It’s hard to deny the impact that John Dobson had on the amateur astronomy hobby. His introduction of the Dobsonian telescope to the world in the late 60’s in combination with his grassroot outreach efforts through the creation of the Sidewalk Astronomers forever changed the landscape of our hobby. Below […]
Astrozap Telescope Dust Covers: Astronomers can get pretty finicky about cleanliness, especially when it comes to their telescope optics. The reality is that dust is everywhere and it is next to impossible to keep it entirely off a telescope’s optics. However, you don’t have to allow dust to settle on […]
Sky-Watcher Starlux 190MN Review: I have a 6-inch f/6 Newtonian and a 6-inch f/6.5 achromat refractor that I use entirely for visual use. I invested around $300 in the Newtonian and $700 in the refractor. Both are great instruments for their price. However, the Newtonian’s mirror does not have the […]
Vintage SBIG ST Astronomy Camera Review: Over the years, I have been amazed when reading magazine advertisements for astronomical cameras. The year-to-year advances in the quantity, quality, sophistication and automation of available options have been astounding. But, so have increases in overall prices. Yes, there are affordable cameras capable […]
By Dr. James R. Dire Dr. James Dire has an M.S. in physics from the University of Central Florida and a M.A. and Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University, both in planetary science and is an associate provost at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Spring, N.C., and a professor of physics […]
We saw Meade’s new EclipseView Line of Solar Safe telescopes first this year in January at CES in Las Vegas, then again at NEAF in April, and now they are ready for shipment. What makes them so great? They are dual-purpose instruments, ready for use during the day for solar […]