The Galileoscope project as part of the International Year of Astronomy cornerstone projects, developed a model of Galileo's telescope. The purpose of the project was to produce large quantities of a very inexpensive but functional telescope in kit form. The result is the Galileoscope.
These are in such demand that very few sites have been able to get stock, and some international organizations have bought thousands of units! The Jordan Planetarium has a limited supply, and yet the intention here at UMaine continues to be offering support to Maine schools in their science education missions.
For the remainder of 2009 The International Year of Astronomy, while supplies last, a Galileoscope kit ($25 value) will be donated to any school if one or more of their classes comes to the Jordan Planetarium to view Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope. (Limit one per school) This new Omnidome star program, also produced as a cornerstone project for IYA, examines the powers and use of telescopes from Galileo's studies 400 years ago to today.
For more information and additional resource materials, visit the project homepage. GALILEOSCOPE |
