Spectrum Scientifics Blog

Discussing the Galileoscope on this blog might seem a bit odd. After all, Spectrum does sell telescopes! But while this product may not be ours to sell, it is important for encouraging astronomy throughout the world.

You may have already heard of the one laptop per child program where you can purchase a very basic laptop for children in developing nations? The Galileoscope is a similar program

The Galileoscope itself is a very basic refracting telescope, having a 50mm objective, 25x magnification, assembly required and no tripod. But its cost is a mere $15, and that can open the world of astronomy to a child in a developing nation. You can buy one for yourself as well, after all it is a fun project to build!

Despite its low price and required assembly, the Galileoscope is actually rather impressive. It has a achromatic objective lens, and can accept any 1.25″ eyepieces or accessories, and it attaches to any camera tripod with a 1/4″-20 adapter. Not bad for a price that is much lower than what an achromatic lens of that size would cost.

The heart of the Galileoscope program is the ‘Give a Telescope’ program where, like the One Laptop per child program, you purchase a telescope to be donated in a developing nation. Even better, donating a telescope costs only $12.50 per telescope!

So spark an interest in astronomy around the world. Give someone a telescope!

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Filed under: Astronomy, International Year of Astronomy