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Developer news items we found relating to equipment

28 results

Solar imaging cameras: Picking the right gear

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 by Jim Thompson

There are many different areas one can explore in the field of amateur astronomy. Although much of my time is spent on deep sky object observation via Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA), I also enjoy imaging solar system objects as it is something that I can easily do from my urban backyard. Of particular interest to me is solar imaging as our Sun presents a very i...

Stargazing trip preparation guide from Tsula

Thursday, June 27, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

Planning a stargazing trip involves careful preparation to ensure an enjoyable and productive experience. To start, selecting the right equipment is essential. You’ll want a telescope or binoculars that are portable and easy to set up, especially if you’re heading to a remote location. Consider the power requirements of your equipment as well, ensuring you h...

Astrophotography mini pc MeLE Quieter3Q update from Astrotan

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

Astrotan, a popular YouTuber known for his astrophotography, recently shared an update from his backyard. In his latest video, he shared significant changes to his setup, which will hopefully enhance his photography of the SADR region this summer. Located in the constellation Cygnus, the SADR region is a favored target for astrophotographers due to its bright and det...

Dobsonian astrophotography with Benjamin Law

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

Benjamin Law, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Toronto Centre, presented his trials and persistence in astrophotography using his 14" Dobsonian telescope. This detailed presentation, delivered at the Recreational Astronomy Night Program at the Ontario Science Centre, showcased his impressive work, particularly his captures of the International...

Snake Mt Observatory tour

Monday, June 24, 2024 by Richard Harris

Nico from Nebula Photos visited Dr. Michele Bayliss' observatory in Vermont, guided by Michele and her German Shepherd, Argos. Michele showed Nico around, beginning with the origins of her setup: a 16.5-inch Dobsonian telescope in a custom-built observatory on the third floor of her house. As Michele shared the evolution of her observatory facilities on her prope...

How amateur telescope makers defended America

Monday, June 24, 2024 by Richard Harris

John Mellish, a young farmer from Wisconsin with only a grade-school education, had a passion for observing the stars. At the dawn of the 20th Century, however, a three-inch refractor from Alvan Clark & Sons was priced at $175, which was unaffordable for Mellish. Despite this, his skills and ingenuity led him to build a six-inch Newtonian telescope for just $15, tha...

Askar 52mm F4 guide scope released

Friday, June 21, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

A guide scope is an essential tool for astrophotography (unless you are doing OAG), it helps to keep the main telescope accurately aligned during long exposures by correcting tracking errors. The Askar 52mm Guide Scope is perfect for this purpose. With its lightweight, compact design, it offers a 52mm aperture, 208mm focal length, and a 25mm travel length, all at just 6...

WARPDRIVE WD-20 mount from WarpAstron

Thursday, June 20, 2024 by Richard Harris

The harmonic drive race is full-steam-ahead, and the WD-20 mount is focused in on being a high-load harmonic drive mount, utilizing Servo Direct Drive technology. It offers a standard load capacity of up to 50NM (Newton meters, about 36 lbs) without needing a counterweight, making it capable of handling heavy equipment such as the 130APO, 150APO, or C11 with optimal gui...

The peace and connection of solitary astro imaging

Friday, June 14, 2024 by Richard Harris

Venturing out alone to dark sites for astrophotography offers a unique sense of peace and connection to the universe that can be missed when in groups. The solitude under the night sky can be profoundly calming and introspective. However, safety is always a concern when venturing out alone. Inform someone about your location and expected return time, carry necessary saf...

Side-by-side dovetail plates and saddles from Rouz Astro

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 by Richard Harris

Rouz Astro has launched its new side-by-side dovetail plates and saddles, constructed with FDM 3D print engineering-grade carbon fiber composite material and CAD designed for maximum strength-to-weight ratio. It saves a lot of weight (typically 1/3 – 1/2 that of metal), which improves mount capacity and tracking performance. Why u...

Astrophotography setups from $100 to $10000

Thursday, June 6, 2024 by Richard Harris

Nico Carver, also known as Nebula Photos on YouTube, has provided an in-depth look at various astrophotography setups in his video "Astrophotography from $100 to $10,000." He showcases a range of equipment from a DIY smartphone tracker to advanced setups with dedicated cameras and telescopes, discussing the pros and cons of each option. Emphasizing factors lik...

The problem with astrophotography

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

In a recent presentation, Bray Falls explores the significant challenges faced by astrophotographers in consistently accessing dark and clear skies, which are essential for producing high-quality images. The discussion highlights that dark skies are not easily accessible to everyone due to the high cost associated with owning or renting a property that provides suitable...

Noctilucent cloud observing tips

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 by Richard Harris

Looking for something to do while waiting for the night sky to reveal your next astrophoto target? Try glancing up just before it gets too dark—you might catch a glimpse of a noctilucent cloud! As amateur astronomers, we often get caught up in the hunt for distant galaxies and nebulae, but sometimes it’s refreshing to switch things up and enjoy the ...

Southern Maine Astronomers 2024 event schedule

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

For those living in or visiting Maine, Southern Maine Astronomers (SMA) have unveiled their highly anticipated 2024 Star Party schedule. These events welcome everyone, from beginners to seasoned astronomers. The SMA website also features schedules and information about astronomy events across Maine, including those held in recognized Dark Sky Sanctuaries, offering excep...

Solar telescope eyepiece Daystar Quark H-alpha reviewed

Saturday, May 25, 2024 by Richard Harris

Imagine you're at the hottest concert of the year, but instead of front-row seats, you've got a telescope pointed at the Sun. Now, you wouldn't stare straight at those blinding stage lights without protection, right? That’s where a solar eyepiece comes in – it’s like the coolest pair of VIP shades for your telescope. What’s a Solar...

Sky-Watcher EQ AL55i pro mount

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

Sky-Watcher has unveiled the EQ-AL55i PRO mount, a new Go-To astronomy mount. This compact and versatile mount boasts a dual-position counterweight bar, making it adaptable for use at all latitudes from 0° to 90°. It is an ideal choice for astronomers living in or traveling to areas with extreme latitudes, which are often beyond the capability of conventional mo...

New Milford Observatory unveils advanced 17-inch PlaneWave telescope

Friday, May 17, 2024 by Richard Harris

The John J. McCarthy Observatory in New Milford has recently upgraded its capabilities with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art PlaneWave telescope, thanks to the generous contributions of donors and the local community. The observatory's original 16" Meade LX200 telescope, installed in the summer of 2000, and costing $15,000, was recently upgraded to a cu...

ZWO AM3 unboxing and comparison to AM5

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 by Richard Harris

Harmonic drive mounts are all the rage these days, as they make an excellent choice for astrophotography and observational astronomy due to their precise and reliable performance, plus their portability, mostly due to lack of a counterweight. The AM3 mount from ZWO is no exception and definitely rings a bell with astrophotographers wanting to "drop and go&q...

Cherry Springs Star Party 2024 schedule and speaker lineup

Monday, May 13, 2024 by Richard Harris

The 2024 Cherry Springs Star Party is scheduled for June 6th to June 9th, hosted at Cherry Springs State Park, one of the darkest International Dark Sky Parks in the eastern United States. This annual gathering attracts amateur astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts who engage in night sky observation and photography, enjoy lectures on astronomical subjects, explore ven...

SN2024ggi supernova captured using the TS ONTC 8 inch telescope

Saturday, May 11, 2024 by Duncan Milburn

Amateur astronomer Duncan Milburn from Australia's Sunshine Coast captured a stunning image of the supernova SN2024ggi in the galaxy NGC 3621. Taken on the nights of April 12th and 13th 2024, Milburn utilized his TS ONTC 8" Newtonian telescope paired with a ZWO ASI2600MC camera. The total exposure time was just about 2 hours. SN 2024ggi is currently glowi...

Masters of PixInsight Acquisition Best Practices workshop

Monday, May 6, 2024 by Richard Harris

The Masters of PixInsight is set to host a pivotal workshop titled "Acquisition Best Practices," aimed at both novices and seasoned astrophotographers. This event marks the latest installment in their beginner series, designed to enhance participants' skills in capturing stellar imaging data. Masters of PixInsight Acquisition Best Practices workshop ...

MS-8x32 IF-ED binoculars released from APM

Monday, May 6, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

The newly released APM MS 8x32IF ED binoculars stand out as a testament to compact yet highly efficient optical technology. Crafted to meet the exacting standards of the MS series, these binoculars merge advanced functionality with state-of-the-art design. Incorporating an ultra-modern optical system, the binoculars offer optimized viewing with exceptional contrast a...

Deep space astrophoto targets for May of 2024

Friday, May 3, 2024 by Richard Harris

As spring blossoms into its full glory in May 2024, so does the night sky light up with stellar photographic opportunities. From the spiraling elegance of the Whirlpool Galaxy to the dense sparkle of the Hercules Globular Clusters, the cosmos offers a visual feast for astrophotographers. This season, as the earth renews, the heavens too unveil their most captivating cel...

NEX22-DO personal observatory dome from NexDome

Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Richard Harris

NexDome has revolutionized the design of personal observatories by focusing on solving common issues found in similar constructions. This includes the overall expense, which is often exacerbated by high shipping costs and the need for additional accessories due to poor design or construction. NexDome has successfully met its primary objective of offering an affordable, ...

Eyepiece survey results from Tele Vue

Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Richard Harris

The recent Tele Vue eyepiece survey drew over 700 responses, demonstrating strong user engagement and opinions across various features. Users valued adjustable height eyeguards for long eye-relief eyepieces, with many citing the importance of minimizing stray light for clearer, contrast-rich views. Rubber grip rings on eyepieces were also highly regarded, especially use...

ZWO ASIAIR Plus WiFi Smart Camera Controller

Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

Gain wireless control of your entire telescope setup using your smartphone or tablet with the ASIAIR Plus. This device manages and supplies power to a range of compatible astrophotography tools including cameras, mounts, autofocusers, filter wheels, dew heaters, and more. You can plan and automate your entire imaging session with ease, enjoying advanced features like po...

NEAIC 2024 speaker lineup

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 by Richard Harris

Get ready for NEAF/NEAIC 2024, set to unfold in Suffern, New York, conveniently located just 30 minutes from New York City. NEAIC 2024 Overview: Set against the backdrop of the scenic Crowne Plaza Conference Center in Suffern, NY, just a short journey of 30 minutes from New York City and conveniently close to NEAF, this vibrant two-day conference is poised to unit...

Astrophotography competition hosted by nPAE

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 by Richard Harris

In 2024, nPAE Precision Astro Engineering Limited is set to host the Northern Hemisphere Astrophotography Competition. Entrants may submit up to 2 new photos of their favorite Northern Hemisphere celestial objects, encompassing Deep Space Objects (DSO), Planetary, Lunar, or Solar images. Submissions must be sent via email to competition@npae.net in bmp or jpg formats, m...