Subscribers, please Login to read now. Don't have a subscription to the best Astronomy gear & news magazine on the planet? Get instant access to this issue with your subscription. |
ScopeTrader March 2025Richard Harris (editor) takes on one of the biggest challenges in astrophotography - transporting and installing a CDK17 at a remote observatory. This journey isn't just about moving a massive telescope; it's about unlocking deep-space imaging potential in a location free from light pollution. From planning the logistics to setting up under truly dark skies, this experience highlights the effort it takes to push astrophotography beyond the backyard.Also in this issue, learn why the Askar SQA85 is gaining attention among wide-field astrophotographers. This 85mm f/4.8 Petzval refractor delivers sharp images with its five-element design, dual-speed focuser, and full-frame camera support, all in a compact package. See how it compares to the Askar 140 APO, a 140mm apochromatic refractor offering solid performance at a competitive price. Need help deciding on a small APO refractor? Nico Carver breaks down nine options, from top-tier picks to budget-friendly alternatives. See how 3D-printed telescopes are no longer just experimental thanks to Dave Aldrich's custom-built 114mm f/3.95 reflector. Using carbon fiber tubing and a custom helicoid focuser, he's capturing deep-sky images that rival traditional scopes. If efficiency is your goal, triple telescope setups might be the next step - running multiple telescopes on one mount can cut imaging time dramatically, but it takes skill to master. Find out what it's like to own a $600,000 backyard telescope. The PlaneWave CDK1000 is a serious investment, but for those who can afford it, this system delivers unmatched deep-space clarity. On the DIY side, see how an astrophotography crash box can streamline your setup by powering and managing all your gear from one hub. For visual observers, the new Tele Vue Nagler Type 7 eyepieces expand the brand's legendary 82' field lineup, with improved eye relief and adjustability. Check out the latest astrophotography cameras, including Player One Astronomy's newest lineup and the ToupTek Astro ATR585M, featuring Sony's IMX585 sensor with zero amp-glow and deep cooling. The Sigma ART Lens Focusing Solution brings autofocus precision to the 85mm F1.4 lens, and the ZWO AM5N mount combines portability with highly accurate tracking. See how solar imaging is evolving with Minh Trong's spectroheliographs, offering new ways to capture the Sun's fine details. Plus, Unistellar and SETI's expanded Citizen Science Program now enables astronomers to track satellites and protect the night sky from unwanted reflections. The Skylabs Polar Alignment Adapter also simplifies daytime equatorial mount alignment, making setup faster and more efficient. Get a fresh perspective on light and space with Squiggle the Photon, a children's story following a photon's journey across the cosmos. And don't miss what's coming in the 2025 planetary alignment, a rare celestial event worth preparing for now. With Harris's CDK17 expedition leading the way, this issue brings everything from cutting-edge astrophotography and breakthrough gear to upcoming cosmic events. Get more issues of ScopeTrader
|
Latest Video
AM7 Mount Replaces CGX-L
Recent Topics
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
Featured Stories
Seeing color clearly with color science tools
Thursday, March 26, 2026
_uo0fbvpz.jpg "Galaxies previously unseen discovered with help from physicist")
Galaxies previously unseen discovered with help from physicist
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
ASCOM Platform 7.1 Update 2 Released
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Astro Weather Station by Astro-Smart launches
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Planet and moon image stacking gets easier with LuckyStackWorker 7
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
AstroFiler 1.2 Calibration Automation Update
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
DeepSkyStacker new release focuses on field reliability
Friday, December 12, 2025
Stay Updated
Sign up for our newsletter for the headlines delivered to youSuccessFull SignUp
Get More Astronomy News →