PLAISTOW It's easy enough to buy a telescope through a big online retailers and point it at the stars, but getting the most out of the experience requires a lot more than taking the telescope out of a box, says the owner of a telescope business.<\/p>\n
Anthony Costanzo has run the Astronomy Shoppe on Elm Street in Plaistow for 12 years. For Costanzo, who has a background in teaching and grinding his own lenses, operating an astronomy store is about much more than just selling telescopes.<\/p>\n
We're not just selling telescopes, we are providing a lot of information, Costanzo said. I try to get everyone who comes in here involved with a local astronomy club. <\/p>\n
On the sales side of his business, Costanzo offers telescopes from national and international manufacturers for every one from beginners to the most experienced amateur astronomers.<\/p>\n
A quality tabletop Orion telescope that is a perfect starter telescope for children sells for under $100. <\/p>\n
It's in the intermediate range, and you can see the moon, the planets, and deep sky objects, Costanzo said.<\/p>\n
On the other end of the spectrum are the American-made Questar telescopes, which features the finest mirrors and lenses and can retail for more than $5,000. <\/p>\n
Costanzo said he has seen his business grow consistently over the past five years, and this year is set to be his best yet.<\/p>\n
Much of that growth is due to the services and items he provides in addition to telescope sales. <\/p>\n
The Astronomy Shoppe also sells other items, from telescope holders to Bluetooth devices that connect telescopes to tablets and smart phones, that Costanzo has made or designed.<\/p>\n
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In Plaistow, business owner is seeing stars<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PLAISTOW It's easy enough to buy a telescope through a big online retailers and point it at the stars, but getting the most out of the experience requires a lot more than taking the telescope out of a box, says the owner of a telescope business. Anthony Costanzo has run the Astronomy Shoppe on Elm Street in Plaistow for 12 years. For Costanzo, who has a background in teaching and grinding his own lenses, operating an astronomy store is about much more than just selling telescopes. Continue reading