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The Galileoscope

The Galileoscope. Robert Sparks & Stephen Pompea (NOAO) Doug Arion (Carthage College) Rick Feinberg (AAS). Why a New Telescope Kit?. Several current telescope kits exist (e.g., very successful 16x Project STAR kit from Learning Technologies, Inc. and excellent Japanese Starbook kit)

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The Galileoscope

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  1. The Galileoscope • Robert Sparks & Stephen Pompea(NOAO) • Doug Arion (Carthage College) • Rick Feinberg (AAS)

  2. Why a New Telescope Kit? • Several current telescope kits exist (e.g., very successful 16x Project STAR kit from Learning Technologies, Inc. and excellent Japanese Starbook kit) • None met our needs and requirements • There were optical issues, usability issues, “can’t create a “WOW” experience”, etc. • Looked into modifying current kits (new eyepiece?)

  3. Member Responsibilities: U.S. Telescope Kits and Optics Challenges Working Group • Dr. Doug Arion (System Design and Manufacturing) Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin • Mr. Jeff Capara (Mechanical Design), Raytheon, Tucson • Mr. F. Jack Eastman (Optical Requirements) Lockheed Martin, Denver (retired) • Dr. Scott Ellis (Optical Design) Photon Engineering, LLC, Tucson • Mr. Alan Gould (Educational Usability) Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley • Dr. Don McCarthy (Educational Design) Steward Observatory • Ms. Keri Moos (Opto-mechanical Design) Raytheon, Tucson • Mr. Richard Pfisterer (Optical Design) Photon Engineering, LLC Tucson • Mr. Tom Sebring (Manufacturability), Cornell University, Ithaca • Mr. Thomas Smith (Manufacturing Partner) Merit Models, Racine Wisconsin • Mr. Robert Sparks (Educational Integration) NOAO, Tucson • Dr. Mary Turner (Optical Design), Breault Research Organization, Inc. Tucson • Ms. Amber Young (Optical Testing) College of Optical Sciences, U. of Arizona, Tucson

  4. Galileoscope Millions looking at the sky • Design a telescope kit of high educational utility and optical quality • Distribute to developing nations with buy one/get one program • Build in maximum educational value and utility: Integrate kits into basic inquiry-based educational material on image formation and telescopes for education programs. • Design a professional development program for educators to increase the reach of the kit

  5. Types ofRequirements • Easy to build, durable, shareable, provide a robust basis for optics experiments, extended learning • Magnification 25/50 power (for the Saturn “WOW” experience) • High-image quality: sharpness and contrast • Good for urban observing environment • At least 1 degree field of view • Large eye relief for usability • Attachment to stable mount is needed

  6. Requirements Requirements

  7. Galileoscope • $15 each ($12.50 in lots of 100) • Orders are being taken with delivery starting about now • http://www.galileoscope.org

  8. The Galileoscope

  9. Kit also serves as an optical bench and incorporates a Galilean telescope as well

  10. Emphasis on High Quality Imaging and Educational Usability View through Galileoscope Image courtesy of Dr A. Jaunsen, Inst. of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo Saturn by R. Sparks at 25x using afocal projection and a very cheap digital camera on automatic settings (flash off).

  11. Galileoscope Desgin • Final Specs Tool free assembly • 50mm f/10 objective • 4 element eyepice with 1.5 degree field of view • Included 2x barlow • Barlow doubles as a diverging lens to create a true 17x Galilean telescope • Can be used as an optical bench

  12. Galileoscope Accolades • “It’s embarassingly good.” Al Nagler 12

  13. Galileoscope Education • Following the Footsteps of Galileo • Observing the phases of Venus • Observing Moon Crater • Tracking the Galilean Moons • Seeing the rings of Saturn (kind of…they will be nearly edge on!) • Other Objects (Pleiades, Orion Nebula, etc) • Observing Guide is available online

  14. Supplementary Educational Materials • Based on the NSF funded Hands-On Optics Program • Activities adapted from Module 3 “Magnificent Magnifcations” • Use low cost materials to illustrate principles of optics used in telescopes • Optics Education Guide is available online • Can borrow equipment from NOAO for classroom use

  15. Galileoscope Sketching and Photo Contest • Sketches of objects seen as seen through the Galileoscope • All photos must be taken through a Galileoscope using webcam or digital camera • Complete contest rules will be posted at http://www.galileoscope.org in July

  16. How Can I Buy Some? www.galileoscope.org

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