Astronomical Equipment for

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Astronomical Equipment for"

Transcription

1 Astronomical Equipment for Martin Mobberley Springer

2 1 Fundamentals for Beginners 1 Using Low Magnification 1 Using High Magnification 4 Formulae 4 Jargon 4 Eyepiece Sizes 6 2 Refractors and Reflectors 7 Achromatic Refractors 7 Apochromatic Refractors 9 Semi-Apochromatic Refractors 11 Refractors or Reflectors? 12 Newtonian Reflectors 14 Long-Focus Newtonians 20 Collimation 22 Dobsonians 25 Buying a Telescope 27 Beginners' Telescopes 27 Buyer Beware! 28 High-Quality Refractors 31 Apochromats for the Connoisseur..; Other Telescope Considerations 35 3 Catadioptrics, Cassegrains and Schmidt-Cassegrains 37 Cassegrains 37 Schmidt-Cassegrains 38 Electronic Drive Control 41 Periodic Error Correction 44 Autoguiders 45 Summary 46 Maksutovs 47 Schiefspieglers 50 4 Binoculars 53 Stands for Binoculars 56 Image-Stabilised Binoculars 57

3 5 Eyepieces 61 Magnification 61 Lowest Practical Magnification 62 Highest Practical Magnification 62 Practical Considerations 63 Comet Seeking 64 Focusing-Tube Diameter 65 Real Field Limitations 66 Popular Commercial Eyepieces 67 High-Definition Eyepieces 70 Barlow Lenses 72 Eyepiece Projection 73 Illuminated-Reticle Eyepieces 74 Commercial Guiding Eyepieces 76 6 Telescope Mountings 79 The Equatorial Mounting 79 Commercial Telescope Mounting Systems 80 Fork Mountings 81 German Equatorial Mountings 84 The Split-Ring Equatorial 85 Commercial Drive Systems 86 Home-Made Drives and Unusual Mountings 89 Electronic Drive Design 89 Unusual Mountings 91 Poncet Platforms 94 Alt-azimuth Field De-Rotators 95 7 Accessories 97 Finders 97 Unity-Power Finders 98 Low-Power Finders 99 Guide Telescopes 100 Off-Axis Guiders 101 Horses for Courses 101 Photographic Equipment - Film versus CCD 102 Undriven Astrophotography 103 Simple Tracking 106 Dew 108 Film, Meteor-Photography Equipment and Wide-Field Camera Equipment 110 Satellite Trails 113 Medium-Format Cameras 114 Fish-Eye Lenses 114 Developing and Printing 115

4 (xi Developing Tanks 116 Developing Colour Film 118 Black-and-White Printing 119 Cold Cameras and Film Hypersensitising 121 Camera Interfaces 125 Focusers 126 Commercial Schmidt-Cassegrain Focusing 130 Manual Guiding and Off-Axis Guiders Guiding for Comet Photography 133 A Comet Marathon 137 Coma Correctors 137 A Final Word on Focusers 139 Filters 140 Planetary Filters 140 Venus 141 Mars 141 Jupiter and Saturn 142 The Moon 142 Deep Sky Filters 142 Comet Filters 145 Photographic Filters 145 Photometric Filters for CCDs 146 Schmidt Cameras and Astrographs Electronic Imaging and the Electronics Revolution 153 CCDs 153 The Basics 153 Camera Design 155 CCDs Compared with Film 158 Disadvantages of CCDs 161 Image Scale and Pixel Size 162 Buying a CCD Camera 167 Starlight Xpress 167 Colour Imaging 170 SBIGandMeade 172 Auto-Slewing with a Schmidt-Cassegrain and a CCD Camera 173 SBIG Autoguiding 174 Other Manufacturers 176 Using a CCD Camera 177 Understanding and Processing the Digital Image 179 A Dark Frame 182 Background Brightness 183 Flat-Field 184

5 xiij Contents Diffraction Focusers 187 Useful Processing Routines 187 Unsharp Masking 187 Deconvolution Median Filters 190 Non-Linear Contrast-Stretch 190 Image Formats 191 Astrometry 193 Photometry Image Processing, Planetarium and Telescope Control Software 199 QMips 1.81 by Christian Buil 200 MIRA AL by Axiom 201 Hidden Image by Sehgal 202 CCD Astrometry 202 PaintShop Pro 202 Adobe Photoshop 203 Printers and Scanners 204 Scanning Photographs 205 Planetarium Software 205 Redshift The Sky 207 Real Sky 207 Guide 207 Megastar 208 Starry Night Deluxe 208 NGCView Universe Explorer 209 Voyager II 209 Comet Explorer 209 The Astronomer Software 210 Planetarium Telescope Control Video Astronomy 215 Image Intensifies Observatories 223 The Simplest Solution 224 Simple Observatories 225 If It Can Go Wrong 229 Observatory Domes Equipment for Observing the Sun 239 Eyepiece Projection 240 Direct Solar Observation 240 Observing in White Light 241 Solar Filters: Inconel 241 Solar Filters: Mylar 241

6 Cxiii Seeing 242 Hydrogen-Alpha Equipment 243 Viewing Eclipses Star Atlases and Deep Sky Atlases 253 Appendix 1 Dealers, Bibliography and URLs Equipment Suppliers 257 Quality Binocular Mounting Suppliers 258 Societies Worth Joining 258 Internet URLs 259 Books 260 Appendix 2 Photographic and Visual Magnitude Limits 263 Index 265

Practical Astronomy. Springer-Verlag London Ltd.

Practical Astronomy. Springer-Verlag London Ltd. Practical Astronomy Springer-Verlag London Ltd. Other titles in this series The Observational Amateur Astronomer Patrick Moore (Ed.) The Modern Amateur Astronomer Patrick Moore (Ed.) Telescopes and Techniques

More information

Telescopes come in three basic styles

Telescopes come in three basic styles Telescopes come in three basic styles Refracting telescopes use lenses Refractors are either achromatic (some color distortion) or apochromatic (very little if any color distortion). Apo refractors use

More information

CONTENTS. vii. in this web service Cambridge University Press. Preface Acknowledgements. xiii xvi

CONTENTS. vii.  in this web service Cambridge University Press. Preface Acknowledgements. xiii xvi CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgements xiii xvi 1 Earth and sky 1 1.1 Planet Earth 1 1.2 The Earth s magnetosphere 6 1.3 Aurorae 8 1.4 Visually observing aurorae 10 1.5 Other methods of observing aurorae 16

More information

Telescope Fundamentals

Telescope Fundamentals Telescope Fundamentals The focus of this presentation is to provide an overview of popular equipment available to the amateur astronomy community, as well as the equipment s applicability to differing

More information

Contents. Part I Developing Your Skills

Contents. Part I Developing Your Skills Contents Part I Developing Your Skills 1 Accessing and Developing Your Observing Skills... 3 1.1 Stargazer or Amateur Astronomer?... 3 1.2 Perceptions and Expectations... 7 1.3 Assessing Your Skills and

More information

Capturing and Processing Planetary Images. Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy Club 11/06/2015

Capturing and Processing Planetary Images. Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy Club 11/06/2015 Capturing and Processing Planetary Images Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy Club 11/06/2015 Agenda Introduction Basic Equipment Preparation Acquisition Processing Quick demo Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy

More information

Capturing and Processing Deep Space Images. Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy Club 15/03/2018

Capturing and Processing Deep Space Images. Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy Club 15/03/2018 Capturing and Processing Deep Space Images Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy Club 15/03/2018 Agenda Introduction Basic Equipment Preparation Acquisition Processing Quick demo Petros Pissias Eumetsat Astronomy

More information

PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY. Dr Adrian Jannetta BSc(Hons) MSc PhD PGCE MIMA CMath FRAS. Berwick Educational Association

PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY. Dr Adrian Jannetta BSc(Hons) MSc PhD PGCE MIMA CMath FRAS. Berwick Educational Association PRACTICAL ASTRONOMY Dr Adrian Jannetta BSc(Hons) MSc PhD PGCE MIMA CMath FRAS Berwick Educational Association Practical Astronomy 1 / 33 Adrian Jannetta Objectives The three main tasks of any telescope.

More information

Lincoln Hills Astronomy Group Exploring the Night Sky. October 28, 2009

Lincoln Hills Astronomy Group Exploring the Night Sky. October 28, 2009 Exploring the Night Sky October 28, 2009 1 Exploring the Night Sky Course Outline Session 1 OC lodge - Ron Presentation: Orientation to the Night Sky Viewing: Naked eye Session 2 OC Lodge John Presentation:

More information

ADAS Guide to choosing the right Telescope. Produced by Members of the Society, Nov 2017

ADAS Guide to choosing the right Telescope. Produced by Members of the Society, Nov 2017 ADAS Guide to choosing the right Telescope Produced by Members of the Society, Nov 2017 Choosing a Telescope Telescope Types Telescope Features Visual or Astrophotography use? Telescope Package or Separate

More information

Celestron 76mm Newtonian Telescope 700mm Fl

Celestron 76mm Newtonian Telescope 700mm Fl Celestron 76mm Newtonian Telescope 700mm Fl Manual Celestron - AstroMaster LT 76AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Silver. 76mm diameter, 11-180x magnification, 700mm focal length, f/9.21 focal ratio.

More information

Contents 1 Introduction

Contents 1 Introduction Contents 1 Introduction... 1 Computers and Astronomy... 1 Look Before You Leap!... 1 Advancing from Binoculars... 2 Telescope Types... 3 Small Refractors... 3 Refractor Accessories... 4 Reflectors... 6

More information

A Ramble Through the Night Sky

A Ramble Through the Night Sky 1 2 Contents of Talk What is up there? Moon, stars, planets, comets, aurora, nebulae, galaxies How can I find my way around? Magazines, books, planisphere, software What if I want to see more? Binoculars,

More information

A Ramble Through the Night Sky

A Ramble Through the Night Sky 1 2 Contents of Talk What is up there? Moon, stars, planets, comets, aurora, nebulae, galaxies How can I find my way around? Magazines, books, planisphere, software What if I want to see more? Binoculars,

More information

An Adaptive Autoguider using a Starlight Xpress SX Camera S. B. Foulkes, Westward, Ashperton, Nr. Ledbury, HR8 2RY. Abstract

An Adaptive Autoguider using a Starlight Xpress SX Camera S. B. Foulkes, Westward, Ashperton, Nr. Ledbury, HR8 2RY. Abstract An Adaptive Autoguider using a Starlight Xpress SX Camera S. B. Foulkes, Westward, Ashperton, Nr. Ledbury, HR8 2RY. Abstract The acquisition of very faint deep sky objects, be it analog with film or digital

More information

How do they work? Chapter 5

How do they work? Chapter 5 Telescopes How do they work? Chapter 5 1. History 2. Lenses & Hardware 3. Reflecting Telescopes 4. Refracting Telescopes History Hans Lippershey Middleburg, Holland invented the refractor telescope in

More information

Index. Cambridge University Press Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy Paul E. Kinzer. Index.

Index. Cambridge University Press Basics: Getting Started in Recreational Astronomy Paul E. Kinzer. Index. (Italics indicate an illustration; bold print indicates an entry in the glossary.) aberration 33, 35, 39, 65, 107, 111 achromatic refractor see telescope afocal see astrophotography air-spaced achromat

More information

ABOUT SPOTTINGSCOPES Background on Telescopes

ABOUT SPOTTINGSCOPES Background on Telescopes 22 November 2010 ABOUT SPOTTINGSCOPES A spotting scope is a compact telescope designed primarily for terrestrial observing and is used in applications which require magnifications beyond the range of a

More information

Telescopes Refractors Reflectors Catadioptrics

Telescopes Refractors Reflectors Catadioptrics Optical Aberrations As indicated by the history of telescopes, limits of design were encountered as the instrument was developed. Here are diagrams to better explain each aberration: Telescopes Refractors

More information

Professor Emeritus in Astronomy, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow

Professor Emeritus in Astronomy, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow Astronomy: Principles and Practice Fourth Edition A E Roy, PhD, FRAS, FRSE, FBIS Professor Emeritus in Astronomy, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow D Clarke, PhD, MInstP,

More information

ADAS Guide to Telescope Instrumentation and Operation. Produced by Members of the Society, April 2014

ADAS Guide to Telescope Instrumentation and Operation. Produced by Members of the Society, April 2014 ADAS Guide to Telescope Instrumentation and Operation Produced by Members of the Society, April 2014 1 Introduction The ADAS authors hope that this guide will prove useful and ask you to provide a feedback

More information

Getting Started: Using An Equatorial Telescope Mount: Everything You Need To Know For Astrophotography Or Visual Use By Allan Hall

Getting Started: Using An Equatorial Telescope Mount: Everything You Need To Know For Astrophotography Or Visual Use By Allan Hall Getting Started: Using An Equatorial Telescope Mount: Everything You Need To Know For Astrophotography Or Visual Use By Allan Hall tal cameras have been used for astrophotography of fairly bright objects.

More information

Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy series

Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy series Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy series Springer-Verlag London Ltd. Other titles in this series The Observational Amateur Astronomer Patrick Moore (Ed.) Telescopes and Techniques Chris Kitchin The Art

More information

Dark Sky Observing Preview. BSA Troop 4 Pasadena, CA

Dark Sky Observing Preview. BSA Troop 4 Pasadena, CA Dark Sky Observing Preview BSA Troop 4 Pasadena, CA Topics Finding Dark sky Observing etiquette Observing basics Things to see Resources Finding Dark Sky To see faint objects, you want the darkest sky

More information

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN!

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! LOOKING AT OR CLOSE TO THE SUN WITH A TELESCOPE OR FINDERSCOPE WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND PERMANENT DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES. CHILDREN SHOULD AT ALL TIMES BE

More information

Small Aperture Amateur Observational Capabilities/Tools (Imaging/Photometry/Spectroscopy)

Small Aperture Amateur Observational Capabilities/Tools (Imaging/Photometry/Spectroscopy) Small Aperture Amateur Observational Capabilities/Tools (Imaging/Photometry/Spectroscopy) Over several thousand years, astronomy continues to be popular subject among amateurs. Day by day, advancements

More information

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN!

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! LOOKING AT OR CLOSE TO THE SUN WITH A TELESCOPE OR FINDERSCOPE WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND PERMANENT DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES. CHILDREN SHOULD AT ALL TIMES BE

More information

Choosing your first telescope

Choosing your first telescope Choosing your first telescope By Isa Mohammed Caribbean Institute of Astronomy June, 2009 Introduction Choosing a telescope can be a daunting task for a budding amateur astronomer. There are so many designs

More information

3/7/2018. Light and Telescope. PHYS 1411 Introduction to Astronomy. Topics for Today s class. What is a Telescopes?

3/7/2018. Light and Telescope. PHYS 1411 Introduction to Astronomy. Topics for Today s class. What is a Telescopes? PHYS 1411 Introduction to Astronomy Light and Telescope Chapter 6 Topics for Today s class Optical Telescopes Big Telescopes Advances in Telescope Designs Telescopes Mountings Problems with Mirrors and

More information

How Light Beams Behave. Light and Telescopes Guiding Questions. Telescopes A refracting telescope uses a lens to concentrate incoming light at a focus

How Light Beams Behave. Light and Telescopes Guiding Questions. Telescopes A refracting telescope uses a lens to concentrate incoming light at a focus Light and Telescopes Guiding Questions 1. Why is it important that telescopes be large? 2. Why do most modern telescopes use a large mirror rather than a large lens? 3. Why are observatories in such remote

More information

Optics and Telescopes

Optics and Telescopes Optics and Telescopes Guiding Questions 1. Why is it important that telescopes be large? 2. Why do most modern telescopes use a large mirror rather than a large lens? 3. Why are observatories in such remote

More information

PHYS/ASTR 2060 Popular Observational Astronomy(3) Syllabus

PHYS/ASTR 2060 Popular Observational Astronomy(3) Syllabus PHYS/ASTR 2060 Popular Observational Astronomy(3) Syllabus Instructor: Prof. Wayne Springer (wayne.springer@utah.edu) Office: 226 INSCC (Office Hours: T 3PM-5PM or by appt.) Phone: 801-585-1390 TA: Jinqi

More information

Lecture 8. October 25, 2017 Lab 5

Lecture 8. October 25, 2017 Lab 5 Lecture 8 October 25, 2017 Lab 5 News Lab 2 & 3 Handed back next week (I hope). Lab 4 Due today Lab 5 (Transiting Exoplanets) Handed out and observing will start Friday. Due November 8 (or later) Stellar

More information

Astronomical Tools September, 2002

Astronomical Tools September, 2002 Astronomical Tools September, 2002 The Antelope Valley Astronomy Club, Inc. is a California Non-Profit Organization to further the local interest in the night sky. The Club meets the second Friday of every

More information

Astroimaging From Easy to Less Than Easy. S. Douglas Holland

Astroimaging From Easy to Less Than Easy. S. Douglas Holland Amateur Astrophotography Made possible by advances in: 1. Camera technology 2. High quality amateur telescopes 3. Telescope mounts 4. Computer technology 5. Astroimaging software What You Can Expect: Types

More information

Starry Night Version 5.7 Features What s new and how to use them!

Starry Night Version 5.7 Features What s new and how to use them! Starry Night Version 5.7 Features What s new and how to use them! New Features Overview 1. Space Missions (Probe Paths) 2. 3-D Object Models 3. Advanced Telescope Control panel 4. Google Maps Integration

More information

Patrick Moore s Practical Astronomy Series

Patrick Moore s Practical Astronomy Series Patrick Moore s Practical Astronomy Series Other titles in this series Telescopes and Techniques (2nd Edn.) Chris Kitchin The Art and Science of CCD Astronomy David Ratledge (Ed.) The Observer s Year Patrick

More information

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. Exam Name MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1) The Arecibo radio telescope is laid out like which optical telescope design? 1) A) prime

More information

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN!

WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! LOOKING AT OR CLOSE TO THE SUN WITH A TELESCOPE OR FINDERSCOPE WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND PERMANENT DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES. CHILDREN SHOULD AT ALL TIMES BE

More information

MSATT My Sky Astronomy STUDENT GUIDE 2018

MSATT My Sky Astronomy STUDENT GUIDE 2018 MSATT My Sky Astronomy STUDENT GUIDE 2018 My Sky Astronomy 3 Night Sky Tours at MSATT 4 PROJECTS SOLAR SYSTEM Solar activity 5 Lifetime of the Sun 5 Lunar regolith composition 5 Lunar photometry 5 Lunar

More information

Guide to Polar Alignment of a Meade LX200GPS Telescope

Guide to Polar Alignment of a Meade LX200GPS Telescope Guide to Polar Alignment of a Meade By Dale A. Chamberlain dale@dchamberlain.net April 18, 2006 Page 1 of 11 1 Why Polar Align? After making an investment in a telescope such as the Meade LX200GPS, you

More information

Light and motion. = v c

Light and motion. = v c Light and motion This means that if you know what wavelength some radiation was emitted at (as you would for, say, a hydrogen Balmer line), then the observed wavelength tells you the velocity of the object

More information

Introducing lunar imaging

Introducing lunar imaging 1 1.1 Seven ways to shoot the Moon Amateur lunar photography can efficiently record vast areas or close-ups of the Moon with various instruments: basic and apochromatic refractors, different types of reflectors,

More information

Instruction Manual 1

Instruction Manual 1 Instruction Manual 1 Dobson 76/300 DOB English version 8.2014 Rev A The Omegon 76/300 DOB Congratulations on the purchase of the new Omegon 76/3006 DOB. This small telescope will give you hours of fun,

More information

OBSERVING THE SOLAR SYSTEM WITH THE ALPO

OBSERVING THE SOLAR SYSTEM WITH THE ALPO OBSERVING THE SOLAR SYSTEM WITH THE ALPO JULIUS L. BENTON, JR. COORDINATOR ALPO SATURN SECTION E-Mail: Website: Saturn e-group: jlbaina@msn.com http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/ http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/saturn-alpo/

More information

Image 1 - The ProED 80, case and accessories.

Image 1 - The ProED 80, case and accessories. Sky-Watcher USA ProED 80-mm and 100-mm Apo Refractors By James R. Dire, Ph.D. Image 1 - The ProED 80, case and accessories. In the November/December 2013 issue of ATT, I introduced the Sky- Watcher USA

More information

OBSERVING SATURN: ALPO PROGRAMS AND RECENT OBSERVATIONS

OBSERVING SATURN: ALPO PROGRAMS AND RECENT OBSERVATIONS OBSERVING SATURN: ALPO PROGRAMS AND RECENT OBSERVATIONS JULIUS L. BENTON, JR. COORDINATOR ALPO SATURN SECTION E-Mail: Website: Saturn e-group: jlbaina@msn.com http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/ http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/saturn-alpo/

More information

Astro 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 3

Astro 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 3 Astro 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 3 Chapter 6 1. Which of the following statements is false? a) Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another. b) Mirrors

More information

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TARGETS Jan-Feb The Sun in Hydrogen Alpha By Theo Ramakers

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TARGETS Jan-Feb The Sun in Hydrogen Alpha By Theo Ramakers ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TARGETS Jan-Feb 2019 The Sun in Hydrogen Alpha 12-26-18 By Theo Ramakers Visual/Bino Targets Quadrantid Meteor Shower: Jan 4-7. The Quadrantid meteor shower will reach its maximum rate

More information

Telescopes: Portals of Discovery

Telescopes: Portals of Discovery Telescopes: Portals of Discovery How do light and matter interact? Emission Absorption Transmission Transparent objects transmit light Opaque objects block (absorb) light Reflection or Scattering Reflection

More information

Mercury Transit Viewer s Guide November 08, 2006

Mercury Transit Viewer s Guide November 08, 2006 Mercury Transit Viewer s Guide November 08, 2006 http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/hotshots/2003_05_07 by the publishers of On November 08, 2006, amateur astronomers with small telescopes and solar filters

More information

Buying Your First Telescope By Mike Usher

Buying Your First Telescope By Mike Usher Buying Your First Telescope By Mike Usher A telescope should only be bought after due consideration. The first thing to understand is that a telescope is a high quality optical device and high quality

More information

Opticstar Ltd

Opticstar Ltd Opticstar Ltd 2017 1 WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN! LOOKING AT OR CLOSE TO THE SUN WITH A TELESCOPE OR FINDER SCOPE WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND PERMANENT DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES. CHILDREN

More information

Loaner Scope Program. ** telescope suitable for astrophotography

Loaner Scope Program. ** telescope suitable for astrophotography Loaner Scope Program One of the benefits of joining SLAS is the loaner scope program where members can borrow telescopes and binoculars at no charge. Also, being part of a group the size of SLAS you will

More information

Starmaster s new go-anywhere scope is a quick-change artist with two. Two scopes in one

Starmaster s new go-anywhere scope is a quick-change artist with two. Two scopes in one equipment review Starmaster s new go-anywhere scope is a quick-change artist with two mounting options. BY VIC WINTER Two scopes in one A new line of Newtonian reflectors from Starmaster Portable Telescopes

More information

Physics Homework 2 Fall 2015

Physics Homework 2 Fall 2015 1) The Kuiper Belt is found where in the solar system? 1) A) among the orbits of the terrestrial planets B) between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter C) sixty degrees ahead or behind Jupiter D) between the

More information

Instruction Manual. AC 70/700 AZ-2 English version Rev A

Instruction Manual. AC 70/700 AZ-2 English version Rev A Instruction Manual AC 70/700 AZ-2 English version 5. 2016 Rev A The Omegon AC 70/700 AZ-2 Congratulations on the purchase of the new Omegon AC 70/700 AZ-2. This small telescope will give you hours of fun,

More information

Astronomy with a Budget Telescope

Astronomy with a Budget Telescope Astronomy with a Budget Telescope Springer-Verlag London Ltd. Patrick Moore and John Watson Astro omy w h a Budget elescope With 100 Figures, 98 in colour, Springer British Library Cataloguing in Publication

More information

By Percy Jacobs Pretoria ASSA Centre 2017

By Percy Jacobs Pretoria ASSA Centre 2017 1 By Percy Jacobs Pretoria ASSA Centre 2017 The Agenda Spectroscopy Equipment Planning Preparation Taking the spectra Processing the spectra The maths Some high resolution & more expensive equipment 2

More information

Instructions Manual Zoomion Apollo 80

Instructions Manual Zoomion Apollo 80 Instructions Manual Zoomion Apollo 80 English version 7.2015 Rev A 1 The Zoomion Apollo 80 Figure 1. Parts description. Congratulations on the purchase of the new Zoomion Apollo 80. This telescope will

More information

It will cover material up to, but not including, Will consist of a few short-answers, 1-2 short essay, and a few problems + extra credit.

It will cover material up to, but not including, Will consist of a few short-answers, 1-2 short essay, and a few problems + extra credit. Astronomy 210 Section 1 MWF 1500-1550 134 Astronomy Building This Class (Lecture 13): Thermal Radiation Next Class: Exam #1 on Friday! Thursday Review Session Hour Exam #1 Music: The Space Race is Over

More information

Opticstar Ltd

Opticstar Ltd Opticstar Ltd 2014 1 WARNING! DO NOT USE THE TELESCOPE OR FINDERSCOPE TO LOOK AT OR CLOSE TO THE SUN AS THIS WILL CAUSE INSTANT AND PERMANENT DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES. CHILDREN SHOULD AT ALL TIMES BE SUPERVISED

More information

John Hopkins, Editor. Index

John Hopkins, Editor. Index John Hopkins, Editor Index Abraham Lincoln and the Almanac Defense Volume 13, Issue 4 October December, 2013 Amateur Astronomer Makes a Discovery, an Impact Spot on Jupiter Volume 9, Issue 4 October December,

More information

ASTRO TELESCOPES. LEFT TO RIGHT: 90mm MAKSUTOV, 102mm REFRACTOR 127mm MAKSUTOV 130mm REFLECTOR

ASTRO TELESCOPES. LEFT TO RIGHT: 90mm MAKSUTOV, 102mm REFRACTOR 127mm MAKSUTOV 130mm REFLECTOR ASTRO TELESCOPES PRICES ARE INCLUDING VAT ONLY ACCURATE ON 22 August 2012 SkyProdigy 90mm 679.95, 102mm 679.95, 130mm 749.95 & 6SCT 1099.95 A truly revolutionary product with ground breaking technology,

More information

Remote Observing with HdA/MPIA's 50cm Telescope

Remote Observing with HdA/MPIA's 50cm Telescope Remote Observing with HdA/MPIA's 50cm Telescope Carolin Liefke AstroTechTalk May 5th 2017 Remote observing with HdA/MPIa's 50cm telescope The telescope and its instrumentation Remote observing how does

More information

2018 Retrospective As the rest of Phil s Scribblings, this is now written in Word and exported to PDF.

2018 Retrospective As the rest of Phil s Scribblings, this is now written in Word and exported to PDF. 2018 Retrospective As the rest of Phil s Scribblings, this is now written in Word and exported to PDF. Annual Summary This will be completed at the end of the year. May In the United Kingdom, even in the

More information

Canon EOS 20Da, 3504 x 2336 pixel CMOS, 8.2 Mpx Canon EOS 60Da, 5184 x 3456 pixel CMOS, 17.9 Mpx

Canon EOS 20Da, 3504 x 2336 pixel CMOS, 8.2 Mpx Canon EOS 60Da, 5184 x 3456 pixel CMOS, 17.9 Mpx Introduction The Caldwell Catalogue is an astronomical catalog of 109 bright star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies for observation by amateur astronomers. The list was compiled by Sir Patrick Caldwell-Moore,

More information

Telescope Terminology

Telescope Terminology Suffolk County Community College AST 103 Student name: Telescope Terminology T he history of mankind's understanding of the universe may be broken into two separate and distinct periods: B.T. (which stands

More information

CCD Astrometric Measurements of WDS

CCD Astrometric Measurements of WDS CCD Astrometric Measurements of WDS 04155+0611 Zhixin Cao 1, Junyao Li 1, Jeff Li 1, Steve Qu 1, Michael Fene 2, Grady Boyce 3, and Pat Boyce 3 1. Army and Navy Academy, Carlsbad, California 2. University

More information

SCHIEBER TELESCOPES. Unique, High-Quality Telescopes

SCHIEBER TELESCOPES. Unique, High-Quality Telescopes SCHIEBER TELESCOPES Unique, High-Quality Telescopes 3.5 Refractor Astrophotography Bundle - Strike 90 PLUS Telescope Assembly Instructions and Digital Eyepiece Camera Instructions. (1) telescope assembly

More information

BOLTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER No. 2 January 2011

BOLTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER No. 2 January 2011 BOLTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER No. 2 January 2011 From the BAS Web Gallery..1 Next 2 meetings...1 Partial Eclipse...1 Scope for improvement....2 Orion the Hunter...3 It s all happening on 4 Jan...4

More information

Solar System Test Review

Solar System Test Review Solar System Test Review There are several planets in the solar system. What do all of these planets have in common? A.They all orbit the Sun. B. They are all close to the Moon. C.They are all called Earth.

More information

Astronomy. Optics and Telescopes

Astronomy. Optics and Telescopes Astronomy A. Dayle Hancock adhancock@wm.edu Small 239 Office hours: MTWR 10-11am Optics and Telescopes - Refraction, lenses and refracting telescopes - Mirrors and reflecting telescopes - Diffraction limit,

More information

Light and Telescope 3/4/2018. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy. Guideposts (cont d.) Guidepost. Outline (continued) Outline.

Light and Telescope 3/4/2018. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy. Guideposts (cont d.) Guidepost. Outline (continued) Outline. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy Light and Telescope Chapter 6 Guidepost In this chapter, you will consider the techniques astronomers use to study the Universe What is light? How do telescopes work?

More information

Planet Club. Version AUG-2005

Planet Club. Version AUG-2005 Planet Club Raleigh Astronomy Club Version 1.2 05-AUG-2005 Introduction Welcome to the RAC Planet Club! This is one of the entry-level observing clubs, but still has some challenges for more advanced observers.

More information

An Amateur s Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens

An Amateur s Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens An Amateur s Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens An Amateur s Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens is a highly comprehensive guidebook that bridges the gap between beginners and hobbyists

More information

WHAT PHOTOMETRIC PRECISION CAN I ACHIEVE? DAVID BOYD

WHAT PHOTOMETRIC PRECISION CAN I ACHIEVE? DAVID BOYD WHAT PHOTOMETRIC PRECISION CAN I ACHIEVE? DAVID BOYD If you start using a CCD camera to carry out photometry on variable stars, this is a question that sooner or later you will ask yourself. Prompted by

More information

Patrick Moore s Practical Astronomy Series

Patrick Moore s Practical Astronomy Series Patrick Moore s Practical Astronomy Series Other titles in this series Telescopes and Techniques (2nd Edn.) Chris Kitchin The Art and Science of CCD Astronomy David Ratledge (Ed.) The Observer s Year Patrick

More information

Night Observing Project II 27 October 2003 First Observing Session 11 December 2003 Last Observing Session TELESCOPIC OBSERVATIONS

Night Observing Project II 27 October 2003 First Observing Session 11 December 2003 Last Observing Session TELESCOPIC OBSERVATIONS AS102 Fall 2003 Night Lab #2; Page 1 Night Observing Project II 27 October 2003 First Observing Session 11 December 2003 Last Observing Session TELESCOPIC OBSERVATIONS Note - bring a pencil, eraser, and

More information

Boy Scout Badge Workshop ASTRONOMY

Boy Scout Badge Workshop ASTRONOMY Boy Scout Badge Workshop ASTRONOMY Welcome to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium! During this workshop, you will explore the museum, see a show in the planetarium, and try out some other

More information

Introduction: why another stargazing guide?

Introduction: why another stargazing guide? Introduction: why another stargazing guide? I had been an armchair astronomer for years: I loved reading about science, and I had some general knowledge about the Universe and how it works. However, I

More information

» The observatory will be located uphill and north of the Reuter Center at the end of UNC Asheville s road-to-nowhere (Nut Hill Road).

» The observatory will be located uphill and north of the Reuter Center at the end of UNC Asheville s road-to-nowhere (Nut Hill Road). » The observatory will be located uphill and north of the Reuter Center at the end of UNC Asheville s road-to-nowhere (Nut Hill Road). UNC-Asheville Campus » With some tree removal, this location is a

More information

Light and Telescope 10/24/2018. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy. Reminder/Announcement. Chapter Outline. Chapter Outline (continued)

Light and Telescope 10/24/2018. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy. Reminder/Announcement. Chapter Outline. Chapter Outline (continued) PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy Light and Telescope Chapter 6 Reminder/Announcement 1. Extension for Term Project 1: Now Due on Monday November 12 th 2. You will be required to bring your cross staff

More information

Photographing the Moon and the ISS. By Thierry Legault

Photographing the Moon and the ISS. By Thierry Legault Photographing the Moon and the ISS By Thierry Legault Photographing the whole Moon: basics Needs a DSLR at prime focus of the telescope The field of view depends on the telescope FL and the size S of the

More information

CHAPTER IV INSTRUMENTATION: OPTICAL TELESCOPE

CHAPTER IV INSTRUMENTATION: OPTICAL TELESCOPE CHAPTER IV INSTRUMENTATION: OPTICAL TELESCOPE Outline: Main Function of Telescope Types of Telescope and Optical Design Optical Parameters of Telescope Light gathering power Magnification Resolving power

More information

Light and Telescope 10/22/2018. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy. Reminder/Announcement. Chapter Outline. Chapter Outline (continued)

Light and Telescope 10/22/2018. PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy. Reminder/Announcement. Chapter Outline. Chapter Outline (continued) PHYS 1403 Introduction to Astronomy Light and Telescope Chapter 6 Reminder/Announcement 1. Extension for Term Project 1: Now Due on Monday November 12 th 2. You will be required to bring your cross staff

More information

Telescopen > Catadioptrisch Spiegel /lens > Celestron > Celestron NexStar Evolution > Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 (23,5 cm) Robtics

Telescopen > Catadioptrisch Spiegel /lens > Celestron > Celestron NexStar Evolution > Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 (23,5 cm) Robtics Celestron NexStar Model: - Artikel: Celestron NexStar Fabrikant: Celestron Celestron NexStar Celestron's signature telescopes reach a new level with NexStar Evolution 9.25, the first Schmidt-Cassegrain

More information

More Optical Telescopes

More Optical Telescopes More Optical Telescopes There are some standard reflecting telescope designs used today All have the common feature of light entering a tube and hitting a primary mirror, from which light is reflected

More information

Opticstar Ltd / Ascension

Opticstar Ltd / Ascension Opticstar Ltd / Ascension 2007-2014 1 PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT THE CORRECT EYE PROTECTION. LOOKING AT OR CLOSE TO THE SUN WITH OR WITHOUT AN OPTICAL INSTUMENT AND WITHOUT PROTECTION

More information

Official Marking Scheme

Official Marking Scheme CONFIDENTAL Only for Use of Marking Examiners Official Marking Scheme Academic Committee of Star Party 2014 All Rights Reserved By : Eranga Jayashantha Star Party 2014 All Island Inter School Observation

More information

ADVANCED CCD PHOTOMETRY AND EXOPLANET TRANSIT PHOTOMETRY. By : Kenny A. Diaz Eguigure

ADVANCED CCD PHOTOMETRY AND EXOPLANET TRANSIT PHOTOMETRY. By : Kenny A. Diaz Eguigure ADVANCED CCD PHOTOMETRY AND EXOPLANET TRANSIT PHOTOMETRY By : Kenny A. Diaz Eguigure KELT: THE KILODEGREE EXTREMELY LITTLE TELESCOPE Robotic Survey for Transiting Exoplanets KELT-North Deployed 2005 to

More information

GRADE 8: Earth and space 1. UNIT 8E.1 8 hours. The Solar System. Resources. About this unit. Previous learning. Expectations

GRADE 8: Earth and space 1. UNIT 8E.1 8 hours. The Solar System. Resources. About this unit. Previous learning. Expectations GRADE 8: Earth and space 1 The Solar System UNIT 8E.1 8 hours About this unit This is the only unit on Earth and Space in Grade 8. This unit builds on work done in Grade 6 and leads into work on the wider

More information

Telescopen > Spiegel kijkers en dobsons > Bresser > Bresser 13 cm F5 dobson. Robtics

Telescopen > Spiegel kijkers en dobsons > Bresser > Bresser 13 cm F5 dobson. Robtics Model: 4716413 Artikel: Fabrikant: Bresser The BRESSER Messier 5" dobsonian is simply a breakthrough. Despite of its low price this telesccope offers a versatility and quality rivaling a lot more expensive

More information

Today. Next time. Emission & Absorption lines measuring elemental abundances. Doppler Effect. Telescopes technology to measure with

Today. Next time. Emission & Absorption lines measuring elemental abundances. Doppler Effect. Telescopes technology to measure with Today Emission & Absorption lines measuring elemental abundances Doppler Effect measuring motion Telescopes technology to measure with Solar System Overview what s out there? Next time Homework 3 Due Chemical

More information

Sky-Watcher Priser 17. juli 2017

Sky-Watcher Priser 17. juli 2017 Sky-Watcher Priser 17. juli 2017 Astro Optics Hamborgskovvej 31 4800 Nykøbing F. Telefon: +45 54 85 26 04 Mobil-tlf.: +45 71 24 68 38 E-mail: mail@astro-optics.dk Varenummer: Vare: Pris inkl. moms Sky-Watcher

More information

Variable Stars and Telescopes. Culpeper Astronomy Club Meeting November 26, 2018

Variable Stars and Telescopes. Culpeper Astronomy Club Meeting November 26, 2018 Variable Stars and Telescopes Culpeper Astronomy Club Meeting November 26, 2018 Overview Introductions Variable Stars (Mike Klosterman) Telescope Types Constellations: Auriga, Gemini, Taurus Observing

More information

Properties of the Solar System

Properties of the Solar System Properties of the Solar System Dynamics of asteroids Telescopic surveys, especially those searching for near-earth asteroids and comets (collectively called near-earth objects or NEOs) have discovered

More information

ZENITHSTAR 61 APO. Owner s Manual ver

ZENITHSTAR 61 APO. Owner s Manual ver ZENITHSTAR 61 APO Owner s Manual ver. 1.1 2017.07 Contents Specification 3 Telescope Diagram 4 Accessories Map 5 Usage 6 Storage and Cleaning 7 Caution and Safety, Optional Equipment 8 Optional Equipment

More information

Total Points 50. Project grade 50

Total Points 50. Project grade 50 Intro to Science Project Names: Pd: Date: 1st Nine Weeks PROJECT We are going to do an Earth Science project. You will work with a partner to make a poster of your space concept. You will have at least

More information

Millimagnitude Accuracy Photometry of Extra solar Planets Transits using Small Telescopes

Millimagnitude Accuracy Photometry of Extra solar Planets Transits using Small Telescopes Millimagnitude Accuracy Photometry of Extra solar Planets Transits using Small Telescopes S. Kozłowski 1, 2, A. Szary 1, M. Zub 1, G. Melikidze 1, K. Maciesiak 1, J. A. Gil 1 1 Institute of Astronomy University

More information