Tom Naudé (1901-1969) was a South African astronomer, instrument maker, and telescope designer. He is best known for designing and building the innovative and highly regarded 20-inch (51 cm) reflecting telescope at the Boyden Observatory in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Naudé had a lifelong passion for astronomy and optics, despite lacking formal training in the field. His practical skills and ingenuity allowed him to construct telescopes and other astronomical equipment to a professional standard.
His design for the Boyden Observatory telescope, completed in the early 1950s, incorporated a novel method for supporting the primary mirror, minimizing distortion and maximizing image quality. The telescope became a valuable research instrument and significantly enhanced the observatory's capabilities. Naudé's work was highly respected by the international astronomical community, despite his relatively limited formal education.
Beyond the 20-inch telescope, Naudé designed and built several other telescopes and optical instruments, contributing significantly to amateur and professional astronomy in South Africa. His work is a testament to the power of self-taught expertise and dedication to scientific advancement.