Just Opened

Spectrum Scientifics, 4403 Main St., 215-667-8309, spectrum-scientifics.com

by Ptah Gabrie

4403 Main St., 215-667-8309, spectrum-scientifics.com

Between the smog, high-rises and daily light show that is the Cira Centre, finding stars in the Philly sky is never going to be easy. But at least now you can try with a proper telescope. Spectrum Scientifics, a new science gadgets store in Manayunk, is making life easier for amateur astronomers and chemistry geeks.

"I'm trying to get people into science education," says owner Matt Kriebel. "I have a lot of toys to help me out with that." According to the Philly native — who has previously worked for the Franklin Institute and Orion Telescopes and Binoculars — the city was in desperate need of an engaging science store. "They didn't really have much stuff that was actually fun to play with," he says of the chain outlets at the mall. In addition to plenty of playthings, Spectrum is stocked with astronomical gear, microscopes, binoculars, weather instruments and lab wear for those looking to conduct their own research.

Ultimately, Kriebel hopes that people will leave Spectrum with a renewed interest in science. "Our world basically revolves around science," he says. "If you don't understand it at least on some level, it's going to seem like magic and Voodoo to you."