It’s always fun to see the astro-tech so many of us deploy nightly used in larger contexts, but sometimes those larger contexts are so over-the-top, it takes our collective breaths away, as was the case when we were treated to first reports of the Dragon 44 discovery of the Dragonfly […]
Author: Stuart Parkerson
PrimaLuceLab AIRY 100ED -A Doublet Telescope that Exceeds Expectations
By Simon Tang I’m no pro compared to some of you – okay, compared to most of you. In fact, I’m so not a pro that I have only been doing astronomy since the beginning of 2016. I didn’t buy my first telescope until April of the same year. So, […]
National Eclipse.com Provides Extensive List of Events for the August 2017 Solar Eclipse
The National Eclipse website offers a wealth of information including an outline of some of the unique features, landmarks, and viewing options for each of the fourteen U.S. states located within the path of totality. The site takes potential weather for these sites into consideration, which will be a definite […]
Tele Vue Offers Adaptors for Using a Smartphone or DSLR with a Telescope to Take Photos of the 2017 Solar Eclipse
While Tele Vue may be best known for creating state-of-the-art eyepieces and high-end telescopes, the company also offers a number accessories for observing and imaging. Recent additions to the company’s lineup include two types of Digiscoping adapters and Digital Indicator kits. Digiscoping Taking photos through a telescope eyepiece is an […]
Mirro-Sphere Offers New Concept in Truss Tube Telescope Design with True Serrurier Truss Telescope
Mirro-sphere’s 12-inch Serrurier-truss telescope (Image 1) represents a new concept in truss-tube design. The f/4 carbon-fiber and aluminum Newtonian is 100-percent designed and manufactured in France – mechanics and optics – to the highest specifications. It is designed for advanced amateur astronomers who want the best quality on the market. […]
How to Photograph & Process Nightscapes and Time-Lapses, 2nd Edition
Alan Dyer has revised and updated his interactive ebook, How to Photograph & Process Nightscapes and Time-lapses, adding 100 more pages to cover the latest equipment, software, and processing techniques for creating great still images and time-lapse movies of the night sky. Want to learn how to take panorama images […]
Using a Smartphone to Photograph the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Virtually everyone has a smartphone or other smart devices (iPads, etc.) that offer the ability to take images, video and even time-lapse video. These devices are therefore going to be the go to option for people wanting to image the 2017 Great Solar Eclipse. Imaging the Sun with your smart […]
Astro Tip: No-Mar, No-Deflection Telescope Guide-Scope Adjustment
By Shef Robotham Shef Robotham lives in New England and is a retired electrical engineer who has numerous patents relating to lasers. He has been actively involved in astronomy for over 30 years covering optical, radio and astro-imaging. Other interests include music, HO trains, and amateur radio and a supporting wife […]
10Micron’s New Generation of Robotic Fork Observatory Class Telescope Mounts
Among 10Micron’s latest projects is its AZ DDS (Direct Drive System), a new generation of professional robotic telescope mounts in an alt-azimuth fork configuration that incorporates a software-integrated de-rotator/focuser. The AZ DDS is the latest realization of 10Micron’s long experience with robotic astronomical mounts. It was developed specifically for professional […]
APM Telescopes New Ceramic Safety Herschel Prism Released Just in Time for 2017 American Solar Eclipse
APM’s new 2-inch Ceramic Safety Herschel Prism operates on the principle that only a small portion – approximately five percent – of the incident light is used for the actual observation. Herschel Prisms of the classic design guide the unused and incomparably larger, more energetic portion of light through the […]
PlaneWave Instruments Enters One-Meter Observatory Class Telescope with PW-1000
While PlaneWave Instruments debuted its new L-Series direct-drive mount at NEAF 2017 (Image 1), details on the series are not yet available on its website. But what are available there are features and specifications of its new, fully automated PW-1000 one-meter observatory telescope (Image 2). At first blush, the PW-1000 […]
Baader Hyperion 8-24 mm Zoom Mark IV Telescope Eyepieces Are Now in Fourth Generation
Baader Planetarium’s famed Hyperion 8-24 mm Zoom eyepiece is now in its fourth generation. The Mark IV features an improved click-stop action – a must for binoviewing – with indents at five magnifications: 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 mm. As before, this latest design provides long eye relief across […]