Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/14/2011

Question
Someone has donated this telescope w/a mount to our upcoming church fair.    I don't know whether to put it in Silent Auction (suggested minimum bid)or Attic Treasures (make an offer).  My initial research indicates this is a beginner, low-end instrument.   I'm willing to do more research, but I'd appreciate your advice as to what I should tell potential buyers at the church fair.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Debbie:

You are right--this is more of a toy than a serious scope.  But it's a toy that kids can enjoy.

It will show the craters of the moon, rings of Saturn, and moons of Jupiter.

But it isn't worth a lot of money--certainly no more than about $40, even if it has all the pieces.

There's a really good article about these scopes on the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers website that gives great advice on how to improve these scopes....

Hope that helps


Paul Wagner