Astronomical Telescope -- Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos Astronomical Telescope: Take Your First Look Beyond the Night Sky

Make the Moon your next discovery with this entry-level refractor telescope from Thames & Kosmos. Glass optics, two eyepieces providing 20x and 100x magnification, and an aluminium tabletop tripod give beginners a practical introduction to telescope observation. Learn to find and focus on celestial objects, explore lunar craters and turn a familiar night sky into something worth looking at more closely.

The telescope is designed for observing the Moon, planets and stars, with targets such as Mars, Saturn and Jupiter when viewing conditions allow. It also supports terrestrial viewing on Earth. The included manual guides you step by step through setup and use.

What's Inside

• Refractor telescope with glass optical lenses, an aluminium tube and a dew shield.
• 40 mm objective lens and 400 mm focal length.
• Precision focus adjustment knob.
• 5x finderscope with an 18 mm aperture.
• Built-in compass.
• Aluminium tabletop tripod with altitude and azimuth adjustment controls.
• 20 mm low-power eyepiece for 20x magnification.
• 4 mm high-power eyepiece for 100x magnification.
• Diagonal mirror and dust covers.
• Instruction manual.

Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

• A closer look at the Moon: exploring lunar craters gives a familiar object a whole new sense of detail.
• Learn how a telescope works: practise aiming, changing eyepieces and adjusting focus rather than simply looking at pictures of space.
• Two magnification options: compare the view through the 20x and 100x eyepieces as you learn to observe.
• Tools to help you get oriented: the finderscope and built-in compass support the process of locating targets.
• More than night-time viewing: terrestrial observation adds another way to explore with the telescope.
• Guidance from the beginning: step-by-step instructions help new stargazers set up and use their equipment.

Good to Know Before You Buy

• This is an entry-level telescope with a 40 mm objective lens. Planetary detail depends on the target, sky conditions, setup and focusing; do not expect views like processed space photographs.
• The included tripod is a tabletop model, so plan for a stable supporting surface.
• Start with the low-power 20x eyepiece to locate and focus on a target before trying higher magnification.
• Never look at the Sun through the telescope or finderscope. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage. Keep children supervised and follow the manual's safety instructions.
• Check the manufacturer's packaging for the recommended age before choosing it for a child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this telescope suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is an entry-level refractor telescope with a step-by-step instruction manual for setup and use. Beginners can practise finding targets, focusing and switching eyepieces.

What can we look at?

The telescope is intended for viewing the Moon, planets and stars, as well as terrestrial subjects. Lunar craters are an interesting starting point. Mars, Saturn and Jupiter are potential targets when visible, but the detail you see will depend on conditions and the telescope's capabilities.

Does it offer 20x or 100x magnification?

Both. The 20 mm eyepiece provides 20x magnification, while the 4 mm eyepiece provides 100x. Begin with the lower-power eyepiece to locate your target.

What does the finderscope do?

The smaller finderscope helps you aim the main telescope. It has 5x magnification and an 18 mm aperture. Follow the manual for alignment and use.

Is a tripod included?

Yes. The set includes an aluminium tabletop tripod with controls for adjusting the telescope's up-and-down and side-to-side direction.

Can we use it during the day?

It supports terrestrial viewing on Earth, but must never be aimed at the Sun. Never look at the Sun through either the telescope or finderscope, as this can cause permanent eye damage.

Who makes it, and what age is it for?

The telescope is from Thames & Kosmos. The supplied original content describes it as a beginner telescope but does not confirm a specific recommended age. Check the manufacturer's packaging and supervision guidance before use.

Product Details

• Brand: Thames & Kosmos.
• Type: Entry-level refractor telescope.
• Optics: Glass lenses.
• Objective lens diameter: 40 mm.
• Focal length: 400 mm.
• Magnification: 20x and 100x.
• Eyepieces: 20 mm and 4 mm.
• Finderscope: 5x magnification, 18 mm aperture.
• Tube: Aluminium, with dew shield.
• Focus: Precision adjustment knob.
• Orientation aid: Built-in compass.
• Mount: Aluminium tabletop tripod with altitude and azimuth adjustments.
• Additional accessories: Diagonal mirror, dust covers and instruction manual.
• Viewing: Astronomical and terrestrial.
• SKU: 814743016972.