Top Celestial Highlights: ScopeTrader September 2024 issue

Welcome, fellow stargazers! I'm excited to tell you that the September issue of ScopeTrader is here, and it's packed full of "star stuff"!

Check out what's inside the issue below, or read the entire issue now. What's even more exciting is this is our new sample issue, so you get to read it for free.

Thanks to everyone for all your warm comments sent to us and all of the support you have shown ScopeTrader for 23 years running. It's a joy to be a part of other astronomers' lives as we journey through the cosmos together.

Here's what's inside the September 2024 issue of ScopeTrader.

Dobsonian Astrophotography: A New Horizon

For years, the Dobsonian telescope was seen as the steadfast sentinel of visual astronomy, but Steven Miller has turned the tables. In this issue, we delve into how Miller harnesses the raw power of Dobsonians for deep sky imaging, proving that with ingenuity, even the most traditional tools can capture the whispers of distant galaxies.

The Twilight of Orion Telescopes

As we bid farewell to Orion Telescopes, we reflect not just on a brand, but on an era. This closure marks a poignant moment for us all, prompting a discussion on the challenges facing our community—from the ever-brightening night skies to the complexities of supply in our tech-driven age.

Astrophotography Elevated

Sarah Matthews, our guide through the cosmos of accessories, presents her curated selection for the astrophotographer. And what better way to showcase these tools than with the ethereal beauty of the Veil Nebula, captured through the pristine optics of the Takahashi FSQ-106 EDX4? Additionally, Kevin LeGore shares wisdom on the art of dual telescope setups, expanding our cosmic canvas.

Picastro: The Dawn of a New Astronomical Era

Enter Picastro, a platform born from the vision of Tom McCrorie, now fueled by fresh investment. Here lies the future of how we share our starry nights, a digital observatory where every astronomer can contribute to a collective tapestry of the universe.

The Vatican's New Sentinel

High above the Arizona desert, the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope introduces "Don," a system that promises to peer deeper and with more precision into the mysteries of space. This technological leap forward symbolizes the unending quest for knowledge, bridging ancient faith with modern science.

Innovations in Optics

From the exquisite Airy Disk APO 204mm Refractor, a telescope that promises to bring the stars closer, to iOptron's HAE43 series, which brings high-end features to the budget-conscious astronomer, we're witnessing a renaissance in telescope technology. Each innovation pulls us further into the universe's embrace.

Hacking the Heavens

In a somewhat rebellious twist, we explore the controversial practice of modifying devices like the Seestar S50 and ASIAIR. This section isn't just about breaking warranties; it's about pushing boundaries, about astronomers taking the reins of technology to see beyond what's intended.

Solar Imaging: Capturing the Sun's Wrath and Beauty

Jim Thompson takes us on a journey to choose the perfect camera for solar imaging. Here, we learn not just to observe, but to capture the dynamic fury and serene beauty of our own star, the Sun.

The Legacy of Fujiyama

As we witness the final production of the Fujiyama HD-OR eyepieces by Kokusai Kohki, we're reminded of the transient nature of all things, even in optics. These eyepieces, soon to be relics, offer not just clarity but a piece of astronomical history.

Top Celestial Highlights: ScopeTrader's September 2024 issue

In this issue, we're not just looking through lenses; we're looking through time, at the evolution of our passion for the stars. Each article, each innovation, and each farewell marks our relentless pursuit to understand our place in this vast, mysterious universe. So, let us continue to explore, to question, and to marvel at the cosmos together. 

Read the entire issue here, or click/tap the green button below.

Clear skies,

Richard Harris, Executive Editor