ScopeTrader December 2024 Cover


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 December 2024

The December 2024 issue offers an exciting lineup of articles, reviews, and features for astronomy enthusiasts!

The cover story, What Was the Star of Bethlehem?, by Dr. Richard Hammar, is a thought-provoking exploration of this ancient mystery, combining historical accounts with astronomical analysis. This must-read article stands out as a centerpiece of the issue.

In the telescopes section, the TEC 140 F9.6 Fluorite Doublet is announced, showcasing its innovative design and optics. Reviews include the SkyWatcher HAC1 125 telescope paired with the AstroStation ASIAir alternative and a comparison of smart telescopes Seestar S30 vs. Seestar S50.

Astrophotographers will appreciate insights into the Svbony SV550 and updates to the Seestar S50's mosaic mode. There's also a fascinating study on how dust particle accumulation affects imaging.

Camera enthusiasts will enjoy reviews of the ATR2600C from ToupTek Astro and the QHY miniCAM8, which brings advanced cooling and compact performance. In the mounts category, highlights include the Proxisky UMi 20S strain wave gear equatorial mount and a DIY harmonic mount for budget-conscious astrophotographers.

Solar observers can read about Sky-Watcher's Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha solar telescope, while binocular fans will find specs on the Sky Rover Optics 12x56 and 15x56 APO models. For refractor users, the Askar SQA106 and William Optics RedCat 91 WIFD are covered in detail.

In software, the ASCOM Platform 7.0 Update 2 and OpenLiveStacker's beta-testing call are featured. Accessories like Astro-Smart's CDA-R dew controllers and Rouz Astro's carbon fiber dew shields are also reviewed.

From NASA's exploration of moons with oceans to string theory updates, the astronomy section rounds out this packed issue, ensuring there's something for everyone passionate about the cosmos.


Get more issues of ScopeTrader

ScopeTrader April 2026 ScopeTrader March 2026 ScopeTrader February 2026 ScopeTrader January 2026 ScopeTrader December 2025 ScopeTrader November 2025 ScopeTrader October 2025 ScopeTrader September 2025 ScopeTrader August 2025 ScopeTrader July 2025 ScopeTrader June 2025 ScopeTrader May 2025 ScopeTrader April 2025 ScopeTrader March 2025 ScopeTrader February 2025 ScopeTrader January 2025 ScopeTrader December 2024 ScopeTrader November 2024 ScopeTrader October 2024 ScopeTrader September 2024 ScopeTrader August 2024 ScopeTrader July 2024 ScopeTrader June 2024