Behind the Optics
About Stellarvue
A Legacy of Handcrafted Telescopes, Built to Inspire
Our Mission:
To inspire a healthy interest in science and astronomy by handcrafting precision telescopes.
Who We Are
Stellarvue is more than just a telescope company. Since 1998, Stellarvue has fostered a global community (a '"Stellar-family") of employees and customers who are passionate about astronomy, education, and viewing and imaging the night sky through high-quality telescopes.
Today, Stellarvue continues to use innovative technology to produce the high-quality optics that make excellent imaging telescopes when used with our dedicated field flatteners.
Today, Stellarvue continues to use innovative technology to produce the high-quality optics that make excellent imaging telescopes when used with our dedicated field flatteners.
Our Commitment to Precision
Every Stellarvue apochromatic triplet telescope takes about one year to produce. Most of this time is spent precision figuring our objectives using a state-of-the-art Zygo Phase-Shifting Laser interferometer, to map each wavefront and identify any aberrations caused by machine polishing. After doing so, our master opticians spend months correcting and perfecting the objectives using the same instrument.
Watch this behind-the-scenes look at Stellarvue, as presented through a visit with Sky & Telescope's Dennis DiCicco.
Watch this behind-the-scenes look at Stellarvue, as presented through a visit with Sky & Telescope's Dennis DiCicco.
A Passionate Community
Stellar-family customers serve as ambassadors. Stellarvue wants each telescope operating to original specifications so that the owner can be proud of their telescope and excited to show it off. Click here to see images captured by some members of the Stellar-family.
About Founder Vic Maris
Stellarvue founder and Ace of Space Vic Maris began a lifelong pursuit of astronomy in the mid 1960s, after reading 'The Golden Book of Astronomy.' When recalling his earliest memories of astronomy, Vic said, "My father bought me a 60 mm refractor to encourage my interest in science, but that telescope almost ended my interest in astronomy." Vic fought the telescope for several nights, with its wobbly base and defective optics.
After many attempts, the telescope was retired to his closet. "Far too many telescopes sit unused in closets because companies don't create them with the user in mind. If a telescope is not easy and enjoyable to use, it cannot do what it should; telescopes ought to foster a greater appreciation for the universe."
In spite of his first telescope, Vic continued to be interested in the night sky. "The pursuit of astronomy has given me some inspirational experiences. I sincerely appreciate all of those people who helped me along my way.” Vic was also lucky to live in Southern California, where some of the best telescope makers were close by and willing to mentor him.
Vic polished his first 6" mirror and made his first telescope at the age of 14. Two years later, he took on the challenge of making a 5" f-15 refractor at the age of 16.
After graduation, Vic excelled in a career working for California State Parks as a ranger and later, a superintendent. He worked for Parks for 30 years, during which time he set up educational star-gazing programs and also helped establish the Robert Ferguson Observatory.
As Vic neared retirement, he taught astronomy for fun in Sacramento, and his students encouraged him to make high-quality, reliable telescopes. With this encouragement, Stellarvue started in Vic's garage back in 1998. Since then, the company has grown exponentially and has produced thousands of hand-crafted telescopes.
I have enjoyed introducing thousands of people to astronomy for the past 55 years. Many of these people have purchased a poorly made department store telescope, the nightmare of any budding astronomer. It is unfortunate that so many telescopes are made to reach a low price point. This is what inspired me to create Stellarvue. This is a small telescope company dedicated to introducing people to the night sky and providing them high-quality optics, that are figured right here in our shop. This has always been more a labor of love than a commercial endeavor. Anyone who has been truly inspired by the majesty of the night sky knows exactly what I am talking about. — Vic Maris
verified
Our Promise to You
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are committed to providing the highest quality products to support your passion for astronomy. That's why we cover our optical and mechanical parts with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a two-year parts and labor warranty.* handshake
We’re Here to Help!
Stellarvue is located at 11802 Kemper Road, Auburn, CA. We can be reached at (530) 823-7796, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm (PT), or by email at mail@stellarvue.com.
