DIY “Telescope” A telescope is a tool that we use to view objects that are far away. Telescopes are typically shaped like a tube and have a lens on one end that magnifies the image, or makes it look bigger to our eyes so we can get a better view. We often use telescopes to view things up in our sky like birds and clouds, or up in space like stars, planets, and comets. You can make your own version of a telescope with a few materials in your home!

Materials: • Cardboard tube or cardstock paper • Construction paper (or any art paper) • Scissors • Glue or tape • Markers/colored pencils • Optional Additions: stickers, glitter, string, beads

Instructions: If using a cardboard tube: • Measure and cut a piece of construction or cardstock paper to cover your cardboard tube. • Roll the paper around the tube and glue or tape it onto the tube. This will act as your base for decorating. • Decorate your telescope as desired! If using cardstock: • Roll your paper into a tube shape and glue or tape the sides to maintain the shape. o You can also try construction or printer paper, but your telescope may not be as sturdy. • Decorate your telescope as desired!

See last page for examples Let’s learn about Hubble! The Hubble Space Telescope is the first major optical telescope to be placed in space. Scientists have used Hubble to observe the most distant stars and galaxies as well as the planets in our solar system. Hubble has improved our understanding of space and the universe because of the amazing images astronomers and scientists have been able to collect.

This photograph of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope was taken on the fifth servicing mission to the observatory in 2009.

Credits: NASA

With his feet firmly anchored on the shuttle’s robotic arm, astronaut Mike Good maneuvers to retrieve the tool caddy required to repair the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph during the final Hubble servicing mission in May 2009. Periodic upgrades have kept the telescope equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, which have given astronomers increasingly better views of the cosmos.

Credits: NASA

One of Hubble’s most iconic images is of this portion of the Eagle Nebula (M16). Dubbed the “Pillars of Creation,” it shows three huge columns of cold gas illuminated by light from a cluster of young stars with strong stellar winds located out of view above. Imbedded in the tips of the finger-like protrusions at the top of the columns are dense, gaseous globules within which stars are being born. The largest of the three columns is approximately four light-years tall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEnqDEPsBHQ Credits: NASA/ESA/STScI/Arizona State University

Images from: https://www.highlights.com/parents/crafts/make-telescope