The 29-Inch f/4.5 Don Brooks Telescope Which Is One Of The Largest Privately Owned Telescopes In The Region
An observing event was held last night (February 19th 2026) on the campus of Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC, featuring a custom made 29-inch telescope by Don Brooks. Don has been active in amateur astronomy for many years, as is currently the President of the Cleveland County Astronomical Society.
It should also be noted: Longtime CCAS member, Steve Davis also attended the event last night. Steve works at the “Bare Dark Sky Observatory at Mayland Earth to Sky Park” and is an operator of the 34-inch telescope. The facility is located in Burnsville, NC and the 34-inch telescope is one of the largest public telescopes in the southeastern US.
I’ve been friends with both Don and Steve for more than 30 years.
The Don Brooks telescope:
It has a 29-inch mirror which was produced by Coulter Optics in California during the 80’s. I’m not sure how many 29-inch telescopes Coulter produced, but I’ve heard it was a very small number. I’ll make a post via Cloudy Nights, which is international astronomy forum, asking for information concerning these very rare mirrors. It would be interesting to find out where some of these mirrors are today.
Don built everything (other than the mirror and the focuser) which was an extraordinary feat. A mirror this size has incredible weight and the mirror cell must be built strong enough to properly hold and secure without causing stress to the mirror. Building only the mirror cell is an engineering feat in itself.
I can’t properly convey just how difficult building a telescope this size would be, and the mechanical skills required.
Below: Don gets the telescope ready for the evening.
The telescope pointed at the planet Jupiter.
This telescope requires an enclosed trailer to transport.
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