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Explore Scientific

Explore Scientific Galileoscope 50mm Refractor Kit — Build Your Own Educational Telescope

Explore Scientific Galileoscope 50mm Refractor Kit — Build Your Own Educational Telescope

Regular price $49.99
Regular price Sale price $49.99
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The Galileoscope isn't just a telescope — it's a telescope you build yourself. This snap-together 50mm refractor kit lets beginners and students assemble a real, working scope in minutes with no tools, no glue, and no frustration. Once built, point it at the sky and you'll understand exactly why it works.

Unlike pre-built scopes that hide their optics inside a black tube, the Galileoscope shows you how a refractor actually functions as you put it together. It's designed for classrooms and STEM programs, but it's just as rewarding for curious adults and kids exploring astronomy at home. The 50mm lens and 500mm focal length (f/10) deliver crisp views of the Moon, Jupiter's four Galilean moons, Saturn's rings, and bright star clusters — the same targets Galileo himself observed over 400 years ago.

What you'll see

  • The Moon — craters, mountains, and the terminator line in sharp detail
  • Jupiter's moons — spot Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto shifting night to night
  • Saturn's rings — visible even at the lower power eyepiece
  • Star clusters — the Pleiades, Beehive Cluster, and bright double stars

What's in the box

  • Complete Galileoscope kit (all optical and structural parts)
  • 25× Plössl-style eyepiece
  • 2× Barlow / 17× Galilean accessory (doubles magnification to 50×)
  • Tripod mounting nut (standard ¼"-20 tripod required, sold separately)
Specifications
Model GSCOPE
Optical design Achromatic refractor
Aperture 50 mm
Focal length 500 mm (f/10)
Magnification 25× / 50× (with Barlow)
Eyepiece barrel 1.25"
Assembly Snap-together, no tools required
Mount Standard ¼"-20 tripod (sold separately)

Backed by Telescope Wolves' price match guarantee and free US shipping. Not sure if this is the right telescope for you? Our team is happy to help — contact us anytime.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a tripod?
The Galileoscope includes a standard ¼"-20 tripod mounting nut, so any camera tripod or telescope tripod with that thread will work. A tripod is not included in the kit.

Is this good for kids?
Yes — it's designed for classrooms and STEM programs. Assembly is straightforward and tool-free, making it a rewarding hands-on project for kids aged 10 and up with adult supervision. It's genuinely educational, not a toy.

Can I use different eyepieces?
Yes. The Galileoscope accepts standard 1.25" eyepieces, so you can upgrade or add eyepieces you already own. The included 25× eyepiece delivers sharp, crisp views right out of the box.

What can I realistically see with a 50mm scope?
Quite a bit. The Moon's craters are stunning, Jupiter's four large moons are clearly visible, and Saturn's rings are distinguishable. Bright star clusters and double stars are excellent targets too. It won't show faint galaxies, but it will show you everything Galileo saw with his first telescope.

New to astronomy? Read our beginner's guide to choosing your first telescope or our Astronomy 101 guide to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

With a beginner telescope you can see a surprising amount — the craters and mountains on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and star clusters like the Pleiades. As you get more comfortable, you can also spot nebulae and distant galaxies. Not sure which beginner telescope is right for you? Check out our Telescope Buying Guide.
Most orders ship within 5 business days. You'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of your order leaving the warehouse. For full details, visit our Shipping Policy.
Orders cancelled after 48 hours are subject to a $20 administration fee. If your order has shipped, you are responsible for return shipping costs. Refunds are issued to the original payment method. See our full Refund Policy for details.
Yes! If you find a lower price at another authorized online retailer within 6 months of your purchase, we'll refund the difference. Learn more on our Price Match Guarantee page.
All telescopes on Telescope Wolves are hand-picked with beginners in mind. If you're unsure which telescope is right for you, check out our Telescope Buying Guide.
Please inspect your package on arrival and note any damage when signing for delivery. Send photos to info@telescopewolves.com and we'll process a claim on your behalf.
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