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Glenn Chaple's Observing Basics

Glenn Chaple's observing basics: Transform telescope trash into treasure

May 2008: With a few modifications, you can transform a 60mm "trash" refractor into a treasure of a telescope.
Contributed by Glenn Chaple
Published: May 1, 2008
You've probably heard the old saying, "One person's trash is another person's treasure." This aptly applies to the budget telescopes department stores sold in the mid-to-late 20th century. Typically, they would be 60mm refractors labeled "500x astronomical telescope." Beginners scooped up these "bargains," so certain their space adventures were about to begin.
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