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 […]
Author: Stuart Parkerson
Stephen Ramsden Visits Sky-Watcher Webcast
Stephen Ramsden an air traffic controller, is the Founder and Director of the one of the most active solar astronomy outreach programs in the world, “The Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project”. This week on the Sky-Watcher USA What’s Up? Webcast, the Sky-Watcher team will host Stephen on the show to […]
Explore Scientific Pole Finder Scope
The Explore Scientific Pole Finder Scope for the Exos-100 EQ mount is a handy add-on device, which will easily upgrade the iExos-100 mount’s polar alignment. The fitting is a simple bolt-on bracket, which fits to the mount with a couple of bolts and allows for considerably higher accuracy of alignment […]
Observing the Sun Topic of Sky-Watcher Webcast
Observing the Sun is one activity that amateur astronomers can do every day. Unlike waiting for lunar cycles for the best observing conditions, the Sun is available to look at every day (unless there are clouds involved!) This week on the Sky-Watcher USA What’s Up? Webcast, the Sky-Watcher team discusses […]
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
Observing Mars Topic of Sky-Watcher Webcast
Observing Mars is a favorite pastime of amateur astronomers who are planetary observers. This week on the Sky-Watcher USA What’s Up? Webcast, the Sky-Watcher team discusses the best ways to observe Mars, including what are the equipment options to do so. The What’s Up? is a live webcast held every […]