Astro-Physics
Astro-Physics, Inc. is a manufacturer of amateur telescopes, mounts, and accessories. Founded in 1975 by former Sundstrand Corporation engineer Roland Christen, the company is noted for its line of apochromatic refractors as well as high-end mounts. The company is located in Machesney Park, Illinois. The company is owned by Roland and Marjorie Christen. Author and Astronomy magazine contributing editor Philip S. Harrington wrote in his 2011 book Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories that Astro-Physics is "a name immediately recognizable to the connoisseur of fine refractors on rock-steady mounts". Astro-Physics was profiled by Travel Channels Made in America, a TV program hosted by John Ratzenberger, on October 25, 2006. In 2006, the company employed 18 people. The company's finished telescopes, which include mounting and lens, cost between $10,000 and $25,000. Astro-Physics has offered many models of telescopes over the years, distinctive for their apertures and optical designs as well as for their brief periods of production and irregular availability before being discontinued. Past product lines include refractors up to 206mm in aperture, a catadioptric design of 254mm, and an astrograph of 305mm. As of the end of 2021, the company's line of