Simple Refracting Telescope Kit

Have you ever wanted to make your very own DIY telescope?

Use this simple refracting telescope kit to do exactly that, while also exploring the science of some of the earliest telescopes - like those used by Galileo!

The refracting telescopes used centuries ago had much poorer clarity and precision compared to today's high-tech telescopes. Despite this, historic astronomers used these ancient telescopes to make amazing advances in our understanding of the universe.

Have you ever wondered how to make a telescope? This hands-on DIY telescope kit includes the components needed to build a single, simple refracting telescope! It also comes with a detailed guide to learn different aspects of basic astronomical viewing.

What exactly is a refracting telescope?

A refracting telescope, first invented in the Netherlands in 1608 by Hans Lippershey, is a telescope that uses a converging lens to collect light. In other words, it uses two lenses to focus the light and make an object look much closer than it actually is.

Learn more about refracting telescopes with this engaging, kid-friendly telescope kit. With it and the included telescope viewing guide, kids as young as 8 years old can build and piece together their very own DIY telescope, while also learning a little about how Galileo (and other historic astronomers) used them to gaze up into the night sky.

Because a refracting telescope has two lenses, all images seen through the telescope will be upside down. 

Looking for more hands-on kits, resources, or tools for your astronomy lover? Browse through our entire selection of Telescopes & Space Science!