Galileoscopes from NOAO

Our auction of 2 autographed Galileoscopes raised enough money to donate 33 telescopes to 33 kids. We don’t know where on the planet these telescopes will fly, but no matter where they go I’m sure the kids behind the eye pieces will be thrilled to have a chance to explore the sky with their own eyes.

We are also excited to be able to share that Galileoscope will be going into 2010! Details aren’t public yet, but when they are, I think everyone will be proud of the shape this wonderful project is taking. One thing I can share is Astrosphere will be helping them out with web hosting, and getting their new media voices heard.

This auction was our first fundraiser and suffice to say, we learned some important lessons: 1) eBay auctions are easy, but eBay buyers don’t like first time sellers. I am a first time seller. This is fixable with time. 2) eBay has special programs for non-profits. They require paper checks (which I don’t have – who uses checks?!) and the official letter from the IRS (which I’m waiting on). There will be more auctions – we have a ’scope signed by the folks from Flood(!!!) – but they will happen after we are official with the IRS and with eBay.