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$19.99When purchased online
About this item
At a glance
STEM: Science
STEM: Technology
STEM: Engineering
STEM: Math
Highlights
- Dual Function: Telescope or Monocular
- See Things Closer Than They Are
- Aluminum Tabletop Tripod
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
- Optical tube can be detached to hold up to your eye like an old-fashioned spy glass.
Specifications
Contains: Does Not Contain Any of the 8 Major Allergens
Suggested Age: 8 Years and Up
Educational Focus: Engineering, Science, Technology, Math
Includes: Poster, Instruction Guide
Battery: No Battery Used
TCIN: 51309043
UPC: 042409518878
Item Number (DPCI): 086-00-2242
Origin: Imported
Description
Young scientists can explore the world around them with the Smithsonian Telescope/Monocular. This engaging STEM toy makes objects appear closer than the naked eye, allowing for more detailed views of everything from birds way up in the branches to the moon! Hold it in your hand or place it on the included tripod. The Telescope / Monocular is the ultimate science tool for sparking curiosity and wonder. Included STEM content teaches about the phases of the moon and more. Includes a Smithsonian Telescope/Monocular and an aluminum tabletop tripod. Ages 8+
STEM: Science
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: science. STEM: Technology
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: Technology.STEM: Engineering
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: Engineering.STEM: Math
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: Math. If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 3.11 inches length x 11.8 inches width x 11.95 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.17 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Q: what is the telescope made of
submitted by - 6 months ago
A:Â The telescope is made of plastic and metal components, and the tripod is aluminum.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 6 months agoBrand expert
Q: Can you see any planet clearly with it or the ISS?
submitted by EmpressAylaOfTheMooninies - 6 months ago
A:Â You will be able to clearly see the moon and large celestial objects, as well as birds and things on earth, but to see planets and the ISS you would want a telescope with much higher magnification.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 6 months agoBrand expert
Q: Why are review not good
submitted by Cecelia - 1 year ago
A:Â Some users may not understand how to adjust the lens to make the picture clear. Please rest assured that if you ever purchase one of our products and you aren't happy with it, we will make things right. All you have to do is reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and we will be happy to help you. Just put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 1 year agoBrand expert
Q: Why so many bad reviews though ? I’m about to purchase it but I’m nervous if disappoints .
submitted by Dmom - 1 year ago
A:Â If you purchase one of our products and are unhappy for any reason, you need only contact our customer service department at custserv@nsi-int.com. Put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and we will always do our best to make things right.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 1 year agoBrand expert
Q: Hi I want to buy it but first I need to know how big is the tri pod that it comes with and does it adjust?
submitted by Gemz - 2 years ago
A:Â The tripod is a fixed 14 inches. It does not adjust.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 2 years agoBrand expert
Q: There are a lot of negative reviews for this telescope. Are the complaints about blurriness from people who don’t understand the lenses need to be focused to see clearly?
submitted by LulaMom - 3 years ago
A:Â You must slowly push and pull the eyepiece to bring objects into focus.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: Is there self assembly required?
submitted by Vanta - 3 years ago
A:Â Hi, Vanta. Some very simple assembly is required. You have to spread the tripod legs as wide as they can stand straight, then carefully push the optical tube down into the tube attachment bracket until it is firmly held in place. That's it!
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: Can you see the moon?
submitted by Colin Costello - 4 years ago
A:Â Hi, Colin. Yes! The Smithsonian 30X Telescope/ Monocular Kit makes objects appear 30 times closer than the naked eye, allowing for more detailed views of everything from birds way up in the branches to the moon!
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
More to consider
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2.7 out of 5 stars with 139 reviews
31% would recommend
57 recommendations
broad age appeal: 2.78 out of 5
quality: 2.2 out of 5
length of play: 2.36 out of 5
ease of use: 2.76 out of 5
value: 2.54 out of 5
Should have read the reviews...
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
sawebsterx - 4 days ago, Verified purchaser
Waste of time and money. Does not work at all. Will not focus. Terrible.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 3 days ago
We're sorry you're disappointed with your telescope, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@NSI-int.com, and tell them what's going on. They will be able to troubleshoot and replace your toy, if necessary. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under sawebsterx.
Great 1st telescope
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Temmy - 1 month ago, Verified purchaser
The kids love it great first telescope
Don't buy
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Cheyenne - 3 months ago, Verified purchaser
Bought for my son's birthday he was so excited only to find out that it doesn't work at all
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 3 months ago
We're so sorry you had a disappointing experience with the Telescope / Monocular, but we really want to make things right. Please email our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to troubleshoot with you and make sure you get a replacement, if necessary. Please put "Target review follow up" in the subject line, and let them know exactly what is going on, and that you published this review under Cheyenne.
Waste of money
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Matti R - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
My kids were so excited to use it, but could not see a thing with it. the lenses do not focus its just blurry the moon looks like a speck of light.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're so sorry you're having issues with your Telescope. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to help you. They can troubleshoot what might be going on and make sure your unit is replaced, if necessary Please put "Target Review Follow up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under Matti R.
An easy pass
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
BunnyMixxMeow - 7 months ago, Verified purchaser
Save your money, extremely light, & cheaply made for the price point.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 7 months ago
We're sorry you were disappointed with your telescope, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and we will be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under BunnyMixxMeow.
Trash
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Momlife - 7 months ago, Verified purchaser
You can’t see anything with this thing. Literally plastic trash. I’m returning it.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 7 months ago
We're sorry you're having issues with your telescope, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they'll be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under Momlife.
A Good Starter Telescope
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Mere N - 8 months ago
This is very much a telescope for a younger child who is just starting to become interested in astronomy. My ten year old could set it up easily and view the moon and visible constellations, but the magnification was simple and the telescope itself is clearly more of a toy than anything else. However, because of the size, price, and ease of use, it's also something I'm comfortable letting her keep in her room to use as she wants without fear of damage. It does the job.
Great starter telescope
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
grams4you - 9 months ago
For a plastic toy, it works surprisingly well. You won't see very far away, but definately the moon and easy constellations. Great way to introduce a love of astronomy! Some assembly required, but a 10 year old did it!
Great Beginner Telescope
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Week99er - 9 months ago
If you have a little one who loves staring at the stars and wants to see more this is a great starter telescope. It is under $20, so you wont be seeing all the way to Pluto with this telescope but once you learn to adjust and focus the lenses you'll be amazed at just how far you can see.
Great for Little Hands and Eyes
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Karen P - 10 months ago
We received this product in exchange for an honest review. Set up was incredibly easy, an 11 year old set it up. The children looking up towards the moon were 3-11, plus an iphone lined up to grab a cool shot of the "banana moon" as the kids called it. It is made of plastic and not heavy duty. Keeping on a flat service to hold still is a must. Great for the littles 3-5yo in my opinon, a great first telescope.
Great Intro Telescope
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
ShannaG - 11 months ago
I was provided a complimentary telescope in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a great starter telescope for a child that is interested in looking at the sky. It was simple to put together. Comes in 2 boxes with everything you need. This is made of plastic so you do need to be gentle with the telescope, definitely not for children that rough with their toys. We did have fun using the telescope as a family to take a look at the night sky and try to pick out the constellations. Great way to foster a love of science!
Cool looking, but doesn't work
2 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Minnesota Mom - 11 months ago
Neither of my sons could get this telescope to work. We were disappointed because we love star-gazing!
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 11 months ago
We're so sorry you had trouble with your telescope, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under Minnesota Mom.
Good for little kids
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
KellyC - 11 months ago
I recieved this product in exchange for an honest review. If you buy this for what it is, it's a great product. It's for little kids, like 3-6 years old. No older. It doesn't magnify much, but can be used as a fun toy for pretending to explore or search the skies. You'll be dissapointed if you think you can do some serious sky searching, but as a toy for little kids it's greaT!
Perfect Starter For Interested Parties
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
MariaG - 11 months ago
It is a small telescope for children. Remove the tripod, insert the monocular onto the tripod, remove the cap and move the eye piece up or down depending on your vision. It took a second for everyone in the house who tried it. Like with any telescope it is different for everyone unless you all have 20/20 vision. We have used it to look at birds, chipmunks and the moon. While it is not NASA quality it is a great starting point for kids who have an interest.
Great Beginner Telescope
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Niecy - 11 months ago
Our sons were so excited when they were gifted the Smithsonian 30X Telescope/Monocular. Looking outdoors with the telescope was an eye-opening experience for them as they were able to position the telescope in the tripod on the table to get a steady view. Removing the tripod allowed them to use the monocular as a spyglass to easily observe the skyscape from different viewpoints. It is a little tricky to focus at times and adult supervision is required, with a suggested recommendation of 8 years of age and above. Included are a 30X Telescope, Aluminum Tabletop Tripod, and instructional booklet with information explaining the moon, phases of the moon, and much more.
Great for small kids
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
kc - 11 months ago
You get what you pay for. this isn't meant to be a high quality item for studying the stars. it's made as a toy for small children and it does magnify! so kids can start using it, pretend, and focus in on the moon.
Great starter or portable option
3 out of 5 stars
jwp - 11 months ago
This is a great "starter" telescope for young kids. Or if an older kid wants a portable option to take camping, etc. It's not a serious telescope, but for the value price, one shouldn't expect it to be. The tripod it comes with is very useful, especially with younger kids. There's no assembly whatsoever required so that made this mama happy!
Perfect for beginners
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
- 11 months ago
This is a great option as a first telescope for kids. My 5 year old loved getting a closer look at the moon and stars!
Good first basic telescope
3 out of 5 stars
HMAC - 11 months ago
You get what you pay for. If you have a curious little one then this is a great first option. If you have a teen interested in exploring the skies, then spend more money on a different option.
Fun and Educational for Kids
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Anon - 11 months ago
My 10 year old had a blast with this. We waited until dark and went on the porch and he used it to find stars. Combining this with an app that helps you find constellations would make it even more interactive and educational!