The Big Red (Working) Telescope

As I enjoy a bit of stargazing, I thought a working telescope might make a good contest entry (and a bit of a challenge!). Here is the result which contains around 200 pieces - including the 2 minifig magnifying glasses used to create the images.

The telescope itself can rotate through 360º and elevate to around 45º. It can also slide back and forth to aid with focussing. It has a spotter scope and a decorative control panel. It may not have the greatest range but the image is pretty clear, magnified and inverted (like in many real life telescopes).

The build also includes some  space for you to explore with the 'scope. What will you find?  Perhaps an astronaut searching for his "SPACESHIP!!" or even the giant space turtle slowly swimming through the void.

I've added a couple of pics taken through the telescope: a strange red planet whose surface features seem to spell out the word LEGO (a message from a mysterious alien intelligence?) and a very smiley astronaut!

Thanks for looking.