Fall weather offers one of the best times of the year to set up your telescope and enjoy the stars. And it’s no surprise the October hosts a number of star parties across North America. Thanks to the folks at AMSKY, below is a list of October star parties. October […]
Optec has added an electronic Fine Focus Knob to its FocusLynx Hand Control for a much better experience at the telescope. With three speeds and improved response of the IN and OUT buttons, you’ll find using the Hand Control much more enjoyable for visual observing. The FocusLynx Hand Control provides […]
Explore Scientific is celebrating tenth university. Originally created as an amateur astronomy technology company offering Explore Scientific branded products, the company has grown into a business offering amateur astronomy, scientific optics, sports optics and adventure gear. The company was founded by its president, Scott Roberts, who has spent over 30 […]
What makes the Celestron NexYZ Smartphone Adapter different from other smartphone adapters? Its three-axis adjustment. Most adapters only allow adjustment of your phone in two axes, X and Y, to center its camera over the optical axis of the eyepiece That works, but what about the all-important Z axis: spacing of […]
AstroHutech recently tested the BORG 107FL, optimized for imaging at a blisteringly-fast f/3.9 thanks to a BORG-proprietary six-element advanced Petzval optical design. AstroHutech owner Ted Ishikawa tells us, “As far as I know, this may be first optical design utilizing both fluorite and ED elements in same optical train.” The […]
Ah used telescope stuff! I have always enjoyed finding a deal – boats, cars, jewelry (for my significant other of course), and yes, telescopes – well you name it, I am into getting a deal. *** Editors Note: Since the publication of this article, Astro Parts Outlet Used Telescope has […]
I read Uncle Rod’s post on Amateur Astronomy “What’s Gonna Happen to Us?”, and I walked away with quite different conclusions. First, I want to say I have the utmost respect for all that Uncle Rod has done for amateur astronomy. His work in print and online is sage advice […]
As many of you know, I (Gary Parkerson – pictured here) am editor of the magazine Astronomy Technology Today as well as the content on this website. You also many be familiar with the work of Rod Mollise, although you probably know him better as Uncle Rod. No doubt, you’re also aware […]
Celestron Windguide Anemometer Review I was cold – frozen-to-my-skinny-old-man-core cold – despite that it was only 42.2° Fahrenheit (5.67° Celsius) out, warmer than many of the days I’d previously pedaled on my national bike tour. I knew it was relatively cold out, because, well, I felt it. I knew precisely […]
Cyclope Seeing Monitor Review What is “seeing” and why do we care? In 2010, I built a remote observatory in the Texas Hill Country. The main telescope is an RC Optical Systems 16-inch carbon truss. The observatory is robotic and can be controlled over the internet, which has expanded my […]
APM Telescopes recently completed initial work on the optical set of what might be the largest true Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope ever attempted, a 20-inch f/8 monster of a Mak-Cass! The mirrors are made from Astro-Sital, and the optical elements are now undergoing broadband multicoating. Optics are by Sankovitsch, in Russia, while […]
Rigel Systems’ tried-and-true USB-nSTEP system for computer control of stepper focus motors is now available with Wi-Fi connectivity via Android and iOS smartphones, as well as Windows PCs and Macs. Now you can fully control your focuser from your Android smartphone or iPhone remotely from 40 feet away … through […]