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ScopeTrader January 2025The January 2025 issue of ScopeTrader is packed with exciting features for astronomy enthusiasts. We explore the telescopes that changed astronomy and provide an in-depth comparison of the Askar SQA55 vs. RedCat 51, two top contenders in wide-field astrophotography. We also present our picks for the best telescopes of 2024 and review the SQA55 side-by-side with the RedCat 51 to help you decide which is right for you. Don't miss our head-to-head feature on the Unistellar Odyssey Pro vs. ZWO Seestar, as well as insights into new telescopes launching in 2024. AstroBackyard weighs in on the RedCat 91, while we break down the implications of the recent telescopes antitrust settlement for the industry.Astrophotography buffs will want to check out our top story on the ZWO CAA Rotator, a game-changer for field rotation. We also share the latest ALPO Comet News for December 2024 and take a closer look at Unistellar's Vivid Vision Technology. Learn how to capture Barnard's Star motion in 2024 and take stunning Orion Nebula photos with ease. Plus, discover how a telescope caused a national security concern and what it means for hobbyists. In our cameras section, we review the Altair 585M Mono TEC cooled camera and the QHY miniCAM8, offering insights for those looking to upgrade their imaging setup. For event coverage, we recap highlights from the WVAA Star Party 2024, announce the Hubble's Night Sky Challenge, and provide a call for papers for INSAP XIII. Don't miss details on the AAVSO All Stars webinar, perfect for variable star enthusiasts. Software updates include a look at the new ASIAIR V2.3 update and the highly anticipated PixInsight 1.9 Lockhart release. In mounts, we review the SFE210 hybrid friction drive equatorial mount and the HAZ130 iOptron telescope mount, while binocular lovers can explore the Sky Rover GIANT Binoculars. Solar observers will find our review of the Acuter Elite Phoenix 40 Solar Prominence Telescope fascinating, along with the news that Lunt Solar is discontinuing Coronado service and repairs. In the smart telescope category, we offer initial thoughts on the Celestron Origin, and eyepiece fans can check out the innovative Houdini 20 eyepiece. This issue is your ultimate guide to kicking off the year with the latest in telescopes, astrophotography, and all things astronomy gear. 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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