DESCRIPTION
Have you ever imagined creating something truly special - your own very telescope? We do!
Crafted by leading astronomers, optical designers, and educators, the high quality, low-cost Explore Scientific Galileoscope Refractor Telescope Stem Kit lets you build your own 50mm refractor telescope in a breeze. No tools or adhesives required - just your enthusiasm and your hands!
Whether you're 8 or 88, the easy-to-assemble Galileoscope takes the observation experience to the next level. Why? Well, just imagine the joy of assembling it with your loved ones, sharing laughs and marveling at the mysteries of the universe together with the telescope you actually built. Oh the memories! As you put together your telescope, each step is a chance to explore and learn with the ones you love. Once assembled (don't worry, it's an easy 5 minutes assembly!), prepared to be amazed as you explore the lunar surface, gaze at Jupiter's Galilean moons, admire Saturn's majestic rings, and marvel at bright star clusters.
Concerned about the assembly? Don't be!
This kit provides detailed step-by-step instructions to seamlessly guide you through the assembly process. Additionally, you'll have access to a complimentary tutorial offered by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Join a knowledgeable instructor as you build your telescope, gaining expert tips and tricks along the way!
School Children use the Galileoscope in Flagstaff, Arizona
Photo: Stephen M. Pompea, NOAO
More about the Galileoscope Refractor
Developed as a cornerstone project for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy (IYA) and the
2015 International Year of Light (IYL), the Galileoscope telescope kit emerged to address a significant need: a high-quality, low-cost solution for both optics education and celestial observation.
Driven by a global community of volunteers and propelled by word-of-mouth promotion, over a quarter-million Galileoscope kits have journeyed to educators, students, and enthusiasts in more than 110 countries. Originally envisioned by its creators (Stephen M. Pompea, Richard Tresch Fienberg, Douglas N. Arion, Thomas C. Smith, and Douglas Isbell) to last only through the IYA, the overwhelming demand from the astronomy education and outreach community led to its continued production.
And the best part? The legacy lives on! Recognizing the persistent demand from the educational community, a search began to find a worthy successor of the Galileoscope. In late 2018, Explore Scientific was approached to take over manufacturing and distribution, a partnership born from mutual understanding of the project's importance. With Explore Scientific now at the helm, we're ensuring that educators and students worldwide can continue their journey of cosmic exploration, one telescope kit at a time.
"I love my Galileo Scope. It’s awesome. It’s always out with me. When the mist gets bad the Galileo is handy."
-Harold Locke
"I am surprised that my Galileoscope has become my working scope. Yet, I am reminded of what we often hear in the amateur astronomy community - The best telescope is the one you use most." - David O. Treviño, Cloudy Nights
Why choose the Explore Scientific Galileoscope 50mm Refractor Telescope Stem Kit?
1. Build Your Own Telescope
With the Galileoscope telescope kit, you get to assemble your very own 50mm refractor telescope from scratch. It's like a hiqh-quality DIY project for exploring the cosmos!
2. Quick and Easy Assembly
No need to bust out the toolbox or deal with messy adhesives. Assembly is quick and hassle-free, so you can spend less time building and more time stargazing.
3. One telescope kit: two telescopes?
Indeed! Unlike other telescope kits on the market, the Galileoscope offers the unique ability to be assembled in either a Galilean configuration or a Keplerian configuration. This means you have the freedom to explore and compare both designs firsthand. With the Galileoscope, you're essentially getting two telescopes in one package!
4. Incredible Views
Get ready to feast your eyes on some of the most breathtaking sights the universe has to offer. From the rugged terrain of the lunar surface to the mesmerizing rings of Saturn, and everything in between, the views through these telescopes will leave you in awe.
5. Versatile Accessories
The kit comes with a 25x eyepiece and a custom accessory that can be assembled as either a 2x Barlow lens for a power of 50x or a 17x Galilean eyepiece. This means you'll have the perfect setup for exploring different celestial phenomena, just like Galileo did!
7. Learn as You Explore
Dive into the fascinating world of optics as you learn how lenses form images and how magnification affects field of view. It's like getting a crash course in astronomy while you observe the wonders of the universe firsthand.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your kit and get ready to embark on an epic cosmic journey.
What's in the box?
Here is the complete 31-part list, organized from the front (sky) to the back (eye) end:
- Lens shade/dew cap ×1
- Objective lens•Main tube halves ×2
- ¼-20 mounting nut•V-block bases/stands ×2
- Main-tube clamp ring ×1
- Main-tube O-rings ×2
- Focuser tube halves ×2
- Focuser O-rings ×2
- Eyepiece lenses ×2
- Eyepiece-barrel halves ×2
- Eyepiece field-stop ring ×1
- Eyepiece clamp ring ×1
- Eyepiece eye-end ring ×1
- Barlow tube ×1
- Galilean eyepiece/Barlow lenses ×2
- Galilean eyepiece tube halves ×2
- Galilean eyepiece clamp ring ×1
- Galilean eyepiece/Barlow eye-end ring ×1
- Sun-warning sticker ×1
Disclaimer: The Galileoscope comes equipped with a ¼-20 mounting nut at its base, perfectly compatible with any standard photo tripod. If you already have such a mount, you're good to go!
SPECS
- Mirror/Lens diam.: 50mm
- Focal length: 500mm
- Focal ratio; f/10
- Eyepiece focal length: 20mm
- Magnification: 25× (50× with Barlow)
- Field of view: 1 1/2° (3/4° with Barlow)
- Eyepiece eye relief: 16mm (22mm with Barlow)
- Eyepiece barrel diameter: 1 1/4 inches (31 3/4 mm)
CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
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