Telescope Tips
• This telescope has a magnification power of 17.5X. This means that
objects seen through the telescope look 17.5 times larger than with the
eyes alone.
• This telescope is a refracting telescope. When you look at an object
with this telescope, the object will appear backwards. For example, if
you look at a STOP sign, you will see the word backwards (refer to the
picture above).
• It’s easier to find objects when you move the telescope up and down
because up is still up, and down is still down. They are not reversed.
• Practice moving the telescope slowly from side to side until you can
easily focus on an object.
STOP
STOP
Actual Image
Image Viewed
Through Telescope
Looking through your Telescope
There are many exciting things to discover with your telescope.
Remember,
never look at the sun or any other bright light
with your telescope,
because that can cause permanent, instant
eye damage. The best time to use your telescope is when the sun is
behind you.
• Point your telescope at the top of a tall tree. Can you see the leaves?
Does the bark look smooth or rough? Can you find a bird’s nest? Is
there a squirrel in the tree, or a bird on a branch?
• Point your telescope at a tall building or the rooftop of a house.
Can you see if the building is made of stones, bricks, wood or metal?
Is there a chimney? What color are the bricks?
• Point your telescope at a garden. Can you focus on one flower?
Do you see any birds, animals or insects? What else can you find
in the garden? You may be able to watch birds perched on wires,
pulling worms from the grass, or splashing in a birdfeeder. How
many different birds can you see?
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