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ScopeTrader February 2025The February 2025 issue of ScopeTrader magazine delivers an exciting lineup of telescope reviews, astrophotography insights, and the latest advancements in astronomy technology. This month's top story focuses on NEAF 2025, the highly anticipated Northeast Astronomy Forum happening in April. As one of the largest astronomy expos in the world, NEAF brings together leading manufacturers, industry experts, and passionate stargazers for a weekend of innovation, product launches, and hands-on demonstrations. With exclusive previews and insights into what to expect, this issue sets the stage for an event that promises to shape the astronomy landscape for the year ahead.In the world of telescopes, this issue explores the Askar 160 APO Triplet, the Askar 203 APO, and the highly anticipated Ultra-Cat 108 WIFD, among others. Readers will also find a detailed review of the SVBONY SV555, a discussion on how 3D printing is turning telescope fabrication into a reality, and a closer look at the Starfield Gear60. The astrophotography section features Celestron's 2025 Celestial Calendar, a must-have for planning observations throughout the year. The cameras section highlights the uEye XCP, while the software category covers the new Touch N Stars interface for NINA, enhancing the automation and control of imaging sessions. Mount enthusiasts will find an in-depth look at the ECH-630 Astro Tracker, the Twinstar FG80 mount, and the TTS-160 Panther Lite telescope mount, all pushing the boundaries of stability and tracking precision. For solar observers, the Lunt LS40mm Hybrid Solar Telescope makes its way into the spotlight, offering a compact yet powerful way to view the Sun in stunning detail. Meanwhile, smart telescope advancements continue with Seestar's new Plan Mode and Vespera Pro's automatic calibration frame subtraction, pushing the limits of convenience and automation. Reflecting telescope fans will appreciate coverage of the Sharpstar HNT Series, while refractor users can explore a feature on an ultimate telescope rig for 2025. Eyepiece aficionados will enjoy a closer look at Masuyama Ortho Plossl designs, and filter reviews include the SVBONY SV240 and the Optolong L-Para, both catering to astrophotographers seeking better contrast and clarity. On the accessory front, Celestron's Edge cooling fans, the Pegasus Astro DewMaster 2, and Askar's new SQA series accessories make their mark, along with ADM's latest astronomy add-ons and the Eco-Lite Tube Rings. Tripod seekers will find an evaluation of the Dwarf Lab Mini Tripod with a Hydraulic Head, offering stability in a compact form. Rounding out the issue, astronomy enthusiasts can dive into the latest discovery about the Blue Lurker Star, as revealed by Hubble, shedding light on some of the mysteries of our universe. Whether it's cutting-edge telescopes, must-have accessories, or major astronomy events, this issue of ScopeTrader is packed with the latest updates to keep you informed and inspired. Get more issues of ScopeTrader
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Astronomy Picture of the Day
2026-04-07
IC 4592: The Blue Horsehead Reflection Nebula
Image Credit: Rabeea Alkuwari
Do you see the horse's head? What you are seeing is not the famous Horsehead nebula toward Orion, but rather a fainter nebula that only takes on a familiar form with deeper imaging. The main part of the here-imaged molecular cloud complex is reflection nebula IC 4592. Reflection nebulas are made up of very fine dust that normally appears dark but can look quite blue when reflecting the visible light of energetic nearby stars. In this case, the source of much of the reflected light is a star at the eye of the horse. That star is part of Nu Scorpii, one of the brighter star systems toward the constellation of the Scorpion (Scorpius). A second reflection nebula dubbed IC 4601 is visible surrounding two stars just below the image center. The featured picture was taken from Sawda Natheel in Qatar. Jigsaw Nebula: Astronomy Puzzle of the Day
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