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How to Modify Short Focus Binoculars

Short focus binoculars, although not as precise as a telescope, can be used to view stars at night. You can enhance the ability of the binoculars to see the stars by modifying the way the light enters the lenses. Household supplies and tools will be needed, as will cardboard from a stationary store or box store. The binoculars will not be physically altered in any way.

Things You'll Need

Newspaper
Cardboard, 8-by8-by-1 inch
Pencil
Utility knife
Flat black paint spray can
Ruler
Sewing needle
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Place a sheet of newspaper on a table. Place the square of cardboard on the newspaper. Place the binoculars face down on the cardboard. Draw a circle around the front lenses on the cardboard with a pencil. Place the binoculars aside.
- 2
  Cut out the circles with the blade of a utility knife. Dispose of the rest of the cardboard. Shake the can of flat black paint for 10 seconds. Spray each of the cut circles of cardboard with the paint. Let the paint dry for three hours.
- 3
  Turn the two circles of cardboard over. Shake the can for 10 seconds and spray each of the circles. Let the paint dry for three hours.
- 4
  Measure 2 inches in from the left side of one of the circles. Make a hole with the point of a sewing needle in the cardboard at the 2 inch mark. Repeat this with the other circle of cardboard.
- 5
  Turn the two circles over. Place one of the circles against the front of one of the lenses on the binoculars. Tape the circle to the binoculars with strips of duct tape. Repeat this procedure with the other cardboard circle and the other lens on the front of the binoculars.

Astronomy