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ScopeTrader June 2024Welcome to the June 2024 issue of ScopeTrader, packed with the latest and greatest in the world of astronomy. This month, our telescope section features a range of astrophotography setups to fit any budget, from $100 to $10,000. We also highlight the arrival of Sky-Watcher's Wave 100i and 150i harmonic drive mounts, the release of the BRESSER Messier 12-inch Dobsonian telescope, and a comprehensive unboxing and comparison of the ZWO AM3 to the AM5. Plus, see how the Sky-Watcher Quattro 300P captures the stunning M51 Whirlpool galaxy.In our astrophotography section, we delve into the Lucky Imaging technique that brings the M51 to vivid detail and Cuiv the Lazy Geek's tips on removing star spikes. Learn how to capture comet PanSTARRS alongside nebulae Sh2-112 and Sh2-115, and read about Pasquale Panuzzo's discovery of the Gaia BH3 black hole. We also feature the stunning SN2024ggi supernova captured with the TS ONTC 8-inch telescope and a jaw-dropping 50-hour exposure of the M106 galaxy at 1200mm that has taken the community by storm. Don't miss the incredible NGC 2683 galaxy astrophoto taken with the TEC APO200FL telescope and QHY268, and a candid discussion on the challenges of astrophotography. For camera enthusiasts, we review the ZWO ASI533MC Pro DSO camera, a favorite among deep-sky photographers. Our events section is brimming with exciting star parties and retreats, including schedules for the Almost Heaven Star Party, Nebraska Star Party, Cherry Springs Star Party, Adirondack Astronomy Retreat, and Pennyrile StarGaze. We also cover ALCon 2024, the Oregon Star Party, Star Stuff 2024, Southern Maine Astronomers' events, Enchanted Skies Star Party, and King Charles III's acceptance of the patronage of the Royal Astronomical Society. Other highlights include the Apertura 50 mm Right Angle Finder Scope, updates for PS Align Pro and Xasteria Weather apps, and the PiFinder telescope finder. In mounts, we feature the Sky Watcher CQ350 Pro mount and tripod combo, the EM31 Pro harmonic equatorial mount from EmCanAstro, and the Sky-Watcher EQ AL55i pro mount. Also, check out the Tabletop Tripod from Celestron, the SX2WL wireless telescope mount from Vixen, and the EXOS-2 GT GoTo EQ Mount Firmware Update Cable from Explore Scientific. Get more issues of ScopeTrader
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AM7 Mount Replaces CGX-L
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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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