Author: Stuart Parkerson

MetaGuide Collimation Service
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MetaGuide Collimation Service

The MetaGuide Collimation Service is a video-based tool to help users achieve precise collimation using the in-focus diffraction pattern of a star. MetaGuide also autoguides and has several novel features that allow optimal guiding of mid-range mounts under typical seeing conditions. MetaGuide can provide insight into both the optics of […]

DayStar FlatCap Imaging Diffuser
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DayStar FlatCap Imaging Diffuser

The DayStar FlatCap Imaging Diffuser is a Gaussian diffuser that is temporarily installed over the front of your telescope when taking flat field reference images. Taking a Flat field reference image removes the effects of dust spots, vignetting, and filter uniformity. By strongly blurring the Sun, the only details you […]

Observer’s Handbook 2021
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Observer’s Handbook 2021

The Observer’s Handbook 2021 is now available. Published annually for over 100 years by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the Observer’s Handbook has become the must-have reference book for people interested in astronomy. Whether you are a professional astronomer, a beginner or educator this book is designed for you. […]

Winter Star Party 2021
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Winter Star Party 2021

The Winter Star Party 2021 will be held in its 37th year on February 8th – 14th. The event is hosted by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of Miami and is unique in that it occurs mid-winter during the height of the Florida Keys tourist season. The warm weather, coupled […]

Backlit Prints for Astrophotography
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Backlit Prints for Astrophotography

Backlit prints for astrophotography are available from Wa-chur-ed Observatory in a number of sizes. As Greg Marshall, owner of Wa-chur-ed Observatory, notes: “Images printed on paper can never have a contrast ratio of more than 100:1, while our eyes can handle ratios of 10,000:1 or more (the exact number is […]

Solar Filters on Sky-Watcher Webcast
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Solar Filters on Sky-Watcher Webcast

Solar Filters for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras are important for two reasons: to protect equipment from intense sunlight and to ensure that you don’t accidentally look at the Sun through an unfiltered instrument. This week on the Sky-Watcher USA What’s Up? Webcast, the Sky-Watcher team discusses the best ways to […]

Sharpstar Reducers and Flatteners
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Sharpstar Reducers and Flatteners

Sharpstar reducers and flatteners are custom designed and built to work with Sharpstar imaging telescopes. Here is a rundown of the available products. Sharpstar 140PH reducer 0.74x Reducer and Flattener Designed to work with the Sharpstar 140PH apochromatic triplet refractor, the Sharpstar 0.74x Reducer and Flattener produces a flat field […]

Vespera Telescope from Vaonis
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Vespera Telescope from Vaonis

The Vespera telescope is the latest offering from Vaonis, a French start-up. The company launched the Vespera (a mini version of its Stellina telescope launched in 2018) in October on Kickstarter. It is a hybrid between a smart telescope and a camera that is priced at a $999US (the Stellina […]