients, which is standard handcrafting.

Of course.

The third method seems primarily calculation-based, but in producing and polishing the lens, the requirement for manpower and materials is definitely as high as possible.

Thus after listening to Xu Yun's requirements, Old Su pondered for a moment before turning to Xiaozhao:

"Prince Jian, I'm afraid I must trouble you this time."

Xiaozhao placed his hands behind his back, readily agreeing:

"No problem, leave the craftsmen to me. Also list all needed materials, and we'll gather them within seven days."

On hearing this, Xu Yun quickly bowed to Xiaozhao:

"Then I must trouble Prince Jian."

"Trouble?"

Xiaozhao lifted his eyelids to glance at Xu Yun, the corners of his mouth curling into a slightly mocking smile.

However, he seemed to restrain from saying anything, ultimately remaining silent.

Currently, Zhao Ji had just ascended the throne, and apart from a few trusted aides, he hardly had any reliable high-ranking influential figures.

Although the transition of the imperial throne was relatively smooth, appearing to go well.

But for the Royal Family, having no allies in the court almost directly equates to hidden dangers everywhere.

Even Zhao Ji, regarded as an unwise emperor by posterity, in such an environment, is rather sensitive.

Thus, if Xiaozhao voluntarily proposes that craftsmen and resources are needed to create a star-gazing toy, with the entire process unfolding under Emperor Huizong's watchful eyes.

Then Emperor Huizong would not only refrain from refusal, but may even gladly satisfy Xiaozhao's requests, granting whatever is needed.

After all, among all the brothers, Xiaozhao is the one posing the greatest potential threat to him.

If he indulgently plays around, it means Zhao Ji can devote more attention to developing his inner circle.

Or at least, he can fetch more power from Empress Dowager Xiang.

In fact.

This is also one of Old Su's goals, hoping the relationship between the two brothers of Emperor Zhezong may soon ease to friendliness.

But...

Is that possible?

Thinking of this.

Old Su let out a frustrated breath, compelling himself to not ponder these political matters any further.

After all, he had already resigned and retired, some matters were merely out of sentiment, and there was no need or energy to interfere too much.

He then turned to Xu Yun and asked:

"Xiaowang, besides wealth and craftsmen, what else needs to be prepared?"

Xu Yun looked at Old Su, who had a 'My house is quite fine, you can say anything' expression, paused for a moment, and answered:

"Besides finances and craftsmen, there's only one other thing left..."

"What is that?"

"A master capable of computational deductions!"

"Computational deductions?"

Old Su repeated the term, not looking too surprised.

After all, Xu Yun had previously said that the precision of the telescope must be calculated before manufacture.

Although everyone present possesses basic mathematical knowledge, they are evidently a notch below such sophisticated manufacturing calculations.

Even Old Su himself doesn't have particularly deep mathematical knowledge.

This phenomenon is common even in later generations, where top physicists seldom cross paths with top mathematicians.

Many physicists merely have better mathematical prowess than others, excluding mathematicians.

This is true for well-established mathematical and physics systems in later generations, let alone ancient Huaxia.

Simultaneously delving deeply into two of the most complex scientific fields, even Old Su couldn't accomplish it.

Afterward, Old Su pondered for a while, and suddenly a person's image flashed through his mind.

His expression shifted, and he said to Xu Yun:

"Xiaowang, I have a friend named Han Gonglian, known as Mr. Yang Huai.

Early on, when ordered to inspect the Celestial Sphere used by the Imperial Observatory, I happened to meet this person.

This person is extremely fond of computational deduction throughout his life, his numerical prowess is exceptional, even considered among the top five in the capital.

Currently, he is idle, researching mathematics in the capital, if I ask, he would surely be willing to assist!"

......

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