Four years ago, iOptron introduced the SkyGuider; which quickly became a tool of choice for serious astro-scape and wide-field astro-imaging. Since then, there has been an explosion of interest in this popular genre of outdoor photography. As users’ imaginations pushed existing tracking devices to their limits, iOptron designers recognized it […]
For iOS, the Solar Eclipse Timer app is a complete guide to solar eclipses that is simple to use. Created by Gordon Telepun for first-time eclipse observers as well as veteran eclipse chasers, it is released well in time to prepare everyone for the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, […]
Looking for something more durable than the standard cardboard-plus-film disposable solar glasses? Consider these options now offered by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Wrap-Around Eclipse Shades Perfect for non-eyeglass wearers, these new Eclipse Shades solar glasses feature extra wide temples and shield above the nose bridge eliminating most ambient […]
Optical astronomy has always played an important role in exploration of the cosmos, even if it has faded in popularity with new detection methods like radio telescopes replacing it in recent decades. When it comes to the search for exoplanets, the visible spectrum is still incredibly important for a lot […]
The Texas Star Party (TSP) will celebrate its 38th anniversary this weekend as it kicks off a week-long festival of everything astronomy. In addition to the overview of the event’s activities listed here, we provide a history of the event as well as some interesting videos of attending the event […]
Celestron has added white light solar filters to its EclipSmart line of products in advance of the 2017 North American Total Solar Eclipse. The EclipSmart lineup includes dedicated solar glasses, binoculars, white light telescopes and now, white light solar filters. All of Celestron’s EclipSmart solar products feature Solar Safe filter […]
The evolution of the lead-acid and lithium-ion battery finally adds convenience to the revolution of affordable go-to mounts. By George Stallings The leaps between the technology of today versus that when I received an un-motorized equatorial 114-mm Newtonian reflector as a 10-year-old in 1988, are mind boggling. I would have […]
First introduced in 2009, APT stands for “Astro Photography Tool” and is the brainchild of Ivo Stoynov, who calls the software a “Swiss army knife for your astro imaging sessions.” The software draws upon the knowledge of many astro photographers from all over the world, as well as from the […]
Virtual Planets Atlas Version 2 (VPA Pro 2.0) is the second release since the software’s introduction in 2013. The tool allows users to study topographic and scientific data for planets and satellites surfaces. It is published by Christian Legrand, a lunar observer, and co-author of the guide “Discover the Moon” […]
Rigel Systems has introduced a new high-torque stepper motor kit for the William Optics Star 71 telescope, driven by a nFOCUS motor controller. Rigel’s stepper motor has 0.1-degree step size and easily lifts 8.0 pounds (3.6 kilograms). The stepper can be quickly detached for manual focusing. The nFOCUS controller fits […]
The 49th annual RTMC Astronomy Expo will again celebrate everything telescope from Thursday, May 25th through Monday, May 29th, 2017. The event will be held in the Big Bear City, California area and will celebrate “The Day the Sun Disappears.” RTMC provides the opportunity to: – See the stars from […]
Although Robert Schalck’s book, The Proper Care of Optics, Cleaning, Handling, Storage and Shipping, has been around for several years, we were recently reminded of it on a website forum post. Telescope optics are the heart and soul of any observing setup, yet they probably get the least amount of […]