Landmarks and scenic viewpoints all across America and the world are
outfitted with coin-operated telescopes and binoculars. These wonderful
devices stand ready to satisfy the tourist's eye and are a vital part of the
road trip experience but could they also serve the star-starved traveling
amateur astronomer who, for whatever reasons, does not have a grab-and-go
scope available?


Here is some information on the telescopes and binoculars awaiting (a high
percentage of which are in very dark locations) as you motor across the
world:

1. The objective lenses range from 60mm to 120mm in diameter.
2. Magnification is around 20x.
3. Azimuth movement is generally 360 degrees.
4. Most are capable of obtaining a maximum altitude position of between 30
and 50 degrees.
5. Perfect thermal equilibrium is a given.
6. Those in the U.S.A. provide at least 90 seconds of viewing per quarter.


Some other interesting facts:

1. Weight of the total unit is around 100 pounds.
2. Cost ranges from as little as $2,000 to as much as $16,000 per unit.
3. Some are mechanically operated while others require a battery or
connection to an outside power supply.
4. Many will hold up to 400 quarters.
5. Viewing time on most models can be preset from 90 to 180 seconds.


For additional information and images, go to:
http://www.seecoast.com
http://www.telescopes.com/detail.asp?PID=8372
http://www.hispyviewing.com
http://www.euroscope.de/produkt.en.html


Have you turned coin-operated optics skyward and, if so, how was the
experience?


--
Martin
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