[AstroNet] Galileoscope discussion

Wed Mar 11 09:09:43 SAST 2009

Dear Prof. de Jager
Just the label "Galileo" in this particularly case doesn't make this scope a
Galileo scope, does it? 
Quote: "Its achromatic optics include a 50-mm-diameter objective lens of
focal length 500 mm, an eyepiece of focal length 20 mm (magnification 25x),
and a 2x Barlow lens (yielding 50x when used with the supplied eyepiece).
The Galileoscope accepts almost any optical accessory that has a standard
1¼-inch (31¾-mm) barrel"
I think Clair's suggestion of Celestron's Powerseeker would be a much better
solution, ready to use. It has just the same to offer, but with larger
optics, plus a tripod. Excellent quality too. www.celestron.com
As free advertising on Astro-net has become a norm now, I am pleased to
advise that there are 50+ telescopes available currently from the Celestron
agent. FOTON Optoelectronics (www.foton.co.za) is happy to offer this model
for R 599.00 (VAT included), collected from our office in Randburg.
RE: Galileo scope. I really think it should be rather cheap but working kit
for schools to assemble.
Regards

Oleg Toumilovitch

-----Original Message-----
From: astronet-bounces at mail.saasta.ac.za
[mailto:astronet-bounces at mail.saasta.ac.za] On Behalf Of Okkie de Jager
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:25 PM
To: astronet at saasta.ac.za; Claire.Flanagan at wits.ac.za
Subject: Re: [AstroNet] Galileoscope discussion

Claire

The reason why we focus on galileoscope is because we focus
on the role Galileo played - we connect the person
with the specific hardware offered.

Yes, the tripod is a bit of a problem, but since we
donate to large groups, there is usually one person with a camera tripod.

regards
Okkie de Jager

>>> "Claire Flanagan" <Claire.Flanagan at wits.ac.za> 03/10/09 7:31 PM >>>

Kevin: what's the chance of getting the cardboard-tube telescope kits
that SAAO used to distribute going again?  Any idea what they would
cost?  And what they can see?

We haven't considered stocking the Galileoscope here - looking at the
price of it, and then remembering it needs a tripod (not included), and
that it's a small telescope, we didn't sethee how it could compete in the
retail market with e.g. the Celestron Powerseeker - 60mm telescope, with
tripod, for R650.  Cheapest tripod I can find on the internet is R400.  

My ideal for outreach would be a stack of Dobsonian telescopes - bigger
aperture, solid mount, easy to point at stuff like the Moon.  Then I'd
loan them out for a sky-watching evening.  Would need at least a trailer
to transport though . . . 

The Galileoscope on a cheap tripod is going to be shaky and difficult I
suspect for a kid to use.  How are you thinking of using them for
outreach?  Have we heard from anyone who has been using them?  

Kobie and Andrie: I'd be really interested to hear your opinions . . . 

And what happened to the CSIR project to make telescopes for local
outreach?  Anyone on the list know about that one?

Claire Flanagan

Jhb Planetarium

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