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Residents Please Fax 08 8381 3588 Overseas
Residents Please Fax 61+ 8 8381 3588 |
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HOME PAGE Subscribe To Our Email Publication
Newsletter |
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TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
MAY NEWSLETTER
2008 NO.43
Our new
International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
EMAIL:
telescopes@adam.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Let me know
if you want April 2008's Newsletter, which was the previous one.
Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN
THIS ISSUE:
-
LUMENERA ASTRONOMY CAMERAS
- HUTECH
FILTERS/BORG TELESCOPES
-
MOTORISED BINOCULAR CHAIR FOR
-
STELLACAM III COOLED CCD CAMERAS
-
YOUTUBE POPULARITY FOR ASTRONOMERS - FREE DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE
- R-G SOLAR
FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL
-
NASA'S NEW EDUCATIONAL WEB SITE
-
NEW LASER POINTER FOR BINOCULARS
- ICE IN
SPACE ASTRO CAMP
- WILLIAM OPTICS PRICES DROP DRAMATICALLY
- THE NEW, NEW, NEW TELEVUE ETHOS EYEPIECE
- NEW SIEBERT MODULAR TELECENTRIC ZOOM BARLOW
EYEPIECE - REVIEW
- THE IMAGING SOURCE CCD CAMERA PRICES DROP
- BOB'S KNOBS
- NEW MARS
-
EXOPLANET OBSERVING FOR AMATEURS
LUMENERA
ASTRONOMY CAMERAS
Lumenera
are amongst the best astronomy cameras available. We are now dealers for
Lumenera. Please inquire for information. Here are some prices
until our Lumenera web site is finished:
Lumenera
Infinity2-1 Color CCD Camera [AV-I21C] $3890
Lumenera Infinity 2-1 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-I21M] $3890
Lumenera Infinity 2-2 Color CCD Camera [AV-I22C] $2860
Lumenera Infinity 2-2 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-I22M] $2860
Lumenera Infinity 3-1 Color CCD Camera [AV-I31C] $8650
Lumenera Infinity 3-1 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-I31M] $8650
Lumenera LU075 Color CCD Camera [AV-LU075C] $1275
Lumenera LU075 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-LU075M] $1275
Lumenera LU135 Color CCD Camera [AV-LU135C] $2030
Lumenera LU135 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-LU135M ] $2030
Lumenera LU165 Color CCD Camera [AV-LU165C] $3675
Lumenera LU165 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-LU165M] $3675
Lumenera SKYnyx 2-0 Color CCD Camera [AV-LUSKY20C] $1275
Lumenera SKYnyx 2-0 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-LUSKY20M] $1275
Lumenera SKYnyx 2-1 Color CCD Camera [AV-LUSKY21C] $2160
Lumenera SKYnyx 2-1 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-LUSKY21M] $2160
Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2 Color CCD Camera [AV-LUSKY22C] $3170
Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2 Monochrome CCD Camera [AV-LUSKY22M] $3170
HUTECH
FILTERS/BORG TELESCOPES
The quality
and usefulness of Hutech Filters and Borg Telescopes is starting to get around
the forums. We put together a price list for the Astronomical
Filters. Let us know if you want pricing on telescopes and other
accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/hutech_astro_borg_telescopes_filter_imaging.htm
MOTORISED
BINOCULAR CHAIR FOR
Motorised
in both directions, or handcrank. Comes with 25x100mm Binoculars. Please email for
details.
STELLACAM
III COOLED CCD CAMERAS
New stock of the Cooled StellaCam III for $1850AUD have
arrived. Specifications can be seen on the manufacturer's web site:
http://www.astrovid.com/prod_details.php?pid=3406
Sky &
Telescope's Test Report of the StellaCam III can be seen here:
http://media.skyandtelescope.com/documents/Stellcam3.pdf
The
StellaCam range allows the camera to be used on a PC, as well
as plugged straight into a television set or monitor!
StellaCam
EX - $810AUD
http://www.astrovid.com/prod_details.php?pid=7&querystr=stellacam%20ex
Stellacam III - $1300AUD
http://www.astrovid.com/prod_details.php?pid=3357
YOUTUBE
POPULARITY FOR ASTRONOMERS - FREE DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE
YouTube is
a great way to view all the astronomy programs ever produced! The
following software will allow you to download the video to your hard drive:
http://www.fileaward.com/Download/free_youtube_download.html
R-G SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL
Designed with quality and cost in
mind, our R-G solar film provides a superior image of the sun that rivals our
glass solar filters at a lower price. Unlike other solar filter, the R-G solar
film will provide a more pleasing and natural Yellow- Orange image of
the sun our customers have come to know and love through our Solar Glass Filter
product line. The R-G film will also be available in sheets for those who
like to make their own solar filters. Please email us for Safety and other
information, or see it here:
http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/www/Products/Solar%20filter.html
180mm x 180mm (7" x 7")
$25
300mm x 300mm (12" x
12") $40
NASA'S NEW EDUCATIONAL WEB SITE
Nasa has a new educational web site. It includes all aspects of
astronomy including science, questions, image of the day, missions and much,
much more!:
NEW GREEN LASER POINTER FOR BINOCULARS
A new 20mW Green Laser
Pointer designed to fit straight onto Astronomical Binoculars is
available for the special price of $190AUD. Let us know if you want a
picture of the new device.
ICE IN SPACE ASTRO CAMP
* IISAC2008 - IceInSpace AstroCamp
2008 : Countdown Launch
The IceInSpace AstroCamp is the official IceInSpace star party and will take
place from the 30th October to 2nd November, 2008 - just over 6 months away. It
will be our 3rd IISAC event, and after a very successful event in 2007 (with
Comet McNaught gracing our skies!), we're planning to make the 2008 event just
as great! (We're trying to get Eta Carinae to explode..
we'll see :))
Please check out the IISAC page for some preliminary details - of course it
will be continually updated over the next 6 months as more information and
detail is confirmed - so check back regularly, and put in your annual leave
forms now!
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac
WILLIAM OPTICS PRICES DROP DRAMATICALLY
A-F132-B-2Q/A-F132-W-2Q FLT 132mm
F/7 FPL-53 with 2" Quartz Diagonal, mounting rings, high-quality aluminum
case (dedicated TMB field flattener OPTIONAL see P-FLAT68) $4999AUD!!!
There are some new William Optics
Optical Tube Assemblies. If you mention our Newsletter, then a special
reduced price is available:
- Megrez88 - M88
FD Air-Spaced Doublet f/5.6 $999AUD
- M102 Lamborghini Yellow Doublet
F/7 with Rings, Dovetail, Case $1290AUD
- M102 Lamborghini Yellow Doublet
F/7 with Rings, Dovetail, Case, 2" CF Dielectric Diagonal, ZoomII Eyepiece
$1450AUD
- FLT98 Triplet with Carbon Fiber
Tube and claimed as best lens William
Optics ever made! - available June
Smaller APO Telescopes are great
for faint deep sky imaging and Guide Scopes. Check out the new price
list:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/william_optics_telescope_usa_astronomy.htm
THE NEW, NEW, NEW TELEVUE ETHOS EYEPIECE
Two new developments with
the Ethos 100° Field Eyepieces.
Firstly, the newer models can be used on BinoViewers. Secondly, the
eyepiece is now available as an 8mm Focal Length.
Some attractions of the Ethos
Eyepieces:
- 100° Field of View
- parfocal
with TeleVue 1.25" Eyepieces
- fits both 1.25" and 2"
barrels
Differences between the 13mm Ethos
and the new 8mm:
- smaller
- lighter
- less
expensive
TeleVue Ethos 13mm $822AUD
TeleVue Ethos 8mm $785AUD
Sky & Telescope Review
http://www.televue.com/engine/page.asp?ID=344
NEW SIEBERT MODULAR TELECENTRIC ZOOM BARLOW EYEPIECE
- REVIEW
The Siebert Modular Telecentric
Zoom Barlow comes in two varieties, an "AZ" model which provides a
zooming Barlow capability of 3x-6x, and the "BZ" model which provides
a Barlow range of 4x-8x (pictured). Both of these units are made for 2"
focusers and have within the main 2" tube a smaller sliding tube which
holds only 1.25" format eyepieces. Cost of the unit is $299US$, and
estimate it weighs in at approximately 9 to 10 ounces, or a tad lighter
than a 24mm Hyperion, which weighs in at a little over 11 ounces. To vary
the Barlow's power, you simply loosen the set screws on the side which holds
the slide tube in place, then pull the tube upward, then re-tighten the set
screws. This gives the user an infinite range of Barlow magnifications to best
tune your eyepiece to the prevailing seeing conditions. To achieve the fairly
significant range of magnification these units provide,
more extension than the sliding tube allows is needed. Therefore, an add-on
lens (a doublet), is provided that screws onto the bottom of the Barlow to
extend its power zoom range.
Harry's web page:
http://www.siebertoptics.com/Zoom%20barlow%20page.html
See the full review:
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1784
AZ Modular Telecentric Zoom Barlow
3x to 6x $390AUD
BZ Modular Telecentric Zoom Barlow
4x to 8x $390AUD
THE IMAGING SOURCE CCD CAMERA PRICES DROP
The Imaging Source have announced a price reduction in their range of Astronomy
CCD Cameras. We have also uploaded a new price list including information
and accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/imaging_source_the_camera_ccd_astro_pricelist.htm
BOB'S KNOBS!
Bob's Knobs are popular the world over. Bob makes a number of
accessories to make life easier using a telescope. Bob's Knobs prevent
the use of tools for many telescope adjustments.
It’s easy... just grab a Bob's Knob and turn. You can even do
it while looking through the eyepiece on most scopes. And you'll never drop
that pesky little Allen wrench or screwdriver into the grass again.
Installation is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the
modification at any time.
Some of his most popular products include:
Celestron Nexstar
Telescopes;
Bob’s Knobs no-tools tripod bolts are available for the Celestron
NexStar. These replace the factory Allen bolts so the telescope can be attached
to the tripod without tools. They can also replace the factory plastic hand
bolts that came with some NexStar 5 and NexStar 8 models. Our bolts are longer
and have a larger knob, making installation and correct tightening much easier.
The 5-point knobs are about 2.1 inches in diameter and have a non-slip surface
for a secure grip. These will mount the Starizona Landing Pad without
modification.
Meade Lightbridge
10” and 12” primary and secondary collimation knobs;
These replace factory screws so that collimation of both primary and
secondary mirrors can take place without tools. They also offer stronger
primary mirror support springs for the Lightbridge 12" that will not sag
like the factory springs.
Losmandy GM-8 and
G-11 Mount no tools Tripod and Elevation Lock Knobs;
These replace factory Allen bolts so the mount can be set up and adjusted
without tools. The tripod bolts mount the GM-8 and G-11 equatorial head
to the Losmandy tripod top piece. The elevation lock bolts and washers
secure the elevation adjustment on the GM-8 and G-11. Bolts are stainless
steel, and each has a plastic Tee handle that is 1-3/4" in diameter to
provide adequate holding power when hand tightened.
Bob's Website:
NEW
MARS
NASA scientists hope to crack some of the secrets of Mars this weekend,
when they will try to land a robot on the planet's unexplored arctic region.
The three-legged Phoenix Mars,
with its backhoe arm, is equipped for a 90-day digging mission to examine the
region, where a reservoir of ice is believed to lurk beneath the surface.
more...
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=565358
EXOPLANET OBSERVING FOR AMATEURS
How do they find
those planets around other stars? This PDF file shows amateurs how they
can also find other planets orbiting distant stars. The author's
telescope is a Meade 14" RCX. This exciting research can be under
taken by your average astronomer with the average telescope:
http://brucegary.net/book_EOA/EOA.pdf
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
APRIL NEWSLETTER 2008 NO.42
Our new
International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
EMAIL:
telescopes@adam.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Let me know
if you want March 2008's Newsletter, which was the previous one.
Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
- LHC "ALICE" T-SHIRTS
- BOINC PARTICIPANTS FOR
- PROGRESS ON NEW "LEGAL" 1MW GREEN LASER POINTER
- UPDATED PRICE LISTS
- NOVOSIBRISK
- LOSMANDY
- SKYWATCHER
- PENTAX
- CELESTRON
- SECONDHAND
- TELESCOPE CONSTRUCTION
- SILICON POWER
- LASER POINTERS
- TOUCAMS
- TOUCAM
- 900NC BACK IN STOCK
- NEW PRICNG FOR 840K MODIFIED FOR LONG EXPOSURE
- GETTING THE PHILIPS TOUCAM 740K TO WORK ON
-
-
- OCEAN OPTICS ZERODUR OPTICAL MIRROR FLATS NOW AVAILABLE
- GOTOSTAR - GOTO UPGRADE FOR EQ5/LXD55/GP/CG5 ETC. MOUNTS
- SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORY UPDATE
- LUNAR ECLIPSE FROM ORBIT
- JOIN THE SEARCH FOR METEORITE IMPACTS USING GOOGLE EARTH
- RIGEL SYSTEMS NEW MOTOR FOCUSERS
- LOSMANDY MOUNT PRICING
- WE ARE NOW A SWAROVSKI DEALER
- NEW DEEPSKY CAMERAS
- WILLIAM OPTICS BINOVIEWER SPECIAL
- EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS
LHC "ALICE" T-SHIRTS
The LHC (Large Hadron Collider), a Particle Accelerator, hopefully goes online later this year. There are a number of experiments planned for the facility.
The LHC is being funded and built in collaboration with over two thousand physicists from thirty-four countries as well as hundreds of universities and laboratories. When activated, it is theorised that the collider will produce the elusive Higgs boson, the observation of which could confirm the predictions and 'missing links' in the Standard Model of physics and could explain how other elementary particles acquire properties such as mass. The verification of the existence of the Higgs boson would be a significant step in the search for a Grand Unified Theory, which seeks to unify all of the four fundamental forces: electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force and gravitation.
Wikipedia Explanation of the LHC:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Hadron_Collider
LHC Home Page:
http://lhc.web.cern.ch/lhc/
One of the
experiments is called "
The reason
for the
http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/
What's all
this got to do with T-Shirts? The
The T-Shirts are $20AUD each. Let us know your size and also whether you would like Round or V-Neck. T-Shirts are White only. The T-Shirts can be seen here:
http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/Public/aliceshirts.html
BOINC PARTICIPANTS FOR
Data produced by the LHC can be processed by BOINC users.
BOINC is
a software platform for volunteer computing. In other words, you can use
your home computer as a resource, to computate data produced by various
projects such as
For more information on using Boinc:
http://boinc.berkeley.edu/trac/wiki/VolunteerComputing
PROGRESS ON NEW "LEGAL" 1MW GREEN LASER POINTER
We have now been able to develop a Green Laser Pointer which will produce a beam using less than 1mW through high quality of manufacturing. The Lasers are also 2cm shorter than the standard models.
As light pollution determines how well a beam is produced, I will try to describe how well the new 1mW Lasers perform in various light polluted conditions.
10/10 Dark Skies (no light pollution) - no problems, the laser will produce a beam bright enough for pointing out stars to a person next to you. It is bright enough to be used a Finderscope for your telescope.
9/10 Still Dark Skies - no problems.
8/10 Darkness - our local forest is fairly dark. With no dark eye adaption, no problem seeing the beam and using it as a Finderscope.
8/10 Darkness - darker suburban lighting with dark eye adaption - no problem seeing the beam and using as a Finderscope.
7/10 Darkness - My house is located in the suburbs - I have a visible white street light 60m away, and more street lights further away. Full-on suburbia houses are 250m from my backyard, and houses line the street opposite me, out the front. I would call this darker than your average suburban house. With only 10mins dark adaption, the beam can be seen when using the laser for pointing out stars to someone next to me, or use as a Finderscope.
5/10 Darkness - Average Suburbia - with full dark adaption. No interruption from occasional car head lights. Difficult to see the beam going all the way up to stars.
2/10 City Skies - not a hope!
New 1mW Green Laser Pointer for Astronomy $100AUD.
For those who have Light Pollution Meters (Sky Quality Meters), please contact us and we will try the laser under those conditions. If you would like to buy a Sky Quality Meter, they are $155AUD.
UPDATED PRICE LISTS
NOVOSIBRISK - Russian Telescopes:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/russian-novosibirsk-tal-pricelist-telescopes.htm
LOSMANDY - Precision Mounts:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/losmandy-mount-telescope-astronomical-dovetail-pricelist.htm
SKYWATCHER - Telescopes and Accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/skywatcher-pricelist.htm
PENTAX - Various brands of cameras and optical accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pentax-pricelist.htm
CELESTRON - Telescopes and accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/celestron-pricelist.htm
SECONDHAND - Various astronomical items:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/secondhand_used_telescope_classifieds_equipment_astronomy.htm
TELESCOPE CONSTRUCTION - Building supplies:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_build_construction_help_parts_accessories.htm
SILICON POWER - Digital media - card readers, flash drives, memory sticks:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/silicon-power-digital-media-memory-stick-flash-drive-card-reader.htm
LASER POINTERS - Green, blue and Red;
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/green-laser-pointers-international-supplier.htm
TOUCAMS - Web cameras for astronomical imaging:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
TOUCAM
900NC BACK IN STOCK
The Philips ToUcam 900NC is back in stock for a reduced price of $145AUD. It is also available for $285AUD Modified for Long Exposure. Long Exposure allows the photography of Deep Sky Objects and also can be used a Guide Camera.
NEW PRICNG FOR 840K MODIFIED FOR LONG EXPOSURE
The older model Philips ToUcam 840k, which has the exactly same CCD Chip in it as the 900NC, is now $275AUD.
GETTING THE
PHILIPS TOUCAM 740K TO WORK ON
http://www.azcendant.com/VistaTips.htm
If your
Laptop doesn't have a
$25AUD
OCEAN
OPTICS ZERODUR OPTICAL MIRROR FLATS NOW AVAILABLE
We are now
selling high wave front accuracy Zerodur Optical Flat Mirrors. These
mirrors are produced by Ocean Optics, and provide the highest in quality
mirrors. Zerodur has been produced particularly for optical component
mirrors. It has an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient and has
been used in telescopes like the Geminis and Hubble.
The
complete range of Ocean Optics is available to us. Details of the
products can be seen here:
http://www.oceanoptics.com/Products/flats.asp
OCEAN
OPTICS SPECTROMETERS
Ocean
Optics produces a vast range of Spectrometers. Spectrometers amongst
other things are used by Astronomers to determine the mass, age, chemical
composition and many other properties of a star by observing its spectrum.
Stellar
Spectroscopy was greatly undertaken firstly by Joseph von Fraunhofer
and Angelo Secchi. They compared the spectra of different stars like
Sirius, to our Sun. The 2 different stars had different absorption
lines. Absorption lines are dark lines in a star's
spectra caused by the absorption of specific frequencies by the
atmosphere. In 1865 Secchi began classifying stars into spectral types.
The modern version of the stellar classification system was developed by Annie
J. Cannon during the 1900s.
Observation
of double stars gained increasing importance during the 19th century. In 1834,
Friedrich Bessel observed changes in the proper motion of the star
Sirius, which gave rise to a hidden companion star. Edward Pickering
discovered the first spectroscopic binary in 1899. He observed the
periodic splitting of the spectral lines of the star Mizar over a 104 day
period.
Spectrometers
can be used on many objects with greater success as CCD technology
improves. A more affordable Spectrometer for amateur astronomers and
schools is the Red Tide Spectrometer. The Red Tide Spectrometer is a
low-cost, small footprint lab spectrometer that's ideal as a general purpose
instrument for amateurs, budget conscious teaching and research labs. The Red
Tide has a wavelength range of 350-1000 nm, and utilizes a detector with 650
active pixels; that’s 650 data points in one full spectrum, or one data point
per nanometer. Configured with a 25 µm entrance slit, the Red Tide offers ~2.0
nm optical resolution (FWHM).
The Red
Tide is a preconfigured, off the shelf spectrometer where all of the optical
bench options, such as grating and entrance slit size, are already selected.
The Red Tide can be used with various Ocean Optics spectrometer accessories,
light sources and sampling optics, to create application specific systems for
various absorbance, reflection and emission applications. With its small
footprint (89.1 mm x 63.3 mm), convenient USB interface, and integration times
as fast as 3 milliseconds, the Red Tide is a great tool for basic lab
measurements.
More
information can be seen at Ocean Optical's web site:
http://www.oceanoptics.com/products/usb650.asp
Contact us for
more information and pricing.
GOTOSTAR - GOTO UPGRADE FOR EQ5/LXD55/GP/CG5 ETC. MOUNTS
The GotoStar will work on a Mac PC!
The GotoStar for EQ5 and
many other similar mounts has now become a very popular upgrade to give
observers a catalogue of over 120,000 objects at their fingertips.
- 128x64
dot LCD display. More info displayed on one screen. The easy bar menu operation
offers you greater flexibility. You can easily use it even if you are a
beginner without having to read the operating manual.
- 32bit CPU
core runs faster and calculates positions accurately.
-
Intelligent alignment, never an alignment error. Celestial pole pointing
displayed after an easy two-star alignment.
- Over
120,000 celestial objects including stars, the Sun, Moon, planets, comets,
asteroids, deep sky objects, variables stars and 256 user-defined objects.
- Smart two-axes DC servomotor with circuit protection. High-speed slewing and very accurate low speed tracking of
celestial, solar and lunar objects. No re-alignment is needed after
Right Ascension axis slow motion control is used. Auto “move back” if the motor stalls.
- Slewing speed 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X, 512X, Max 1024X. No errors occur if the power level
drops.
- RS-232
serial port for PC-controlled guiding.
- Variable
tracking speed.
- Easy one
star and two star alignment.
- Real time
clock after power-off.
- Red-light
reading LED.
-
Protection for electrical polarity reversal.
- Horizon
level protection when tracking.
-
Anti-backlash calibration included . Anti-backlash
value can be tested or set.
- Soft
start-up and motor stopping; no sudden movement.
- Electric
focus interface built-in for future product development.
- External
GPS module available.
- Patented high
accuracy control algorithms offer greater accuracy. Motor controller error is
less than 10 arc seconds.
- 3 Star
Alignment using Firmware update.
Here is a review:
http://www.nightskies.net/scopetest/mounts/gotostar/gotostar.html
$600AUD
SKYSHED
POD OBSERVATORY UPDATE
There has
been a lot of ummming... and arrring... about ordering the SkyShed Pods.
It has been shown, by sales to the
- first container load customers will receive a 5% discount on
the current price list.
- first container load customers will receive a 5% discount on
the delivery to their location. Delivery price is based on
half the amount quoted by
- first container load customers will receive a further 3%
discount due to the Australian Dollar staying stable, above 90 cents.
- I want
mine, and I want it now! ;-)
Let us know
if you want the price list.
http://www.skyshedpod.com/
LUNAR
ECLIPSE FROM ORBIT
The lunar
Eclipse on February 20th provided some stunning pictures for the Defense Meteorological Satellite
Program’s (DMSP) F16 satellite:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17963
JOIN
THE SEARCH FOR METEOR IMPACTS USING GOOGLE EARTH
Using
Google Earth, a number of people are discovering meteor craters. Here is
some more information from various informative sites:
Geology.com:
http://geology.com/meteor-impact-craters.shtml
Google
Earth Blog about various meteor impact craters found:
http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2005/10/meteor_craters.html
One of the
latest discoveries using Google Earth in
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/03/25/1206207065556.html
Various
Craters including Meteor Craters which can be seen with Google Earth:
http://www.gearthhacks.com/dlcatn34/Craters.htm
RIGEL
SYSTEMS NEW MOTOR FOCUSERS
Rigel
Systems is well renowned for making excellent quality astronomical
accessories. They don't make many products, so the ones they do are top
notch!
They
produce 3 different models of Motor Focus for the following Focusers:
nFOCUS +
12Volt DC Motor for
GSO Crayford Focusers
$175AUD
nFOCUS +
12Volt DC Motor for
Stellarvue & Williams Optics Crayford Focusers
$175AUD
nFOCUS +
12Volt DC Motor for
Televue Focusers
$175AUD
More
information can be seen on Rigel Systems web site:
http://www.rigelsys.com/
LOSMANDY
EQUATROIAL
The
strengthening Australian Dollar has allowed us to revise the Losmandy Mount
pricing:
GM8 MOUNT EQUATORIAL HEAD, ADJUSTABLE
TRIPOD, WEIGHT SHAFT,
7 LB. WEIGHT, WITH DUAL AXIS DIGITAL DRIVE - $2495AUD
GM8 MOUNT EQUATORIAL HEAD, ADJUSTABLE TRIPOD, WEIGHT SHAFT,
7 LB. WEIGHT, WITH GEMINI SERVO SYSTEM - $3720AUD
G-11 MOUNT EQUATORIAL HEAD, ADJUSTABLE TRIPOD, WEIGHT SHAFT,
21 LB. WEIGHT, WITH DUAL AXIS DIGITAL DRIVE - $3495AUD
G-11 MOUNT EQUATORIAL HEAD, ADJUSTABLE TRIPOD, WEIGHT SHAFT,
21 LB. WEIGHT, WITH GEMINI SERVO SYSTEM - $4895AUD
HGM TITAN MOUNT EQUATORIAL HEAD , WEIGHT SHAFT, TWO 21 LB. WEIGHTS
WITH GEMINI SERVO SYSTEM - WITHOUT TRIPOD - $9050AUD
HGM TITAN MOUNT EQUATORIAL HEAD , WEIGHT SHAFT, TWO 21 LB. WEIGHTS
WITH GEMINI SERVO SYSTEM - WITH EXHD TRIPOD - $10570AUD
WE
ARE NOW A SWAROVSKI DEALER
Swarovski Optics
is amongst the finest optics in the world. Their astronomy related
products include binoculars and spotting scopes. Contact us for a price
quote:
http://www.swarovskioptik.at/
NEW DEEPSKY CAMERAS
There are
some good quality cameras coming out of
Micrometrics™
190CU CCD
1.4-megapixel 1/2" Optical Format (imaging area)
$1181AUD
Micrometrics™
390CU CCD
3.1-megapixel 1/1.8" Optical Format (imaging area)
$1300AUD
Micrometrics™
590CU CCD
5.1-megapixel 1/1.8" Optical Format (imaging area)
USB 2.0 CCD 3x12-bit
Fluorescent
Microscopy and Deep-Sky Astrophotography
$1440AUD
More
information is available from the following web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ccd_camera_astronomy_micrometrics.htm
WILLIAM
OPTICS BINOVIEWER SPECIAL
E-BINO-P
BinoViewers, 2x 20mm 1.25" Wide Angle 66° Eyepieces with 1.6x Barlow
Nosepiece
$280AUD
EXTRA
TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS
We've been looking
for a number of years, to find a very tall, sturdy tripod, which can take a
large pair of binoculars for use in the night sky - which won't break the
bank. Now we've found them! These tripods handle 20x80mm binoculars
very easily. Their height can be raised to 190cm (6' 3").
Although 25x100mm (6kg) can be used on the tripod, we still recommend using a
Manfrotto Tripod for Giant Binoculars over 5kg.
Tall,
Sturdy Tripod $180AUD
Manfrotto
Tripod $396AUD
Tripod to Binocular Adaptors $15AUD (if needed)
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
MARCH NEWSLETTER
2008 NO.41
Our new
International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
EMAIL:
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Let me know
if you want November 2007's Newsletter, which was the previous one.
Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- SKYSHED
POD OBSERVATORIES
- NEW
"LEGAL" 1MW GREEN LASER POINTER
- BLUE
& WATERPROOF LASER POINTERS NOW AVAILABLE
-
WINDOWS
- VIXEN
TELESCOPES AND PARTS
- VIXEN TELESCOPE SPECIAL - ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
-
AUTOCOLLIMATORS - NEW PRICING
- NEW RICOH
R8 & R50 CAMERAS AVAILABLE
-
BINOVIEWERS FOR YOUR PST
- THE
IMAGING SOURCE DMK21F04 CAMERA NOW USB
- HOW
BIG DOES A STAR GET?
- MILKY
WAY GALAXY TURNS BOTH WAYS!
-
DEALING WITH SCT COLLIMATION
- HIGH
RESOLUTION SPECTROGRAPH FOR THE AMATEUR
- CANON
40D SPECTRUM ENHANCED CAMERAS
-
GOOGLE NOW DRAWS SOLAR ECLIPSE BOUNDRIES
-
TELEVUE "ETHOS" 13mm 100° FIELD EYEPIECE $680AUD
-
PUBLISHER WILLMANN-BELL HAVE 3 NEW TITLES
-
40MM PLOSSL - WIDE CLEAR APERTURE - LOW MAGNIFICATION $65
-
HEAVENS ABOVE- ROBERT BEE - BINOCULARS GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SKIES
- MOTOR DRIVE FOR WILLIAM OPTICS FOCUSERS
-
TELECENTRIC 2" BARLOWS 2X & 2.5X
SKYSHED
POD OBSERVATORIES
LATEST
NEWS -
There is
now a new optional Black Liner for the
This extra weight creates an even stronger, thicker walled
We can now
give accurate quotes for the SkyShed Pod Observatories and now able to accept
orders for the SkyShed Pods.
Contact us
for the price list. Please supply your contact details and delivery
address. We will quote a price including delivery.
YOUR
DETAILS
Please
forward us the details of the SkyShed Pod you want:
- model
- dome
colour
- wall
colour
- number of
shelves
http://www.skyshedpod.com/
DELIVERY
We'll drop
the Pods off ourselves, to the eastern states only (Brisbane, Sydney
and Melbourne at this stage), to help save on shipping costs. I
expect the interstate shipping costs to be halved based on a quote from
Toll/Ipec from
You can of
course pick up the Pod yourself.
PAYMENT
Payment will
need to be upfront for this particular product. A pre-order 50% deposit
will be needed, with the remanding 50% to be paid once the shipment
is ready to set sail from the
A shipping
container needs to be filled before shipment.
NEW
"LEGAL" 1MW GREEN LASER POINTER
Most states
in
The most
popular size for use in astronomy has been the 5mW Class IIIa Laser
Pointers. It works well even in the suburbs and is powerful enough to
show a larger crowd, in a darker location. Exceptions to this is when the
Moon is out, washing out the night sky. Observatories and the like
organistions, still hold sky tours when the Moon is out. In this case, a
more powerful laser is needed and the 20mW is most suitable.
We are
currently trialing a 1mW Laser (legal throughout
Benefits of
the new 1mW Laser include:
- cheaper
price (less than a 5mW)
- longer
battery life
- more
durable
- legal
Let us know
if you are interested and we'll keep you posted.
Beware of
crap lasers!
BLUE
& WATERPROOF LASER POINTERS AND MODULES NOW AVAILABLE
Blue
Laser Applications
- Higher density optical storage (audio/video/data)
- Spectrography and sensing
- Materials processing
- Optical communications
- Brighter, more efficient projection displays
- Higher resolution printing
Blue Lasers
Pointers 5mW $520AUD
WaterProof
Green Laser Pointer Applications
-
Waterproof to 100m
WaterProof
5mW Green Laser Pointers are $160AUD
WINDOWS
Can anyone
please assist in, or show a web site, to making a ToUcam 840K or 900NC run
easily on Windows Vista (Drivers etc.). There are a number of fixes on
the net, although many have had trouble using them.
VIXEN
TELESCOPES AND PARTS
Although
Vixen has been fairly low key recently in
Amoungst
Vixen's current activities is their Planet Observing Campaign, sponsored by the
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Japan Telescope Manufacturers
Association. The campaign is held from June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008.
As a supporter of this campaign, Vixen is offering a special program. The
program includes a "Planet Photo and Sketch Contest". To find
out more, visit the Vixen web page:
http://www.vixen.co.jp/English/index_e.html
VIXEN
TELESCOPE SPECIAL - ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Vixen 2731
R200SSDG-SXW Telescope - Wide Field Astrophotography
$3050AUD
AUTOCOLLIMATORS
- NEW PRICING
Using an
Autocollimator is the most accurate way of collimating a Newtonian
telescope. It is far more accurate than using a Laser Collimator.
Owning a 16" F/4.5 Reflector, I find them invaluable. Accuracy on a
short focal ratio telescope is crucial.
To
Understand how the autocollimator is used, consider the following analogy:
A fun
house has two mirrors facing each other in a room. One of the mirrors can
be moved by using a lever in the center of the room. If you stand in the
center of the room and look in one mirror, you will see your reflection.
If the two mirrors are not exactly parallel, you will also see a reflection of
your reflection in the other mirror. These reflections will go on for
what seems forever, creating a line of ever smaller images of yourself.
When the mirrors are parallel, you will only see your reflection in the mirror
because your body is blocking the reflection from the other mirror.
Suppose another person is looking through a small hole in the fixed
mirror. This hole is centered on the position where you are
standing. When the mirros are slightly out of parallel, he sees you and a
series of reflections of you in the mirror behind you from his perspective.
When both mirrors are parallel, he sees only you and no reflections.
If a flat
mirror is placed in the focuser of a Newtonian telescope and it has a small
hole placed in it to look through, the center of the primary along with
secondary and the mirror in the autocollimator act like the two mirrors in the
example. When a Newtonian is properly collimated, all the multiple
reflections will appear as one.
A standard
collimator or laser is used first to get the rough alignment.
Light Pipe/Site
Tube Combination $65AUD
AutoCollimator $65AUD
For more
information visit AstroSystems web site:
http://www.astrosystems.biz/coltlsm1.htm
NEW
RICOH R8 & R50 CAMERAS AVAILABLE
The new Ricoh R8 and R50 Cameras were released yesterday.
The R8 (they have dropped the Caplio name) is 10MP and is
new from the ground up, the body & lens assembly although resembling the R7
or GR series, are totally new! The unit feels solid yet light, the 7.1X
(28-200mm in 35mm terms) optical zoom is quiet & smooth and the 2.7"
460,000 pixel LCD is pin sharp! Available in a "matte" black or
"brushed" sliver finish, Ricoh have not pursued the colours of their
other models and with the classic style of this model.
Ricoh R8 $520AUD
http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=3713
Thr Ricoh R50 is a 10MP 5X optical (38-190mm in 35mm terms)
is similar in style to the R6/7, and is lithium powered.
Ricoh R50 $380AUD
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3349
BINOVIEWERS
FOR YOUR PST
The
Universal 1.3x OCA is an advanced corrector in their composition Less
magnification and slightly better correction than any other correctors on the
market today made for the PST. They are also less expensive. It uses a
barlow like adapter to re-space the binoviewer and is parfocal with any single
eyepiece. You can use it with any binoviewer. Televue, AP Badder,
BW-Optics, Denkmeier, Siebert Black Night Series and any $300 category
binoviewer such as Burgess, Williams Optics, Stellarvue etc......
Eyepieces
in the 9mm - 30mm range are best.
$205AUD
THE IMAGING
SOURCE DMK21F04 CAMERA NOW USB
The
DMK21F04.AS CCD Imaging Camera by The Imaging Source is the best value for
money planetary camera available. Specifications and sample images can be
seen on the following page:
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/products/
The Camera
has normally been available as a FireWire Cable setup, and without the
1.25" Adaptor. FireWire is useful if you have more than one
item running FireWire on your computer, since FireWire is faster than USB.
The new USB
Version of the DMK21F04.AS is now shipped with the 1.25" Telescope Adaptor
and also 5m USB Cable.
We are now
able to offer the USB DMK21F04.AS with Adaptor and USB Cable for $445AUD
Other
Accessories:
Astro
Engineering 5 Position Filter Wheel $199AUD
Baader RGB IR Filter Set $180AUD
Please
inquire about our full range of The Imaging Source Astronomy Cameras.
HOW
BIG DOES A STAR GET?
This video
gives a idea of how big is big when comparing the size of planets and stars:
http://imparo.wordpress.com/2007/01/29/planet-and-star-size-comparison/
MILKY
WAY GALAXY TURNS BOTH WAYS!
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=335594
DEALING
WITH SCT COLLIMATION
A lot of
people have been testing their Schmidt-Cassegrain Collimation, and
have found it to be out of alignment. An accurate way of testing and
correcting the alignment has been sort after by a number of people. After
having a look at the problem, we came across this product and its
information. Anyone interested should contact us. Any comments
welcome:
http://astrovid.com/technical_documents/OPTICAL%20COLLIMATION%20AIDS.pdf
HIGH
RESOLUTION SPECTROGRAPH FOR THE AMATEUR
The LHIRES
III Spectrograph is already used by dozens of amateur astronomers around the
world. It is used by associations for public shows and for scientific
projects. University students around the world are trained using the
LHIRES III.
This high
resolution spectrograph allow us to visually watch the solar spectra with a lot
of fine details. This is an ideal instrument for clubs and association who
organize astronomy days for the public - always interested to better understand
messages from the light.
Lhires III spectrograph has been designed for small telescope (typically
8" f/10 telescope) and is then perfectly adapted for backyard astronomy.
It can be setup in numerous instruments and you can use several type of CCD
camera, webcam, or SLR cameras to record your own spectra.
The LHIRES III is also a perfect tool for studying the sky. Students from
several universities are learning from this spectrograph. Its design is
powerful but simple and one can easily open it to see inside. Assembling the
spectrograph is also very educational. Easy to use, it allows practical
astrophysic on small telescope.
Without
telescope, it allow to watch, safely, the solar spectra in very high
resolution.
With a video camera or a webcam and a small instrument, Lhires III becomes a
spectro-heliograph. One can then image the Sun in multiple wavelength (Ha, HeI,
K...) using a scanning technic.
$4330AUD
CANON
40D SPECTRUM ENHANCED CAMERAS
Camera also
works fine for daylight photography. Canon 40DH spectrum enhanced
camera & 28-135mm IS lens kit with built-in clear wideband-multicoated
filter and std Canon accessories
$2497AUD
Other
models available.
See the review of the standard camera at:
www.kenrockwell.com/canon/40d.htm
See Christain Buil's Review of the 40D for astrophotography at:
http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/eos40d/test.htm
GOOGLE NOW DRAWS
SOLAR ECLIPSE BOUNDRIES
NASA
Eclipse page will now draws solar eclipse path boundaries on Google maps
including satellite maps. Click anywhere within eclipse boundaries to get local
circumstances.
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/eclipse.html
Thanks to
Martin Lewicki
TELEVUE
"ETHOS" 13mm 100° FIELD EYEPIECE
First of
its kind. 100° Field of view.
$680AUD
PUBLISHER
WILLMANN-BELL HAVE 3 NEW TITLES
3 New
titles have been released from the telescope and astronomy specialists
publisher Willmann-Bell:
The Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies
http://www.willbell.com/HANDBOOK/arp.htm
$65AUD
http://www.willbell.com/TM/refractor-telescope.htm
$60AUD
http://www.willbell.com/TM/schupmann.htm
$49AUD
40MM
PLOSSL - WIDE CLEAR APERTURE - LOW MAGNIFICATION $65AUD
These high
quality eyepieces have a wide field of view, due to their long Focal Length of
40mm. They also have a wide Clear Aperture (part of the eypiece you look
through). The 40mm Plossl is good for cutting down Vignetting (narrow
field of view) on photos. It is also useful as a general
bright, wide field eyepiece used for searching for objects.
HEAVENS
ABOVE- ROBERT BEE - BINOCULARS GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SKIES
In this
book, the author takes you through all the constellations visible from the
Southern Hemispheres which have objects visible through binoculars.
The planets
and many globular clusters, open clusters, gaseous nebulae, galaxies, double
stars and asterisms can be found with your humble field glasses.
This book
contains:
- 158 pages
- 80
diagrams
- charts
showing 56 of the 88 constellations with the locations of binocular objects they
contain and description and details of each object.
- maps of
each month of the year showing the location of the constellations in the sky to
the north and south.
This is an
excellent introduction to observational astronomy for beginners of all ages.
$18AUD
MOTOR
DRIVE FOR WILLIAM OPTICS FOCUSERS
We are
currently developing Motor Drives for William Optics Focusers. Contact us
if you are interested.
TELECENTRIC
2" BARLOWS 2X & 2.5X
Lower
element is larger then its TV counterparts. At 24mm Dia compared to 17mm Dia
although the 17mm will fully illuminate any 1.25" and 2"
eyepiece.
Other than
the super high quality Powermates TV makes, these are one of the only other
Barlows that offer the added benefit of a 4 element telecentric image. Also
maintains the FOV and ER characteristics of your EP's. The 2" 2x units
have a clear aperture and magnification ratio to illuminate a 48mm field stop
fully. Will act as a flattener so no Paracorr should be necessary in faster
newtonians. You will not be disappointed if you try one of these. Elements
are multicoated.
2" 2x
Telecentric Barlow $230AUD
2"
2.5x Telecentric Barlow $260AUD
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2007 NO.40
Our new
International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
EMAIL:
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Let me know
if you want July's Newsletter, which was the previous one. Past
Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- NOVOSIBRISK
- RUSSIAN TELESCOPES WEB SITE VIRUS
-
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE VicSouth
STAR PARTY
-
LEONIDS METEOR SHOWER
-
SKYWATCH ASTRONOMY EDUCATION
-
CURRENT COMETS
-
DOBSONIAN PRICES
- DMK
CCD CAMERA PRICES DROP
- WIN A
DMK ASTRO IMAGING CAMERA!
- NEW
DEEPSKY CAMERAS
- INTRODUCTION
TO WEBCAM ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
-
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
-
DOVETAIL PLATES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS
-
SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORY UPDATE
- NEW
R-G SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL
-
ASTRONOMY CALENDAR 2008 - $12AUD
-
ASTRONOMY 2008 BOOK (18th EDITION) $18AUD
- MEADE
DEALER
TOUCAM
- NOW ABLE TO REPAIR TOUCAMS
- AMP OFF MODIFICATION
- AN INFORMATIVE WEB SITE ABOUT AUTOGUIDING WITH THE TOUCAM
- NEW
SUPPLIER - FARPOINT
- WILLIAM
OPTICS HIGH QULAITY 2" QUARTZ DIAGONAL
-
LOSMANDY WEIGHTS
- MIRROR
MAKING GLASS
- PYREX
IS NO LONGER BEING MADE!
- BOB'S
KNOBS!
-
ASTRONOMIK FILTERS
- EXTRA
TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS
-
BLACKENING OUT YOUR BARLOW/EYEPIECE LENSES
- BRIAN
MAY FROM THE ROCK BAND QUEEN FINALLY DOES IT!
- SIR
PATRICK MOORE'S - THE SKY AT NIGHT - AVAILABLE FROM THE INTERNET
- NASA
TO LAUNCH LUKE SKYWALKER'S LIGHT SABER!
- MOST
POPULAR DVDs
-
TELESCOPE AND CAMERA ADAPTORS
-
SPECIALS
- 16" COMPLETED MIRRORS - $950AUD
-
300MM (12") F/5 COMPLETED MIRRORS - $590AUD
- PHILIP'S PLANISPHERES - $22
- LUNAR MAP PRO V3 SOFTWARE - $60AUD
- VIXEN 2X BARLOW - $65AUD
- 2" DIAMETER, 32MM PLOSSLS - $60AUD or $42US$ or £24
- EDDIE TRIMARCHI's - MILKY WAY WALL MAP & CHART - $10AUD
- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES - $150AUD each
- WRATTEN COLOUR FILTERS - $15AUD
- LASER COLLIMATORS - $55AUD
- POPULAR CAMERA T MOUNTS - $15AUD
- TAL-125R REFRACTOR ON MOTOR DRIVEN EQUATORIAL MOUNT - $1900AUD
- CAMERA TO BINOCULAR ADAPTOR - $15AUD
- 11X70MM BINOCULARS BAK4 PRISMS - $160AUD
- CARBON FIBRE VERNIER CALIPERS 1/10MM GRADUATIONS - $20AUD
- ALUMINIUM CASES 65CM X 40CM X 40CM - $120AUD
- WORLD POLITICAL SUPER MAP LAMINATED 190CM X 110CM - $64AUD
- 8" DOBSONIAN MOUNTS ONLY - $90AUD
NOVOSIBRISK - RUSSIAN TELESCOPES
The
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR
THE VicSouth STAR PARTY
The
VicSouth Annual Star Party is on again this coming weekend at Nhill.
Apparently, there are still some rooms and non-powered camping sites available.
The
VicSouth Star Party is held just south of Nhill (
Bring your
own telescope. Arrive before dark. Public Night on Friday the 9th
November.
BREAKING
NEWS -- see Comet LONEOS (C/2007 F1) in the dark skies at VicSouth. This could
become the third naked-eye comet for 2007.
For all the
details:
LEONIDS METEOR SHOWER
Each year, the
Earth passes through the dust and ice trail of comet 55P Tempel-Tuttle.
Even the smallest spec of dust, traveling at enormous speed, will light up
in the sky to produce a shooting star (meteoroids). The number of
shooting stars vary from year to year depending on how much debris, and the
path the Earth takes through it. Some years have been particularly
spectacular with ZHR Ratings (how many shooting stars are seen per hour) of
well over 200! Each year there are predictions of how good the Leonids shower
will be, although these have proven to be highly inaccurate. The only way
to catch this spectacular display is to get out at the right time and have a
look. Here are some pointers:
- the
Leonids Meteor Shower will be around between the 10th and 23rd of November with
the best seeing generally in the middle of these dates (18th of November).
- no
telescope or binoculars are needed, just your eyes.
- best
equipment to have is a banana lounge (or similar). This is so you don't
get a crook neck looking up all the time.
- the later
at night, the better.
- the
shooting stars will appear from (radiant) the constellation of Leo (hence the
name Leonids).
I have seen
a high ZHR shower and is certainly something to remember! 8-)
SKYWATCH ASTRONOMY EDUCATION
SkyWatch Astronomy Education is a new, South
Australian owned and based company that is dedicated to encouraging children
and educators to learn about and appreciate the wonders of the Universe.
SkyWatch brings new and exciting technology to you,
including the MirrorDome, an inflatable traveling theatre and planetarium which
will accommodate a class of 30 children.
As well as bringing the MirrorDome into your
classroom, SkyWatch can conduct Astronomy viewing nights with the latest
telescopes and viewing aids, conduct teacher PD, and provide curriculum-based
lesson plans and materials covering a wide range of Astronomical topics, and
catering for all ages.
For more information or to make bookings, contact Dean Davidson on (08) 8298 6523 or 0413 039 477,
or email dean@skywatch.com.au
Website
Information: www.skywatch.com.au
CURRENT COMETS
There are 2
comets currently visible from most of
C/2007 F1
LONEOS
http://www.yp-connect.net/~mmatti/
17P Holmes
http://www.yp-connect.net/~mmatti/
DOBSONIAN PRICES
GSO
DOBSONIANS
6" Dobsonian $290AUD
8" Dobsonian $335AUD
10" Dobsonian $580AUD
12" Dobsonian $870AUD
16" CALL
http://www.gs-telescope.com/
DMK CCD CAMERA PRICES DROP
The
DMK21F04.AS CCD Imaging Camera by The Imaging Source is the best value for
money planetary camera available. Specifications and sample images can be
seen on the following page:
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/products/
We are now
able to offer the DMK21F04.AS for $395AUD
-
1.25" Adaptor (Anodised Aluminium, Aussie made) $45
Accessories:
ATIK 5 Position
Filter Wheel $199
Baader RGB IR Filter Set $180
Please
inquire about our full range of The Imaging Source Astronomy Cameras.
WIN A DMK ASTRO IMAGING CAMERA!
http://www.astronomycamerascompetition.com/en/win/
NEW DEEPSKY CAMERAS
There are
some good quality cameras coming out of
Micrometrics™
190CU CCD
1.4-megapixel 1/2" Optical Format (imaging area)
$1181AUD
Micrometrics™
390CU CCD
3.1-megapixel 1/1.8" Optical Format (imaging area)
$1300AUD
Micrometrics™
590CU CCD
5.1-megapixel 1/1.8" Optical Format (imaging area)
USB 2.0 CCD 3x12-bit
Fluorescent
Microscopy and Deep-Sky Astrophotography
$1440AUD
More information
is available from the following web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ccd_camera_astronomy_micrometrics.htm
INTRODUCTION TO WEBCAM ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
In the last
few years webcam astrophotography has exploded onto the astronomy scene. It has
rapidly evolved from short exposure six-bit black-and-white imagery into
long-exposure full-colour 16-bit per channel imagery of such quality that it
rivals “conventional” means of astrophotography. Indeed, webcams have become
the method of choice for planetary imaging.
http://www.willbell.com/WebcamAstrophoto/webcam.htm
$90AUD
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
This book
is a 400+ page comprehensive, nuts-and-bolts introduction to digital
astro-imaging written by Robert Reeves, an accomplished author and film imager
with nearly 50 years of experience who has enthusiastically made the transition
to digital imaging. Robert describes how the family digital camera you probably
already own can be used to take spectacular pictures of the night sky. This is
especially true if you have purchased a digital camera within the past several
years - even some entry level point-and-shoot digital cameras take pictures of
the Moon and planets that rival or exceed the best film images. If you already
own a digital camera, telescope, and computer you probably only require a
camera adapter and image processing software—some of which is free—to begin
your night sky imaging adventures and unlike film you see your results almost
instantly!
http://www.willbell.com/DigitaAstrophoto/Default.htm
$90AUD
DOVETAIL PLATES FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS
The range
of Dovetail Plates and mounting combinations has been increasing. Here's
an update:
Instead of
Piggy Backing a Guide Scope or Camera on your main telescope, consider the
advantages of placing the equipment side by side on a Heavy Duty DoveTail
Plate. Some of the main advantages of a Side By Side setup is more
stability, easier to balance and also easier to work around.
Produced
locally, the Side By Side setup is made up of a Heavy Duty DoveTail Plate
to suit Celestron, Vixen, Skywatcher, Losmandy,
Detachable
Side by Side Mounting Plates have an extra pre-drilled hole for mounting a
Camera Bracket. The Plates can also be fitted 90°. This enables one
scope to be fitted along the length of the Dovetail Plate, so the Dovetail
Plate doesn't stick out.
Small Heavy
Duty Dovetails to suit the Detachable Side by Side Mounts are also available.
345mm Heavy
Duty Dovetail Plate $135
500mm Heavy
Duty Dovetail Plate $165
Detachable
Side by Side Mounts $90 each
Detachable
Light Side by Side Mounts $50 each - 80mm Refractors and smaller.
Small Heavy
Duty Dovetail Plates $75 each
Male to
Male (standard to Losmandy) Dovetail Plate $120
All Plates
and fittings allow popular mount sizes to fit each other, including the above
mentioned brands.
LARGE
ACHROMATS & APOCHROMATS IN CELLS NOW AVAILABLE
At long
last it has finally happened. We are now able to supply large achromatic
and apochromatic lenses in their cells:
1200mm x
127mm - Achromat
$499AUD
990mm x
152mm - Achromat
$545AUD
1200mm x
152mm - Achromat
$535AUD
2700mm x
220mm - Apochromatic
$1850AUD
1300mm x
100mm - Solar Observing and Planetary
$990AUD
SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORY UPDATE
Sorry for
the delay about finalising the cost of the SkyPod Shed Observatories. Organising
the container costings takes a fair amount of time and effort, although it
isn't much different to the other importing we do.
I will have
the final costings by the end of next week.
I will also
have information regarding
There isn't
any problem getting the Pods over here, just the logistics.
We still
need to have at least 10 orders to fill a container.
I will have
lots of Pod information ready for the VicSouth Star Party next weekend.
This will hopefully ensure at least one container full.
Payment
will need to be upfront for this particular product. A Pre Order 10%
deposit will be needed with the full amount to be paid once the shipment is
ready to set sail! Usually 5-6 weeks at sea, then I pass them through
customs etc.
I'll drop
the Pods off myself, to the eastern states only, to help save shipping
costs. I expect the interstate shipping costs to be halved based on a
quote from Toll/Ipec from
The
shipping from the
Let me know
if you need any further information. The SkyShed Pod website has all the
information including sizes, forum and FAQs.
NEW R-G SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL
Designed with quality and cost in mind,
our R-G solar film provides a superior image of the sun that rivals our glass
solar filters at a lower price. Unlike other solar filter, the R-G solar film
will provide a more pleasing and natural Yellow- Orange image of the sun
our customers have come to know and love through our Solar Glass Filter product
line. The R-G film will also be available in sheets for those who like to
make their own solar filters. Please email us for Safety and other information,
or see it here:
http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/www/Products/Solar%20filter.html
180mm x 180mm (7" x 7")
$25
300mm x 300mm (12" x
12") $40
ASTRONOMY CALENDAR 2008 - $12AUD
The
Astronomy Calendar has the most stunning pictures. It also has a lot of
information and star maps for each month and in general.
ASTRONOMY 2008 BOOK (18th EDITION)
$18AUD
Astronomy
2008 is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see Quasar's web site:
http://www.quasarastronomy.com.au/yb_07.htm
TOUCAMS
NOW ABLE TO REPAIR TOUCAMS
We
are now able to repair ToUcams by replacing the CCD Chip for $65 plus
post. This is the most common problem experienced with the cameras.
I haven't come across any other problems.
AMP OFF MODIFICATION
We are now
able to do the "Amp Off" modification to the ToUcams for $40.
The Amp Off modification reduces the amount of glow from components used
in the ToUcam. This will cause a brightening on long exposures.
AN INFORMATIVE WEB SITE ABOUT AUTOGUIDING WITH THE TOUCAM
http://astro.neutral.org/eq/autoguide.html
NEW SUPPLIER - FARPOINT
FarPoint is
a new manufacturer from
http://www.farpointastro.com/farsight-product.html
MEADE DEALER
Over the
years we have stocked the Coronado PST (Personal Solar Telescope) for a great
price ($800). We are now a full Meade dealer and organising our first
shipment. Anyone interested in ordering a Meade Instrument, or Coronado
Instrument let us know and we guarantee a cost saving.
WILLIAM OPTICS HIGH QULAITY 2" QUARTZ DIAGONAL
If you own
a high quality instrument, then a high quality Diagonal will top it off!
These 1/15 wave Quartz Diagonals are currently on special for $369AUD
LOSMANDY WEIGHTS
Weights to
fit Losmandy Mounts. These are beautifully made weights with an extra
strong, unbreakable metal locating screw.
5.5kg /12lb
$100
3.5kg/7lb
$85
Let us know
if you want a picture.
MIRROR MAKING GLASS
Currently
we supply the following Glass types for mirror making - Soda Ash (Plate Glass),
BK7, Pyrex and Suprax (Borosilicate). The best material for mirror
making is Zerodur. Zerodur is produced by Schott. It is a
ceramic glass with an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient. It has
the following properties:
· Nearly zero thermal expansion with
outstanding 3D homogeneity
· High internal quality
· Good processing behaviour
· Can be polished to a very high accuracy
· Can be coated easily
· Low Helium permeability
· Non-porous
· Good chemical stability
Well yes,
it is expensive. However, it is becoming available. If you are
interested in this type of glass for mirror making, let us know.
More
information can be seen here:
http://www.schott.com/optics_devices/english/products/zerodur/
PYREX IS NO LONGER BEING MADE!
Dow Corning
is no longer producing Pyrex. If you wish to order a Pyrex 7740 Fine
Annealed Blank, Tool, or Secondary Mirror, now is the time to do it. I
will allow 2 more days or so for final orders to come in.
Email us
with your specs and we'll quote and add it to the order.
BOB'S KNOBS!
Bob's Knobs
are popular the world over. Bob makes a number of accessories to make
life easier using a telescope. Bob's Knobs prevent the use of tools for
many telescope adjustments.
It’s
easy... just grab a Bob's Knob and turn. You can even do it while
looking through the eyepiece on most scopes. And you'll never drop that pesky
little Allen wrench or screwdriver into the grass again. Installation is a snap
with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.
Some of his
most popular products include.:
Celestron Nexstar Telescopes;
Bob’s Knobs
no-tools tripod bolts are available for the Celestron NexStar. These replace
the factory Allen bolts so the telescope can be attached to the tripod without tools.
They can also replace the factory plastic hand bolts that came with some
NexStar 5 and NexStar 8 models. Our bolts are longer and have a larger knob,
making installation and correct tightening much easier. The 5-point knobs are
about 2.1 inches in diameter and have a non-slip surface for a secure grip.
These will mount the Starizona Landing Pad without modification.
Meade Lightbridge 10” and 12” primary and secondary
collimation knobs;
These
replace factory screws so that collimation of both primary and secondary
mirrors can take place without tools. They also offer stronger primary
mirror support springs for the Lightbridge 12" that will not sag like the
factory springs.
Losmandy GM-8 and G-11 Mount no tools Tripod and Elevation
Lock Knobs;
These
replace factory Allen bolts so the mount can be set up and adjusted without
tools. The tripod bolts mount the GM-8 and G-11 equatorial head to the
Losmandy tripod top piece. The elevation lock bolts and washers secure
the elevation adjustment on the GM-8 and G-11. Bolts are stainless steel,
and each has a plastic Tee handle that is 1-3/4" in diameter to provide
adequate holding power when hand tightened.
Bob's
Website:
ASTRONOMIK FILTERS
I promised
a number of customers Astronomik Filters for which Astronomik in
EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS
We've been
looking for a number of years, to find a very tall, sturdy tripod, which can
take a large pair of binoculars for use in the night sky - which won't
break the bank. Now we've found them! These tripods handle 20x80mm
binoculars very easily. Although 25x100mm (6kg) can be used on the
tripod, we still recommend using a Manfrotto Tripod for Giant Binoculars over
5kg.
Tall,
Sturdy Tripod $180AUD
Manfrotto
Tripod $396AUD
Tripod to
Binocular Adaptors $15
BLACKENING OUT YOUR BARLOW/EYEPIECE LENSES
A bit of
research has gone into whether pulling your eyepieces apart, and blackening
around the lenses sides, is effective for better viewing. Well, it’s
true! Probably something you would rather do to a cheaper eyepiece or
Barlow. Just about all eyepieces can be unscrewed, carefully, and the lenses
removed. Please be aware, it is easy to mark lenses when putting them
back together. Don't use fingers, or the ends of pens or pencils.
BRIAN MAY FROM THE ROCK BAND QUEEN FINALLY DOES IT!
After more than
30 years as a member of one of the world's most successful bands, Queen
guitarist Brian May has finally finished his PhD thesis he began as a student
in the 1970s. May, 59, earned a degree in physics at Imperial College London
but after years of studying interplanetary dust, he abandoned work towards his
doctorate when Queen took off. His interest in the subject was reignited when
he co-authored Bang! The Complete History of the Universe, which tells the
story of the universe from the big bang through its subsequent evolution, and
was released last year. "For the last nine months, I've done nothing
except slave over my PhD, which is now written up, thank God," May said.
May worked on the PhD between 1971 and 1974, and kept all his hand-written
notes on the subject through the years, finally discovering them in his loft
recently.
SIR PATRICK MOORE'S - THE SKY AT NIGHT - AVAILABLE FROM THE
INTERNET
http://www.myastrospace.com/SkyAtNight.htm
NASA TO LAUNCH LUKE SKYWALKER'S LIGHT SABER!
When the
space shuttle Discovery launches the STS-120 astronaut crew in October, the
force will be with them. For the full story, see the following article:
http://www.space.com/entertainment/cs_070828_sts120_lightsaber.html
ASTRONOMY DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD is
comprehensive including the following features:
- Stars,
Nebulae and Galaxies (27mins)
- Hubble
Images - Best Photos (10 mins)
- Universe
- Stars and the Cosmos (21mins)
- OutBack
Sky - David Miller (10mins)
- History
of Astronomy (12mins)
- Moon and
Sky - Constellations (10mins)
-
Australian Astronomy (16mins)
- Comets -
Origin and History (12mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SPACE FLIGHT DVD (MOST POPULAR
ITEMS)
This DVD
covers the history of manned space flight, including the Apollo and Shuttle
programs and the development of the Space Station. Featuring:
- Apollo 11
(27mins)
- Astro
Smiles (15mins)
- In Earth
Orbit (14mins)
-
Historical Highlights (12mins)
- Skylab
(9mins)
- Apollo 17
(17mins)
- Astronaut
Slide Show (12mins)
-
International Space Station (11mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SOLAR SYSTEM DVD (MOST POPULAR
ITEMS)
This DVD Covers
the Sun, all the planets, moons, asteroids and other bodies of the solar
system. Features images from the Spirit Rover on Mars. Featuring:
-
Introducing the Planets (18mins)
- Venus ‑ Magellan movies (7mins)
- Earth ‑ Movies & stills (17mins)
- Mars Rovers Sprit & Opportunity (17mins)
- Mars ‑ Movies & orbital views (10mins)
- Voyager – the outer planets (30mins)
- Jupiter – from Voyager & Galileo (13mins)
- Asteroids - Ida, Gaspra & Eros (8mins)
$16AUD or $10US$ or £6
TELESCOPE AND CAMERA ADAPTORS
We
manufacture all telescope and camera adaptors. If you can't find one, let
us know, and I'm sure we can make it up for a reduced price, or at least, point
you in the right direction.
CURRENT SUPPLIER LISTING
Here is an
updated list of our current suppliers. It is not a complete list:
Losmandy
Mounts
William
Optics
1000 Oaks
Optical
The Imaging
Source
Baader
Planetarium
Harry
Siebert Optics
Celestron
Meade
Rigel
Systems
Modern
Astronomy
Astro
Engineering (
Bob's Knobs
GSO - Guan
Sheng Optical
Vixen
SkyWatcher
Philips
Electronics
Philip's
Publishing
Willmann-Bell
Publishers
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
JULY
NEWSLETTER 2007 NO.39
Our
new
International
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Let me know
if you want February's Newsletter which was the previous one. Past
Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
THE TELESCOPE IS CELEBRATING ITS 400TH BIRTHDAY IN 2008
-
DMK CCD CAMERA PRICES DROP
TOUCAM
- NOW ABLE TO REPAIR TOUCAMS
- UNIVERSAL TOUCAM ADAPTOR
- USING AN SLR LENS WITH THE TOUCAM etc.
-
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON 28TH AUGUST 2007
-
ILLUMINATED RETICLES
-
2009 ECLIPSE CRUISE
-
EXTRA WIDE FIELD EYEPIECE FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
-
NEW R-G SOLAR FILM FROM 1000 OAKS OPTICAL
-
TURN YOU OLD 40MM PST INTO A 60mm/90mm/125mm PST!
-
EYE ON THE SKY - BOOK BY GEOFF ANDERSEN
-
HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR CCD IMAGES
-
AMP OFF MODIFICATION FOR WEB CAMS
-
STELLACAM II SPECIAL - $995AUD
-
STELLACAM EX SPECIAL - $810AUD
- SPACE
SHUTTLE UNDOCKING WITH THE ISS AGAINST THE SUN
-
VIDEO TO USB CONVERTOR
-
ASTRONOMICAL WEATHER
-
SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORYS NOW AVAILABLE
-
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF ASTRONOMY
-
DO YOU HATE POLAR ALIGNMENT? - CHECK THIS OUT!
-
LEAVING THE PLANET BY SPACE ELEVATOR - A NEW BOOK
-
DEEP SKY TRACKER FREEWARE - IMAGING SOFTWARE
-
COLLIMATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAL150K/200K/250K TELESCOPES
-
GOTOSTAR - GOTO UPGRADE FOR EQ5/LXD55/GP/CG5 ETC. MOUNTS
-
LARGE ACHROMAT & APOCHROMAT IN CELLS NOW AVAILABLE
-
CLEANING CLOTH - $2AUD
-
REMOTE SWITCH FOR PENTAX/CANON/NIKON CAMERAS
-
DIGI-RING CAMERA ADAPTORS
- DIGITAL
CAMERAS WITHOUT A LENS THREAD
-
PRISM GUIDER/BEAM SPLITTER/ILLUMINATED RETICLE - $50AUD
-
STARRY NIGHT PRO V6 - $310AUD
-
TELRAD AND ACCESSORIES
-
LASER POINTERS
- INTRODUCTION
TO WEBCAM ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
-
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
-
LOSMANDY WEIGHTS
-
WILLIAM OPTICS 40MM SWAN 50MM (2") EYEPIECES
-
300MM (12") F/5 COMPLETED MIRRORS - $590AUD
-
SEIBERT ORTHOSCOPICS - PLANET EYEPIECES
-
HOT HANDS - $5AUD
-
ATLAS OF THE UNIVERSE - SIR PATRICK MOORE
-
CAMERA PIGGYBACK ADAPTOR FOR MEADE LX90 - $45AUD
-
6x30mm ILLUMINATED POLAR SCOPE/FINDERSCOPE - $60AUD
- BINOVIEWERS FOR TELESCOPES - $130AUD
THE
TELESCOPE IS CELEBRATING ITS 400TH BIRTHDAY IN 2008
Hans
Lipperhey’s discovery of the telescope in 1608 has come along way.
The two things which will not change is the presence of clouds on the
birthday, and its essential part of observing no matter how good
technology gets (so far!).
DMK
CCD CAMERA PRICES DROP
The
DMK21F04.AS CCD Imaging Camera by The Imaging Source is the best value for
money planetary camera available. Specifications and sample images can be
seen on the following page:
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/products/
We are now
able to offer the DMK21F04.AS for $395AUD
Please
inquire about our full range of The Imaging Source Astronomy Cameras.
TOUCAM
NOW
ABLE TO REPAIR TOUCAMS
We
are now able to repair ToUcams by replacing the CCD Chip for $65 plus
post. This is the most common problem experienced with the cameras.
I haven't come across any other problems.
UNIVERSAL
TOUCAM ADAPTOR
All our
ToUcam Adaptors are made Universal now for suit 840K and 900NC model
cameras. Current Adaptors are 1.25" and T Thread.
USING
AN SLR LENS WITH THE TOUCAM
Most
Adaptors are available which will connect an SLR Lens to the ToUcam. This
includes the old 42mm Thread Lenses - see below.
We have
a few secondhand 42mm dia Thread Lenses in stock for $20AUD each
SLR Lenses
can be connected to most cameras ie. Apogee, ATIK, Genesis, Meade DSI, Meade
XT, SAC, SBIG Starlight, StarShoot.
TOTAL
ECLIPSE OF THE MOON 28TH AUGUST 2007
The Eclipse
can be seen across
EST
7.52pm -
Total Eclipse begins
8:35pm -
Full Eclipse
9.22pm -
Total Eclipse ends
For
observers in
The Moon
will appear a beautiful ruby colour.
Please
note: next visible Total Eclipse of the Moon is in 2010!
ILLUMINATED
RETICLES
The most
popular use for the Reticle is Polar Alignment using the Drift Method.
Many people find this much easier, and more accurate than using a Polar Scope.
Illuminated
reticles are also used for astrophotography guiding.
6mm
Illuminated Reticle $95AUD
12.5mm
Illuminated Reticle $95AUD
Rigel
Systems Pulse Guide 12.5mm Illuminated Reticle $199AUD - Illuminator can be
purchased separately for $70AUD
The Rigel Systems
and Chinese Reticles have different patterns on them. Let me know if you
want an image of the reticle.
2009
ECLIPSE CRUISE
One of the
most spectacular ways to see a Total Eclipse of the Sun is by ship.
Cruises are available for the 2008 Total Eclipse, which will be
viewed from the
http://www.astronomyvacations.com/
EXTRA
WIDE FIELD EYEPIECE FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
I quite
often get asked about the best eyepiece for wide field photography, which will
not produce vignetting (narrow field of view) to make the most of the camera's
film or capture area. The William Optics DCL-52 Camera Adaptor Eyepiece
($144) produces ultra wide imaging with very little vignetting. The focal
length is 60mm and has field of view of 40°. An Extension Tube ($68) may
be needed for some scopes. You can see the eyepiece here:
http://www.williamoptics.com/eyepiecesDCL/dcl52_features.htm
NEW
R-G SOLAR FILM FROM 1000 OAKS OPTICAL
A new Solar
Film has been produced by 1000 Oaks Optical. The film produces an image
in an yellow/orange colour. More information can be seen at 1000
Oaks web site:
http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar%20filter.html
A 30cm x 30cm
piece of film is $50AUD
TURN
YOU OLD 40MM PST INTO A 60mm/90mm/125mm PST! - by Phil Smith
Please
note, this modification can only be done with the older PST.
The mod is
about increasing the aperture on the PST from 40mm to 90mm or
higher. There are a few threads going on yahoo groups, most of the
threads in the PST group have been deleted by the Group Moderator.
Also http://ukastroimaging.co.uk (solar forum and project chat
rooms), Google for " PST Modification Dodi" will show
you at least one other users results of doing this, so far I found 9
people who have successfully modified their PST's to between 70 and 130mm
aperture. There is a lot more, not a lot of websites at this stage, but
in the next few months I'm sure they will spring up.
The Mod involves a suitable F-Ratio scope, debate on this right now but a F5 to
F7.5 Telescope to install the PST parts on seem to be favored but some are
using F10, a Baader Cool ERF filter for UV/IR rejection, and the PST main body,
or Etalon only, coupled with either the integrated BF5 on the PST (the
blocking filter at the EP end) or a replacement BF10 if you want to use a
longer focal length scope. The web site listed below is a set up where
the guy swapped his 40mm Ha set up to a 67mm HA setup with this mod. Im
still trying to get the full details complete clear for safety reasons.
Arthur Edwards http://www.ambermile.co.uk/ is making machined tube adapters for
this mod, last I heard for £30 it is not on his web site yet so you have
to email him at info@ambermile.co.uk
http://barany.members.beeb.net/photographs/astro/Solar/CERFequipment.htm
Here are
some examples of Solar Shots done with this PST Mod
Solar shots
with the PST Modifiction at 60mm (impressive)
http://www.astronomie.be/dodi/sun20060617.html
Solar shots
with the PST Modifiction at 80mm (even more impressive)
http://www.astronomie.be/dodi/sun20060724.html
Solar shots
with the PST Modifiction at 125mm, (WOW)
http://www.astronomie.be/dodi/sun20060805.html
http://www.astronomie.be/dodi/sun20060807.html
http://www.astronomie.be/dodi/sun20060818.html
Let me know
If you would like to see the resulting pictures.
EYE
ON THE SKY - BOOK BY GEOFF ANDERSEN
Eye on the Sky is all about
optical telescopes - their history, operation, discoveries, development and
future. Telescopes and their use in astronomy and surveillance are increasingly
fascinating to people, yet few know much about them. This superb book provides
easy-to-understand factual information, as well as an exciting glimpse into the
future. It offers a clear explanation of how telescopes work and why the costs
for building them can aptly be described as astronomical. In addition to the
telescope’s role in conventional astronomy, Dr Andersen describes telescopes
used during the day (solar observatories), for detecting ripples in the fabric
of space-time (gravitational wave detectors) and even for gathering
extra-galactic particles (neutrino and gamma-ray observatories). As well as
this, it looks at other uses for telescopes such as lidar, optical
communications and space surveillance. The latter is something of great
interest to the average reader, and it will answer the most common question:
Just what can spy satellites see from space?
Size: 234 x 153 mm
Format: Cased and jacketed
Extent: 312 pages
Illustrations: 90 illustrations: colour and b/w
photographs, line drawings and diagrams
Retail price: $42AUD
HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR CCD IMAGES
Sharpening is an important part of digital image
processing. It restores some of the sharpness lost in the lens and image
sensor. Virtually every digitized image needs to be sharpened at some point in
its workflow- in the camera, the RAW conversion software, and/or the image
editor.
The following web site delves deeper
into sharper digital images.
http://www.imatest.com/docs/sharpening.html
AMP OFF MODIFICATION FOR WEB CAMS
I have had a few requests for the Amp Off Modification
to be done on web cams. This is in the form of updating owner's cameras,
and also supplying the cameras with the Long Exposure Modification and also the
Amp Off Modification. If you are interested in this modification, let me
know. Here is some information on the mod:
http://astro.neutral.org/eq/ampoff.html
STELLACAM II SPECIAL- $995AUD
The StellaCam II is an excellent introduction to Deep Sky
imaging for those who appreciate the versatility of a "True" video
camera. The output of the camera can be displayed on a TV, VCR, Monitor, Laptop
or desktop computer.
The On-Screen (Monitor) image of brighter objects Messier objects such as the
Dumbell Nebula rivals processed CCD images. The views on the monitor are
spectacular. This improvement makes the StellaCam II especially well suited for
school, planetariums, college, universities and industry and both the beginning
imager and advanced imager.
There is a separate remote control box for slow shutter speed (frame
accumulation), gain, gamma (contrast) control and freeze frame.
The freeze frame button will freeze your on screen image on the monitor. This
is useful when you have an image you want to describe or display for a large
group. Once the screen image is frozen, the telescope can be slewed to the next
object while a discussion is being a given for the current on-screen image.
See the excellent review of the StellaCam II in the October 2004 Issue of Sky
& Telescope Magazine
Following are two quotes from the review:
"AVA's latest offering for deep-sky video work is the StellaCam II. ... ,
but it can stack twice as many frames allowing it to probe deep into the night
sky. ... it not only produces a deeper image but also delivers one with far
better tonal quality and less electronic noise." - Johnny Horn, Sky and
Telescope
"Although, StellaCam II is more expensive than its predecessor, .... it
offers extremely compelling views of deep sky objects. In some cases it even
produced images comparable to those shot with low-cost astronomical CCD
cameras, but without the fuss of image calibration." - Johnny Horn, Sky
and Telescope
Astrovid - StellaCam II B&W CCD Video Integrating Imaging System, Hand
Camera Control Unit, 1.25"-C Adapter, 25' Shielded Video Cable, 12VDC
Power Supply And One Year Warranty.
STELLACAM EX SPECIAL - $810AUD
The StellaCam Ex uses the most sensitive 1/2 inch
format CCD available, the SONY 600 line EXView CCD. This camera is 2X more
sensitive than non-EX-View CCDs in the visual range and 4X more sensitive in
the near infrared. (800-900 nm). This camera can also be run up to 100 feet
away from the telescope with optional extension cables.
SPACE SHUTTLE UNDOCKING WITH THE ISS
AGAINST THE SUN
This is from last year, but still worth a look if you
haven't seen it before:
http://www.astrosurf.com/legault/iss_shuttle.jpg
VIDEO TO USB CONVERTOR
A new Video-to-USB converter is now available
from The Imaging Source:
- Video formats: NTSC/PAL, RS-170/CCIR
- Inputs (multiplexed): 1x Composite, 1x S-Video
- Output: USB 2.0, uncompressed image data stream
- Driver, SDK and control software included
$265AUD
To learn more about the Video-to-USB converter, please take a look at:
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/converters/dfgusb2lt/overview/
ASTRONOMICAL WEATHER
Here are some sites which go into great detail about
the weather:
Bureau of Meteorology - Home Page (
Siding Spring Observatory - NOAA Weather Satellite
Service (
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~map/weather/
Local Stargazers Weather -
http://users.picknowl.com.au/~stargazer/wm918data.htm
Excellent Weather Site (World)
Earth and Space Dedicated Weather Site (World and
beyond!)
SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORYS NOW
AVAILABLE
The new SkyPod Observatorys are now available.
By using the same proven material that's been used
globally for decades in agricultural products and outdoor structures, combined
with and evolutionary patent pending design, SkyShed POD is the permanent or
temporary observatory solution to house and operate the latest visual and
photographic astronomical equipment.
POD's low cost and high quality, along with its unique
design, make it the perfect alternative to much higher priced observatory
solutions.
We are currently the sole Australian dealer.
8-) Let us know if you require more information.
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF ASTRONOMY
You will need sound for this one.
http://dingo.care2.com/cards/flash/5409/galaxy.swf
Thanks to Jeff Lowrey
DO YOU HATE POLAR ALIGNMENT? - CHECK
THIS OUT!
Here is the link to that very useful little program
for polar alignment.
I found it really helpful and easy to use.
Good value for money $20AUD
http://www.andysshotglass.com/StarTarg.html
Thanks to Gerry Aarts
LEAVING THE PLANET BY SPACE ELEVATOR
- A NEW BOOK
This new book by the world reknown Dr. Brad Edwards
and Philip Ragan was published 1 November 2006. An easy to read guide, to
the most exciting development in space travel since the rocket. Stripped of the
technical jargon, this is a lay mans guide to the breathtaking developments
surrounding the space elevator: a plan to string a 100,000 km ribbon from Earth
to space, revolutionising space access. Sir Arthur C. Clarke has written the
Forward to the book. You can preview and order a copy here:
http://www.leavingtheplanet.com/
DEEP SKY TRACKER FREEWARE - IMAGING
SOFTWARE
DeepSkyStacker is a freeware for astrophotographers that simplifies
all the pre-processing steps of deep sky pictures.
- Registering
- Stacking
- Simple post-stacking processes to quickly view the final result.
- Saving the resulting image to a TIFF or FITS file (16 or 32 bit)
After a shooting night you give all your pictures (light frames, darks frames,
offset/bias frames, flat frames) to DeepSkyStacker and you go to bed. The next
morning (or is it afternoon?) you can see the result and start
post-processing.:
http://deepskystacker.free.fr/english/index.html
COLLIMATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAL150K/200K/250K
TELESCOPES
Alan Brinkworth, of the Astronomical Society of South
Australia, has developed a Collimation Device for the Russian TAL Maksutov (Klevstov)
telescopes. The Collimator includes full instructions. Proper
collimation of the TAL series of telescopes is crucial to get the optimal
performance.
$60AUD
GOTOSTAR - GOTO UPGRADE FOR EQ5/LXD55/GP/CG5
ETC. MOUNTS
The GotoStar for EQ5 and many other similar mounts has now become a very
popular upgrade to give observers a catalogue of over 120,000 objects at their
fingertips.
- 128x64 dot LCD display. More info displayed on one
screen. The easy bar menu operation offers you greater flexibility. You can
easily use it even if you are a beginner without having to read the operating
manual.
- 32bit CPU core runs faster and calculates positions
accurately.
- Intelligent alignment, never an alignment error.
Celestial pole pointing displayed after an easy two-star alignment.
- Over 120,000 celestial objects including stars, the
Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, deep sky objects, variables stars and
256 user-defined objects.
- Smart two-axes DC servomotor with circuit
protection. High-speed slewing and very accurate low speed tracking of
celestial, solar and lunar objects. No re-alignment is needed after Right
Ascension axis slow motion control is used. Auto “move back” if the motor
stalls.
- Slewing speed 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X,
512X, Max 1024X. No errors occur if the power level drops.
- RS-232 serial port for PC-controlled guiding.
- Variable tracking speed.
- Easy one star and two star alignment.
- Real time clock after power-off.
- Red-light reading LED.
- Protection for electrical polarity reversal.
- Horizon level protection when tracking.
- Anti-backlash calibration included . Anti-backlash
value can be tested or set.
- Soft start-up and motor stopping; no sudden
movement.
- Electric focus interface built-in for future product
development.
- External GPS module available.
- Patented high accuracy control algorithms offer
greater accuracy. Motor controller error is less than 10 arc seconds.
- 3 Star Alignment using Firmware update.
Here is a
review:
http://www.nightskies.net/scopetest/mounts/gotostar/gotostar.html
$600AUD
LARGE ACHROMATS & APOCHROMATS IN
CELLS NOW AVAILABLE
At long last it has finally happened. We are now
able to supply large achromatic and apochromatic lenses in their cells:
1200mm x 127mm
$499AUD
990mm x 152mm
$545AUD
1200mm x 152mm
$535AUD
2700mm x 220mm
$1850AUD
1300mm x 100mm
CALL
CLEANING CLOTH - $2
Silky Soft Optical Cleaning Cloths 15cm x 15cm
REMOTE SWITCH FOR PENTAX/CANON/NIKON
CAMERAS
Various Cable and Infrared Remote Controls to prevent
shaking the camera during high magnification and astrophotography. Prices
start at $30AUD up to $40AUD.
DIGI-RING CAMERA ADAPTORS
Available in many thread sizes, these Rings attach a
digital camera to a standard 32mm (1.25") eyepiece. Thread sizes
available are 28mm, 37mm, 43mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm and 58mm.
$40
DIGITAL CAMERAS WITHOUT A LENS
THREAD
If your Digital Camera doesn't have a thread for
attachements, then the DigiScope Adaptor is well made, adjustable and sturdy
way of holding the camera in front of the eyepiece. Many applications
include Telescopes, Spotting Scopes and Microscopes. Let us know and we
can send you all the information including images.
28mm-45mm dia $65AUD
45mm-65mm dia $75AUD
PRISM GUIDER/BEAM
SPLITTER/ILLUMINATED RETICLE
Don't go paying $150AUD or more for these. We
have been selling these for 10 years for $50AUD. Ours include an
illuminated recticle. The Variable Illuminated Reticle makes no
difference to the device if you don't need it. Take
note when using one of these, the incoming light is split into 2, using
the prism, so only half the light comes out each hole.
STARRY NIGHT NIGHT PRO V6
Includes the free update to V6.04
http://store.starrynightstore.com/proplus6.html
$310AUD
TELRAD AND ACCESSORIES
We have been able to drop the price of the all famous
Telrad. I use a Telrad on my 16" Newtonian Reflector. It the
fastest way of finding an object, with its ease of use.
The Telrad is used instead of a finderscope. The
Telrad uses a bull's eye projected onto the back ground sky. There are
many advantages:
- a very wide field of view
- image is not upside down
- aligned by three Knobs on the back
- portable to other scopes
Telrad 1x, illuminated reticle bulls eye, Excellent
device $70AUD
Telrad Dew Shield
$28AUD
Mounting Base
only
$18AUD
Telrad
Pulser $39AUD
Telrad Dew
Shield+
$42AUD
(w/mirror for 90° viewing)
Telrad 2” Riser Base
$32AUD
Telrad 4” Riser
Base
$32AUD
Reticle
$8AUD
Lens
$16AUD
Combining Glass (clear or
tinted) $12AUD
Potentiometer
$12AUD
Thumb Screw (steel w/plastic knob) $2AUD
Thumb Screw (brass)
$3AUD
LASER POINTERS
We are a fully licence importer and distributor of
Green Laser Products including Stage Lighting. Higher powered Green Laser
Pointers can be used in all states with permission from the governing
authorities. Contact us if you need help with this.
A good quality laser will work brightly for many
years. A laser's alignment is crucial to high performance. Dropping your laser
onto a hard surface can knock out the alignment.
We can re-align lasers for a small fee. In most cases, the exchange of the
laser to a new one, is included within the small fee. Otherwise, we repair
yours, and return it.
"Beware cheap laser products!"
JLP Series Green Laser Pointer
JLP-1mW - $80AUD or $58US or £32
JLP-5mW - $115AUD or $95US or £47
JLP-20mW - $240AUD or $190US or £98
JLP-30mW - $280AUD or $232US or £120
JLP-100mW - $490AUD or $411US or £210
Laser Pointer Brackets $65AUD
INTRODUCTION TO WEBCAM
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
In the last few years webcam astrophotography has
exploded onto the astronomy scene. It has rapidly evolved from short exposure
six-bit black-and-white imagery into long-exposure full-colour 16-bit per
channel imagery of such quality that it rivals “conventional” means of
astrophotography. Indeed, webcams have become the method of choice for
planetary imaging.
http://www.willbell.com/WebcamAstrophoto/webcam.htm
$90AUD
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES
This book is a 400+ page comprehensive, nuts-and-bolts
introduction to digital astro-imaging written by Robert Reeves, an accomplished
author and film imager with nearly 50 years of experience who has
enthusiastically made the transition to digital imaging. Robert describes how
the family digital camera you probably already own can be used to take spectacular
pictures of the night sky. This is especially true if you have purchased a
digital camera within the past several years - even some entry level
point-and-shoot digital cameras take pictures of the Moon and planets that
rival or exceed the best film images. If you already own a digital camera,
telescope, and computer you probably only require a camera adapter and image
processing software-some of which is free-to begin your night sky imaging
adventures and unlike film you see your results almost instantly!
http://www.willbell.com/DigitaAstrophoto/Default.htm
$90AUD
LOSMANDY WEIGHTS
Weights to fit Losmandy Mounts.
5.5kg /12lb $100
Let us know if you want a picture.
WILLIAM OPTICS 40MM SWAN 50MM
(2") EYEPIECES
$120AUD
http://www.williamoptics.com/eyepiecesDCL/swan40_features.htm
300MM (12") F/5 COMPLETED
MIRRORS - $499AUD
SEIBERT ORTHOSCOPICS - PLANET
EYEPIECES
Orthoscopics are popular for the planets.
http://www.siebertoptics.com/SiebertOptics-Ortho%20page).html
Here's some comments from Cloudy Nights Review Site:
Nobody has yet mentioned what might be a very
significant planetary EP line. The Siebert Optics Orthoscopic/Star Splitter
Series looks interesting. 65* AFOV, 10mm eye relief in all FL's, 13 FL's from
2.9mm to 9.9mm. Guaranteed to outperform anything you have or your money back.
At $79 to $129 each, they aren't cheap, but the money back guarantee has me
interested. They seem to be a Barlowed design like the Radian, hence the common
10mm eye relief throughout the line, and the rather long physical dimension.
The Radian and TMB are a little too fat for my taste, and 10mm eye relief is
plenty for me. I can't lose by trying, and since I have 7.5mm and 10mm Ultimas
to test them against, not to mention my 9mm TMB's, they are in for a very tough
test if I decide to give a pair a try. These are not cheap EP's, and nobody can
accuse Siebert of being good "for the price" with these, as they cost
more than much of their competition, although with bigger oculars and longer
eye relief. I have a feeling they just have to perform to pull people away from
the old classic planetary designs, much as the Burgess TMB EP's have done. The
Star Splitter eye relief will be much longer at a standard 50* AFOV, so they
will have no real disadvantage against the TMB/Radian if they are razor sharp
to the edge. And check out all those 13 different FL's!!! You can get EXACTLY
the FL's you need and not have to settle for a 6mm or 9mm if you need a 7.5mm.
Yep, when I get some more EP money to feed the addiction...............
1.25" Eyepieces
2.9mm $170
3.4mm $170
3.9mm $145
4.4mm $145
4.9mm $145
5.4mm $145
5.9mm $145
6.4mm $145
6.9mm $145
7.4mm $145
7.9mm $145
8.9mm $115
9.9mm $115
HOT HANDS
Designed for skiers, hunters, fishermen, golfers, or people
who work or play in the cold for long hours. HotHands-2® hand warmers are
air-activated and will provide up to 10 hours of soothing warmth inside gloves,
pockets or wherever you feel a chill.
http://www.heatmax.com/HotHands/hothands2.htm
$5AUD
ATLAS OF THE UNIVERSE - SIR PATRICK
MOORE
http://www.universetoday.com/2006/09/29/book-review-atlas-of-the-universe/
$30AUD
CAMERA PIGGYBACK ADAPTOR FOR MEADE
LX90 - $45AUD
Allows a Long Exposure Camera to be mounted on the
back of the telescope. The telescope is used to track the movement of the
night sky while the camera takes the picture.
6x30mm ILLUMINATED POLAR
SCOPE/FINDERSCOPE - $60AUD
Illuminated Polar Scopes are used for tracking during
Astrophotography, and for aligning an Equatorial Mount to the Polar Axis.
BINOVIEWERS FOR TELESCOPES - $130AUD
Most of the Chinese Binoviewers available are from the
same manufacturer. They are quite good in performance and well
made. We just offer them at a lower price. It is advisable to use
BinoViewers with at least an 200mm (8") Reflector (6" Refractor)
Telescope, or dark skies at least. All incoming light is split into half
for each eyepiece. If you want extra Eyepieces for the
BinoViewer, remember you need 2 Eyepieces! :-)
If you would like extremely well made Binoviewers at a
decent price, please inquire about our Siebert range:
http://www.siebertoptics.com/modules/binoviewermenu.html
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 08 8381 3188
FAX: 08 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
FEBRUARY
NEWSLETTER 2007 NO.38
Our
new
International
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Well, it’s
been a while. Things get busier all the time. Many things to
write about. :-) Let me know if you want July's Newsletter which
was the previous one. Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
SUPERB NEW 8" F/6 HAND MADE MIRROR FOR
-
EYEPIECE T
-
RUSSIAN TAL MAKSUTOV (KLEVSTOV) COLLIMATION DEVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS
-
FOAM LINED ALUIMINIUM BINOCULAR CASES
-
NEW BOOK - HEAVENS ABOVE- ROBERT BEE - BINOCULARS GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SKIES
-
EYEPIECE BOLT CASES
-
COSMOLOGY BASICS
-
MEADE CAMERA PIGGY BACK MOUNTS
- LYMAX
DEALER - HERALD-BOBROFF ATLASES, SCT COOLERS, SOLAR SYSTEM MOBILES
-
NEW WILLIAM OPTICS CRAYFORD FOCUSER FOR REFRACTORS
-
1MW GREEN LASER POINTERS
-
LASER FINDERSCOPE BRACKETS
-
INEXPENSIVE MANUAL FILTER WHEEL - 5 POSITION
-
ORTHOSCOPIC EYEPIECES FOR THE PLANETS
-
10" FORMATUBES BACK IN STOCK
-
BOB'S KNOBS!
-
ASTRONOMY 2007 BOOK - INVALUABLE GUIDE TO THE NIGHT SKY
-
NEW CCD ASTRONOMY BOOK - WILLMANN-BELL
-
BIG REFRACTORS
-
EXTRA TALL, STURDY CAMERA TRIPODS
-
EQ5 GOTO KITS
-
DEW SHIELDS
- DIGITAL
CAMERA ADAPTOR RINGS
-
MOTORISED EQUATORIAL
-
16" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPES AND MIRRORS
-
ILLUMINATED RETICLES
-
NEW HEAVY DUTY DOVETAIL FOR SIDE BY SIDE SETUP - UPDATE
-
AN IDEAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY SETUP
-
PHILIPS TOUCAM 840K $145AUD
-
PHILIPS TOUCAM 840K MODIFIED FOR LONG EXPOSURE $285AUD
-
DMK21F04 PLANETARY IMAGING CAMERA $395AUD
-
GUIDE RINGS
CURRENT
SPECIALS:
- 2X ED ACHROMATIC BARLOW $85AUD
- 1.25" 11mm 80° WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE $70AUD
- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $15AUD
- ASTRONOMY 2007 CALENDARS $5AUD
- VARIABLE BRIGHTNESS RED LIGHT TORCHES $25AUD
- ASTRO ENGINEERING IMAGE MATE 4X BARLOW $150AUD
-
90° 6X30MM FINDERSCOPE $30AUD
- LASER COLLIMATORS $70AUD
- RUSSIAN 1.25" PLOSSL EYEPIECE
6.3 mm $50AUD
- RUSSIAN 1.25"
PLOSSL EYEPEICE 7.5 mm $53AUD
- CAMERA T MOUNTS $15AUD
WILLIAM OPTICS 7X50MM BINOCULARS - $340AUD
-
SECONDHAND TELESCOPES AND ACCESSORIES
SUPERB
NEW 8" F/6 HAND MADE MIRROR FOR
Average Maximum
Wave Front Error 1/23.6
Average
Strehl Ratio 0.983
Test sheets
available.
EYEPIECE
T
Attach the
Eyepiece T Mount Adaptor to the groove where the Rubber Eyecup fits for
Eyepiece Projection Photography. Fits many brands of eyepiece, or we can
supply the eyepiece. Includes screws and Allen key.
$55AUD
RUSSIAN
TAL MAKSUTOV (KLEVSTOV) COLLIMATION DEVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS
Alan
Brinkworth, of the Astronomical Society of South Australia, has developed a
Collimation Device for the Russian TAL Maksutov (Klevstov) telescopes.
The Collimator includes full instructions.
$60AUD
FOAM
LINED ALUIMINIUM BINOCULAR CASES
20X80mm ($45AUD) and 25x100mm ($55AUD) Foam Lined Aluminium
Binocular Cases. Other sizes available.
NEW BOOK
- HEAVENS ABOVE- ROBERT BEE - BINOCULARS GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SKIES
In this
book, the author takes you through all the constellations visible from the
Southern Hemispheres which have objects visible through binoculars.
The planets
and many globular clusters, open clusters, gaseous nebulae, galaxies, double
stars and asterisms can be found with your humble field glasses.
This book
contains:
- 158 pages
- 80
diagrams
- charts
showing 56 of the 88 constellations with the locations of binocular objects
they contain and description and details of each object.
- maps of
each month of the year showing the location of the constellations in the sky to
the north and south.
This is an
excellent introduction to observational astronomy for beginners of all ages.
$18AUD
EYEPIECE
BOLT CASES
To suit standard 1.25” Eyepieces $2AUD
To suit standard 2” Eyepieces $5AUD
COSMOLOGY
BASICS
I have
recently updated our Cosmology Basics web page. If you want to know the
full story of the Big Bang including equations, and the people
involved, please visit:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes039.htm
MEADE
CAMERA PIGGY BACK MOUNTS
This bracket
fits onto the existing screw holes of Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain
telescopes. It is used for mounting a camera onto the telescope, using a
standard ¼” thread, for piggyback photography. The Mount will fit
onto all LX Series including 14" and 16". $45AUD
If you want
to know more about Piggyback photography, have a look at our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.htm
LYMAX
DEALER - HERALD-BOBROFF ATLASES, SCT COOLERS, SOLAR SYSTEM MOBILES
We are now
a Lymax dealer. Lymax offer some of the best astronomical products
available:
NEW
WILLIAM OPTICS CRAYFORD FOCUSER FOR REFRACTORS
William
Optics has greatly improved their Crayford Focuser for Refractors.
Improvements inlcude the ability to take more weight, and graduations on the
shaft. Let us know if you would like images of the new focuser. The
Focuser comes with the Quick Release Finderscope Bracket and 10:1 Speed
Reducer. The Focuser is also a direct replacement for Synta
Refractors eg. SkyWatcher, Orion, Celestron etc.
$335AUD
1MW GREEN
LASER POINTERS
1mW Lasers
are available for $99AUD. Just like our other Green Laser Pointers, the
1mW version will not fade or chew the batteries and are of the highest
quality. We are also able to repair lasers which have been dropped or
gone out of alignment.
5mW $125AUD
20mW
$260AUD
WaterProof
5mW $160AUD
LASER
FINDERSCOPE BRACKETS
If you wish
to attach your Green Laser Pointer to the telescope to use as a
finderscope, these brackets provide a stable, adjustable mount.
$60AUD
INEXPENSIVE
MANUAL FILTER WHEEL - 5 POSITION
It's difficult
to obtain inexpensive, good quality, multi position filter wheels. These
Filter Wheels are made by ATIK. They are well made without any loose
movement. The Adaptors for both sides of the Filter Wheel are included.
$199AUD
ORTHOSCOPIC
EYEPIECES FOR THE PLANETS
Orthoscopic
eyepieces are amongst the best eyepieces to use on the planets, or for high
magnification. A number of manufacturers stopped making the Orthoscopics,
possibly due to the revolution of wide field eyepieces now available, and the
popularity of the Plossl eyepiece.
Harry
Siebert has brought out a new range of Orthoscopic eyepieces. They have
an enhanced 5 element design. The Clear Aperture (hole you look through)
is a generous 13mm diameter. The wide range of Focal Lengths allows a
telescope owner to get the exact highest magnification required. The
eyepieces have a 60°+ Field of View.:
2.9mm,
3.4mm $195AUD Best suited to F/4 to F/15 Focal Ratio Telescopes.
3.9mm,
4.4mm, 4.9mm, 5.4mm, 5.9mm, 6.4mm, 6.9mm, 7.4mm, 7.9mm $150AUD - Best
suited F/4 to F/15 Focal Ratio Telescopes.
8.9mm,
9.9mm $120AUD - Best suited to F/6 and over Focal Ratio Telescopes.
For more
information, see Harry Sieberts web site:
http://www.siebertoptics.com/SiebertOptics-Ortho%20page).html
10"
FORMATUBES BACK IN STOCK
A number of
people have been after Tubes to suit 10" telescopes. These are back
in stock now.
BOB'S
KNOBS!
Bob's Knobs
are popular the world over. Bob makes a number of accessories to make
life easier using a telescope. Bob's Knobs negate the use of tools for
many telescope adjustments.
It’s
easy... just grab a Bob's Knob and turn. You can even do it while
looking through the eyepiece on most scopes. And you'll never drop that pesky
little Allen wrench or screwdriver into the grass again. Installation is a snap
with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.
Some of his
most popular products include:
Celestron
Nexstar Telescopes;
Bob’s Knobs
no-tools tripod bolts are available for the Celestron NexStar. These replace
the factory Allen bolts so the telescope can be attached to the tripod without tools.
They can also replace the factory plastic hand bolts that came with some
NexStar 5 and NexStar 8 models. Our bolts are longer and have a larger knob,
making installation and correct tightening much easier. The 5-point knobs are
about 2.1 inches in diameter and have a non-slip surface for a secure grip.
These will mount the Starizona Landing Pad without modification.
Meade
Lightbridge 10” and 12” primary and secondary collimation knobs;
These
replace factory screws so that collimation of both primary and secondary
mirrors can take place without tools. They also offer stronger primary
mirror support springs for the Lightbridge 12" that will not sag like the
factory springs.
Losmandy
GM-8 and G-11 Mount no tools Tripod and Elevation Lock Knobs;
These
replace factory Allen bolts so the mount can be set up and adjusted without
tools. The tripod bolts mount the GM-8 and G-11 equatorial head to the
Losmandy tripod top piece. The elevation lock bolts and washers secure
the elevation adjustment on the GM-8 and G-11. Bolts are stainless steel,
and each has a plastic Tee handle that is 1-3/4" in diameter to provide
adequate holding power when hand tightened.
Please
inquire for pricing.
Bob's
Website:
ASTRONOMY
2007 BOOK - INVALUABLE GUIDE TO THE NIGHT SKY
Astronomy
2007 is an Australian publication suitable for the whole of
For more
information, see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
NEW
CCD ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY BOOK - WILLMANN-BELL
This is the
latest how-to book on CCD Astrophotography. It's listed as a Sky &
Telescope Hot Product. Details can be seen here:
http://www.willbell.com/DigitaAstrophoto/Default.htm
$90AUD
BIG
REFRACTORS
Updated
pricing for large refractors.
NDT2700mmx220mm
OTA $9840AUD:
http://www.hioptic.com/telescopes/refractor/large/NDT2700x220.htm
NDT2400mmx200mm
OTA $5780AUD:
http://www.hioptic.com/telescopes/refractor/large/NDT2400x200.htm
NDT990mmX152mmEQ5/ST2
OTA $1200AUD
Sold as
Antares Telescope - Focuser needs replacing for best performance:
http://www.meridiantelescopes.com/refractortelescopes.htm
http://www.hioptic.com/telescopes/refractor/achromatic/NDT990x152EQ5_ST2.htm
$1200AUD
EXTRA
TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS
We've been looking
for a number of years, to find a very tall, sturdy tripod, which can take a
large pair of binoculars for use in the night sky - which won't break the
bank. Now we've found them! These tripods handle 20x80mm binoculars
very easily. Although 25x100mm (6kg) can be used on the tripod, we still
recommend using a Manfrotto Tripod for Giant Binoculars over 5kg.
Tall,
Sturdy Tripod $180AUD
Manfrotto
Tripod $396AUD
EQ5
GOTO KITS
These new
kits have just come out on the market. We are testing how good they
are. Let us know if you want the results. Price looks to be around
$600.
DEW
SHIELDS
We are now
making Dew Shields which are the standard black plastic with Velcro
attachment. They are the same as other popular makes. An 8"
SCT is $20.
DIGITAL
CAMERA ADAPTOR RINGS
28mm, 37mm,
43mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, $35AUD
MOTORISED
EQUATORIAL
Many people
have asked us about a quality, sturdy and economical Single Motor Driven Mount
Head, for which they can put their small telescope onto. The
Mount is available with a Pier if needed. Details can be seen
here.:
http://www.telescopes.ru/product.html?cat=1&prod=7
Motor
Driven Head only $430AUD
Motor
Driven Head with Pier Mount $520AUD
16"
DOBSONIAN TELESCOPES AND MIRRORS
We are now
accepting orders for the new GSO (Guen Sheng Optical) 16" (400mm) Diameter
Dobsonian Telescopes. The Mirrors are also available for home builders.
ILLUMINATED
RETICLES
We are now
stocking a number of Illuminated Reticles. The most popular use for the
Reticles is Polar Alignment using the Drift Method. Many people find this
much easier, and more accurate than using a Polar Scope.
Chinese 6mm
Illuminated Reticle $99AUD
Chinese
12.5mm Illuminated Reticle $99AUD
Rigel
Systems Puls Guide 12.5mm Illuminated Reticle $199AUD - Illuminator can be
purchased separately for $70AUD
The Rigel
Systems and Chinese Reticles have different patterns on them. Let me know
if you want an image of the reticle.
RIGEL
SYSTEMS ACCESSORIES
Rigel
Systems make a number of specialised telescope accessories. Contact us
for more information:
NEW
HEAVY DUTY DOVETAIL FOR SIDE BY SIDE SETUP - UPDATE
We have now
introduced a longer 500mm Heavy Duty Dovetail Plate allowing larger telescopes
to be placed side by side.
Instead of
Piggy Backing a Guide Scope or Camera on your main telescope, consider the
advantages of placing the equipment side by side on a Heavy Duty DoveTail
Plate. Some of the main advantages of a Side By Side setup is more
stability, easier to balance and also easier to work around.
Produced
locally, the Side By Side setup is made up of a Heavy Duty DoveTail Plate
to suit Celestron, Vixen, Skywatcher, Losmandy and other popular Mounts,
and 2 separate detachable Side by Side Mounting Plates.
Detachable
Side by Side Mounting Plates have an extra pre-drilled hole for mounting a
Camera Bracket. The Plates can also be fitted 90°. This enables one
scope to be fitted along the length of the Dovetail Plate, so the Dovetail
Plate doesn't stick out, if only one telescope is used.
Small Heavy
Duty Dovetails to suit the Detachable Side by Side Mounts are also available.
345mm Heavy
Duty Dovetail Plate $135AUD
500mm Heavy
Duty Dovetail Plate $165AUD
Detachable
Side by Side Mounts $90AUD each
Small Heavy
Duty Dovetail Plates $75AUD each
AN
IDEAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY SETUP
The most
popular setup being used for astrophotography at the moment is the Side by Side
Dovetail Plate outlined above. Mounted upon this system is a main
telescope for imaging eg. Celestron SCT, Russian Maksutov (Klevstov), or
Newtonian Reflector. A smaller Guide Scope is setup beside the
larger imaging telescope eg. 60, 70, or 80mm ED Refractor. The Guide
Scope utilises a ToUcam modified for Long Exposure. The camera keeps a
star centered using software. The Guide Telescope can be placed in Guide
Rings. These are similar to your Finderscope. The
Guide Telescope can be adjusted to point at the exactly same spot as
the imaging telescope.
PHILIPS
TOUCAM 840K $145AUD
PHILIPS
TOUCAM 840K MODIFIED FOR LONG EXPOSURE $285AUD
Basically,
there is one setup for the planets and Moon, and another setup for deep
sky objects. If the ToUcam has the Long Exposure
Modification, then both can be done. A physical switch allows the change
between Video and Long Exposure.
Firstly,
it is best to use Focal Projection (no lenses used between the ToUcam CCD
and the telescope ie. 1.25" ToUcam Adaptor) for the planets and
Moon. A Barlow is used for extra magnification.
Secondly, a
low, wide field magnification is best suited for deep sky objects. This is
where the 40mm Plossl 1.25" Adaptor ($130AUD) is used. With this
setup, an eyepiece is used between the ToUcam CCD chip and the telescope and is
called Eyepiece Projection.
There are
other ways to achieve different magnification, although the information above
pretty covers it. The other ways include:
- Eyepiece
Projection Adaptor ($45AUD) which allows different Focal Length eyepieces to be
used. This is done by placing the desired eyepiece inside the Eyepiece
Projection Adaptor. A ToUcam T Ring Adaptor ($45AUD) is needed for
this. This adaptor screws into the ToUcam. It has a T Thread
on the other end which screws into the EPA.
- Focal
Reducers ($95AUD) are available for both camera/camcorder setups. The
whole idea of deep sky photography is to get a wide field of view, brighter
objects through lower magnification. This reduces exposure time making
tracking easier and more accurate. Focal Reducers turn an F/10 into
an
F/6. There is also an Extender ($30AUD) which extends the F Ratio further
to
F/4.
Baader
IR/UV Filters ($80) produce a clearer image when used on bright objects
like the planets and Moon. CCD chips received too much IR (infra red),
and so these filters cut it down. If your telescope is a short focal
ratio achromat refractor, then the filter can also be used to cut
down the coloured blooming (UV - Ultra Violet) which is inherent with
short focal ratio achromats, when used on planets and other bright objects.
If I have
confused the hell out of you, please give me a ring and I'll explain it all.
Philips
840K ToUcam $145AUD
Philips
900NC ToUcam $195AUD
Long
Exposure Modification $140AUD
1.25"
Adaptor with Filter Thread, Annodised $45AUD
1.25"
Adaptor with Filter Thread, Baffled, Annodised $55AUD
5m USB
Extension Lead $18AUD (camera comes with 2m lead)
Here's our
ToUcam page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
DMK21F04
PLANETARY IMAGING CAMERA
The
DMK21f04 Camera produced by The Imaging Source is fast becoming one of the most
popular cameras for planetary imaging. It is the next step up from the
ToUcam. Incredible images have been taken by the DMK for which a couple
can be seen on our ToUcam page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
The camera
uses FireWire, which is one of the fastest peripheral standards ever developed.
DMK21AF04
$395AUD
CS Adaptor (connects camera to telescope) $45AUD
Cables x2 $48AUD total
Belkin Power Supply Hub $85AUD
Extras:
ATIK 5 Position Filter Wheel $199AUD
Baader RGB IR Filter Set $180AUD
For technical
specs and extra information see The Imaging Sources' website:
http://www.theimagingsource.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/1-99-99.htm
GUIDE
RINGS
Suited for
Refractors between 50mm and 90mm, these are similar to your Finderscope
Rings. The Guide Telescope can be adjusted to point at the
exactly same spot as the imaging telescope (see IDEAL ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY SETUP
above).
80ED Guide
Rings $85AUD
CURRENT
SPECIALS:
- 2X ED
ACHROMATIC BARLOW $85AUD
-
1.25" 11mm 80° WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE $70AUD
- RED DOT
FINDERSCOPES $15AUD
- ASTRONOMY
2007 CALENDARS $5AUD
- VARIABLE BRIGHTNESS RED LIGHT TORCHES $25AUD
- ASTRO ENGINEERING IMAGE MATE 4X BARLOW $150AUD
- 90° 6X30MM FINDERSCOPE $30AUD
- LASER
COLLIMATORS $70AUD
- RUSSIAN
1.25" PLOSSL EYEPIECE 6.3 mm $50AUD
- RUSSIAN 1.25" PLOSSL EYEPEICE 7.5 mm $53AUD
- CAMERA T MOUNTS $15AUD
PENTAX
PENTAX K
CANON
MINOLTA
NIKON
WILLIAM
OPTICS 7X50MM BINOCULARS - $340AUD
H-B7x50ED
(7x50mm)
- Extra low
dispersion glass
- Compact
and waterproof
- 7.3°
Field of view
- Sharp to
the edges
-
Individual focus
-
Exceptional colour correction
SECONDHAND
TELESCOPES AND ACCESSORIES
Please
visit the following web page for current secondhand telescopes and accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
That all folks!,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
JULY
NEWSLETTER 2006 NO.37
Our
new
International
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There's a
fair bit in this one since March was the last Newsletter - Let me
know if you want March's. Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
WILLIAM OPTICS DEALER & PRICELIST
-
DOBSONIAN TRACKING PLATFORMS
-
TELESCOPE SECONDARY SPIDER DEFRACTION ARTICLE
-
QUANTUM THEORY OF GRAVITY - UPDATE
-
NEW BOOK - HEAVENS ABOVE- ROBERT BEE - BINOCULARS GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SKIES
-
SOUTH CELESTIAL POLE - FORUM
-
NEW HEAVY DUTY DOVETAIL FOR SIDE BY SIDE SETUP
-
12", 13.1" or 14" DOBSONIANS - READY FOR OPTICS & FOCUSER
-
200MM F/12
-
PENTAX IST-DL DIGITAL SLR CAMERA -
BODY ONLY
-
TOUCAM
- EVER WONDERED HOW?
- NEW SOURCE FOR IMAGING - THE
IMAGING SOURCE!
-
PLOP FOR MAIN MIRROR CELL DESIGN
-
USING 2" EYEPIECES ON MEADE ETX TELESCOPES
-
NEW GEARS FOR EQ6 MOUNTS
-
MOTORISED EQUATORIAL
-
PLUTO OCCULTS STAR
-
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY
- NEW
TASCO 9x63mm BINOCULARS RECIEVE GOOD REVIEWS
-
USE OF GREEN LASERS ON STREET LIGHTS
-
GUIDING EYEPIECE ILLUMINATOR WITH 12.5MM PLOSSL
-
TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY ILLUMINATED GUIDING EYEPIECE
-
EBONY STAR
-
WIN CTC - TURN YOUR TELESCOPE INTO A
GOTO FOR THE MINIMUM PRICE
-
HOT HANDS - HAND & FEET WARMERS
-
EXCELLENT VIDEO OF JUPITER BY AMATEUR
-
GETTING WIDE FIELDS OF VIEW FROM YOUR WEB
-
GALAXY OPTICS - LARGE REFLECTOR MIRRORS
-
SECONDHAND TELESCOPES AND ACCESSORIES
-
SPECIALS
- WILLIAM OPTICS 7X50MM BINOCULARS - $340AUD
- LUNAR MAP PRO V3 SOFTWARE - $75AUD
- ASTRONOMY 2006 CALENDARS - $1AUD
- COIN OPERATED BINOCULARS - $2955
-
- VIXEN 2X BARLOW - $65AUD
- 2" DIAMETER, 32MM PLOSSLS - $60AUD or $42US$ or £24
- DVD's - SOLAR SYSTEM - ASTRONOMY - SPACE FLIGHT - $16AUD
- WIL TIRION & BRIAN SKIFF'S - BRIGHT STAR ATLAS - $29AUD
- EDDIE TRIMARCHI's - MILKY WAY WALL MAP & CHART - $10AUD
- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES - $150AUD each
- WRATTEN COLOUR FILTERS - $15AUD
- LASER COLLIMATORS - $75AUD
- POPULAR CAMERA T MOUNTS - $15AUD
- TAL-125R REFRACTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT - $1900AUD
- 300MM (12") F/5 COMPLETED MIRRORS - $590AUD
- 3 WAY PAN CAMERA TRIPOD - $40AUD
- CAMERA TO BINOCULAR ADAPTOR - $15AUD
- 11X70MM BINOCULARS BAK4 PRISMS - $160AUD
- CARBON FIBRE VERNIER CALIPERS 1/10MM GRADUATIONS - $20AUD
- ALUMINIUM CASE 65CM X 40CM X 40CM - $150AUD
- WORLD POLITICAL SUPER MAP LAMINATED 190CM X 110CM - $59AUD
- 8" DOBSONIAN MOUNTS ONLY - $90AUD
WILLIAM
OPTICS DEALER & PRICELIST
The full
William Optics range is available. Apparently we're the cheapest!?
Here's our price list.:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/william_optics_telescope_usa_astronomy.htm
DOBSONIAN
TRACKING PLATFORMS
We are hard
at work developing a Dobsonian Platform for Tracking. The Platform will
enable the user to keep an object centered for around 45mins.
This is particularly useful for long stares at planetary and Moon details,
and of course, any other object. Although the Platform is not intended
for astrophotography, there will be an improvement over other methods of taking
images using a Dobsonian telescope (Astrophotography with a Dobsonian article -
October 2005). We estimate the pricing to be around $400 to $500 for an
200mm or 250mm Dobsonian.
Let us know
if you are interested and what sort of Dobsonian you have, and the size.
TELESCOPE
SECONDARY SPIDER DEFRACTION ARTICLE
When
viewing through a telescope with a Secondary Spider, the shape affects the
Diffraction Patterns seen around an observed star. A 4 Vane Spider will
produce 4 spikes around a star. A 3 Vane Spider causes 6 spikes around a
star! This is unwanted by some astrophotographers who would prefer to
have no spikes showing in their photos. One way to achieve this is, and
also reduce obstruction, is to use curved types of Spiders or similar.
The following article gives a lot of information about Spiders and
diffraction.:
http://imaging.creol.ucf.edu/publications/Spider_Diffraction.pdf
QUANTUM
THEORY OF GRAVITY - UPDATE
Here is an
interesting update for combining the Theory of Gravity, Mathematics and
Quantum Theory to produce an overall theory of every thing.:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GSP/SEM0L6OVGJE_2.html
NEW
BOOK - HEAVENS ABOVE- ROBERT BEE - BINOCULARS GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SKIES
In this book,
the author takes you through all the constellations visible from the Southern
Hemispheres which have objects visible through binoculars.
The planets
and many globular clusters, open clusters, gaseous nebulae, galaxies, double
stars and asterisms can be found with your humble field glasses.
This book
contains:
- 158 pages
- 80
diagrams
- charts
showing 56 of the 88 constellations with the locations of binocular objects
they contain and description and details of each object.
- maps of
each month of the year showing the location of the constellations in the sky to
the north and south.
This is an
excellent introduction to observational astronomy for beginners of all ages.
$18AUD
SOUTH CELESTIAL
POLE – FORUM
www.southcelestialpole.org is another Australian forum which has become quite popular. Users of this forum are able to share information about all the subjects related to astronomy including its equipment. Topics are wide and varied and set out in a neat user friendly atmosphere.
NEW
HEAVY DUTY DOVETAIL FOR SIDE BY SIDE SETUP
Instead of
Piggy Backing a Guide Scope or Camera on your main telescope, consider the
advantages of placing the equipment side by side on a Heavy Duty DoveTail
Plate. Some of the main advantages of a Side By Side setup is more
stability, easier to balance and also easier to work around. Produced
locally, the Side By Side setup is made up of a Heavy Duty DoveTail to
suit Celestron, Vixen, Skywatcher and other popular Mounts, and 2 separate
detachable Mounting Plates. Detachable Mounting Plates have an extra
pre-drilled hole for mounting a Camera Bracket. Small Heavy Duty
DoveTails to suit the Deatchable Mounts are also available. Let
us know if you want a picture or dimensions.:
Heavy Duty
DoveTail $135
Detachable
Mounts $90
Small Heavy
Duty DoveTails $75
12",
13.1" or 14" DOBSONIANS - READY FOR OPTICS & FOCUSER
The
12" to 14" Ready Made Dobsonian Telescopes can be tailored to your
budget and performance needs. Construction from Laminated Wood and Sonoco
Cardboard Tube, the telescopes have been constructed by Ron Royle
(formerly of the Sydney Observatory), one of the most well known telescope
makers in
A large
number of variable components can be used with the telescope. Firslty, there
is a choice of Mirror size, focal ratio, accuracy and material. Secondly,
a variety of Focusers from a Standard Rack and Pinion 32mm to a Ultra Low
Profile Crayford 50mm. Thirdly, there is a choice of Finderscopes.
Encoders and Equatorial Platform are also an optional extra.
The
Telescopes are $660 plus shipping.
200MM
F/12
HiOptic is
one of
http://www.hioptic.com/telescopes/refractor/large/NDT2400x200.htm
$6200AUD
PENTAX
*IST-DL DIGITAL SLR CAMERA - BODY ONLY
Here's a camera
suitable for Astrophotography. It has all the features needed. See
the information and specifications here.:
http://www.crkennedy.com.au/v1/index.cfm?pageID=238&prodID=194&pageRef=200
$789AUD or
$560US$ or £331
TOUCAM
EVER
WONDERED HOW?
Have you
ever wondered how its possible to get those fantastic shots of the planets
through your standard Cassegrain Telescope? The Lymax "Cat
Cooler" is used to ventilate the inside of a Cassegrain telescope,
allowing a faster equilibrium, resulting in better images, faster! The
enclosed design of Cassegrain telescopes allows warm air and current to stay
inside the Optical Tube for many hours. Venting can only
be achieved using the small hole where the diagonal goes.
Air which goes into the Optical Tube Assembly is filtered.
NEW
SOURCE FOR IMAGING - THE IMAGING SOURCE!
In our
endless hunt for new products, The Imaging Source has shown to provide
excellent imaging cameras at affordable prices. Here are a couple of
their Astro orientated cameras with specifications.:
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk21af04/overview/
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk31af03/overview/
Images can
be seen here.:
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk21af04/documentation/
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk31af03/documentation/
The DMK
21AF04 is priced at $395 and includes software
The DMK
31AF03 is priced at $980 and includes software
Thanks to
Paul Haese
PLOP
FOR MAIN MIRROR CELL DESIGN
One of the
most popular programs available free on the internet for telescope builders is
PLOP. PLOP, which is a CAD tool, allows the builder to enter all his
variable details into the program which will calculate the design of
Mirror Cell best suited to the mirror. Variables include Mirror material,
focal ratio and thickness. Wave front error can be optimized as
much as 50%. Optimization also means a larger mirror can
be supported which normally cannot.
Http://www.davidlewistoronto.com/plop/
USING
2" EYEPIECES ON MEADE ETX TELESCOPES
Harry
Siebert has designed an Eyepiece Adaptor for using 2" Eyepieces on ETX
Telescopes.
Is it
advisable to use 2" eyepieces on a Meade ETX scopes? Is there a
benefit? ETX's have a relatively long focal distance for a small scope
and with 1.25" eyepieces cover a relatively small section of the
sky. With the right 2" eyepiece you can at least double the
amount of sky you can see. Sometimes it can come close to triple.
Is this a gain? The extra apparent field is there, but can't be seen in a
1.25" eyepiece. A standard 32mm Plossl has a maximum apparent field
of 52 degs. With the Siebert 32mm Ultra Plus with a 70 deg.
apparent field is almost double at 1.8x the amount of sky.
With the Siebert 36mm observatory class eyepiece this goes to 75
degs. apparent field, this goes to almost 2.5x the amount of sky.
So this represents a tremendous gain and if you think about it, doubles.
The amount of light you are seeing because you are seeing more of the
sky. This adapter comes with full instructions and is easy to install.
The adapter slides over the 1.25" eyepiece socket which increases the
internal size because no 1.25" barrel is inserted. This means that
an incredibly low power, wide angle lens can be used with zero
vignetting. Can you image a 40mm with 70 deg. apparent field in your
ETX? Many may have thought that this was impossible, but with this
adapter it works perfect and can slew to the zenith with no problem.
$109AUD
NEW
GEARS FOR EQ6 MOUNTS
For years,
many of the Chinese telescope Mounts have been improved simply by pulling them
apart, cleaning up the gears and replacing the grease. A higher end
solution is to replace the worm gear and shaft. The EQ6 Mount has been
notorious for having problems caused by its bad worm gear and
shaft. This is caused by the two components being made from two different
materials (brass and steel). These components can be replaced by high
quality gear and shaft. The replacement components are made from
high quality material and reduce Periodic Error by 50% - 70%. Please
contact us for more information and pricing.
MOTORISED
EQUATORIAL
Many people
have asked us about an quality, sturdy and economical Single Motor Driven Mount
Head, for which they can put their small telescope onto. We have a number
of Russian TAL-1M arriving soon. The Mount does not come with a Pier or
Tripod, although we can readily supply these. Details can be seen here.:
http://www.telescopes.ru/product.html?cat=1&prod=7
$430AUD
PLUTO
OCCULTS STAR
On the 12th
of June, Pluto's system occulted star UCAC 2603 9859 which is 15th magnitude
(brightness scale). Predictions had the main line of visibility at
latitude of around 45° south. As it turned out, the line of visibility
occurred further north at around 36°. A number of teams were sent out
from the
- atmospheric static
conditions (Temperature, Pressure etc.) and to compare it with data from past
occultation’s, to get an idea of the development of Pluto's
atmosphere during the loss of energy due to the increasing distance
from the sun.
- to determine winds in Pluto's atmosphere by a possible measurement of a
central flash from
- to determine a possible ring system around Pluto
Valuable
information about Pluto's newly discovered extra moon (P2) also needed
collecting:
- to determine the
diameter of P2
- to determine the mean density of P2
One team
was sent to
Another
occultation is currently occurring, and the boys are out there again to see
what other information they can find out about the solar system. This
shows just how ordinary telescope owners can contribute information.
NEW BRANDS
AVAILABLE THROUGH TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY
We can now
offer our very best prices on the following brand names:
3COM
3M AFORCE
ACER ADAPTEC
ADOBE ALTEC LANSING
AMD APC
ASUS BANKSIA SOFTWARE
BELKIN BENQ BUSINESS
OBJECTS CA CISCO
COMPAQ COREL D-LINK
DIGI ELECTRONIC ARTS
ENGIN EPSON EPSON
PROJECTORS ERGOTRON EXTREME
NETWORKS F5
FILEMAKER FRONTRANGE FUJI
XEROX FUJITSU
PC FUJITSU PERIPHERALS FUJITSU
STORAGE GUILLEMOT
HAUPPAUGE HEWLETT PACKARD
HUTCHINSON IBM IBM LENOVO -
INCLUDING THINK PRODUCTS
IMATION INFOCUS
INTEL INTERACT COMMERCE COPORATION
INWIN IOMEGA JUNIPER
NETWORKS KENSINGTON
KINGSTON KODAK KONICA
MONILTA KYOCERA LACIE
LASER LEXAR MEDIA
LEXMARK LINKSYS
LOGITECH MAXTOR
MCAFEE MICROGRAFX
MICROSOFT MINDSCAPE
MSI COMPUTER NEC
NETCOMM NETGEAR
NOKIA O2
OKI PALM
PHILIPS RED HAT
ROXIO SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
SEAGATE SIMMS
SONICWALL SONY SOUND &
MUSIC STM
SYMTEC TAKE TWO
TARGUS TELSTRA THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS
TOMTOM TOSHIBA TREND
MICRO UBISOFT
VERBATIM VERITAS
VIEWSONIC VIVENDI
VMWARE VODAFONE WACOM
NEW
TASCO 9x63mm BINOCULARS RECIEVE GOOD REVIEWS
The ideal
low light binocular. The Exit Pupil is an ideal 7mm.
Field of
View: 288m at 1000m
Weight:
1.6kg
Focus Type:
Center
Prism Type:
Roof
$390AUD
USE
OF GREEN LASERS ON STREET LIGHTS
Everyone
knows what nuisance street lights can be to amateur astronomers observing the
night sky. A number of people have been using their Green Laser Pointers
to activate the sensor on some street lights to switch them off. We
do not condone this practise.
GUIDING
EYEPIECE ILLUMINATOR WITH 12.5MM PLOSSL
Rigel
Systems produces only a small number of products. Each product has
been carefully designed to be highly useful. One of its most popular
products is the PulsGuide + Illuminated 12.5mm Plossl Eyepiece.
PulsGuide
pulses the reticle illumination to let the eye rest between pulses. The result?
Improved contrast between reticle and faint guide stars for easier guiding and
better astrophotography or acquisition of faint object in your finderscope.
Two Knob
Timing Control and Adjustable Brightness -- 2 knobs let you independently
tailor on and off blink times from continuous on to long-on/short-off or
short-on/long-off or anything in between.
Two Color
LEDs -- Comes with red LED which you can switch to yellow LED by unplugging red
and plugging in yellow. Some astrophotographers find low level yellow makes the
cross hair clearer and sharper, and makes guiding even easier.
Available
With or Without Eyepiece -- Use our quality, dual crosshair, 12.5mm Plossl
eyepiece or with your eyepiece or finder. Fits standard 8mm threaded hole. 10mm
and 14mm set screw adapters available. Uses one long life lithium battery
(included) that is available at most electronics, camera and hardware stores.
"Some
observers therefore prefer a cross hair that flashes on and off while guiding.
For this reason, Rigel Systems designed a guiding light source called
"Pulsguide", a simple but effective invention that pulses the reticle
illumination of a guiding eyepiece during an exposure. On and off times and the
reticle brightness are all variable and the unit is compatible with many
existing guiding eyepieces. For guiding on very faint guide stars, I find this
gadget invaluable."
Martin Mobberley in Astronomical Equipment for Amateurs.
"PulsGuide
solves the problem of how to guide on faint stars while keeping the crosshairs
bright. I use mine constantly. I prefer a yellow reticle illuminator because
I'm sure my eye is focusing it in the same plane as the star." Michael
Covington, author of Astrophotography for the Amateur.
"...indeed
with PulsGuide I was able to track stars that were virtually at the limit of
what I could see in the eyepiece when no reticle illumination was
present."
Dennis di Cicco in Sky and Telescope
"...fainter
stars may be spotted and followed with greater ease...".
Phillip S. Harrington in Star Ware
PulsGuide +
12.5mm Plossl Eyepiece $199AUD
PulsGuide
$70AUD
TELESCOPES
& ASTRONOMY ILLUMINATED GUIDING EYEPIECE
We are
currently developing our Illuminated Guiding Eyepiece. The eyepiece is
primarily use for assisting alignment of a telescope to the Celestial
Pole. As most alternatives are quite expensive, we hope to develop
something for around $120AUD.
Let us know
if you're interested in purchasing one, and we will add you to an "interested"
list.
TELRAD AND
ACCESSORIES
We have
been able to drop the price of the all famous Telrad. I use a Telrad on
my 16" Newtonian Reflector. It the fastest way of finding an object,
with its ease of use.
The Telrad is
used instead of a finderscope. The Telrad uses a bull's eye projected
onto the back ground sky. There are many advantages:
- a very
wide field of view
- image is
not upside down
- aligned
by three Knobs on the back
- portable
to other scopes
Telrad 1x,
illuminated reticle bulls eye, Excellent device $80AUD
Telrad Dew
Shield
$28AUD
Mounting Base
only
$18AUD
Telrad
Pulser $39AUD
Telrad Dew
Shield+
$42AUD
(w/mirror for 90° viewing)
Telrad 2” Riser
Base
$32AUD
Telrad 4” Riser
Base
$32AUD
Reticle
$8AUD
Lens
$16AUD
Combining Glass (clear or
tinted) $12AUD
Potentiometer
$12AUD
Thumb Screw (steel w/plastic knob) $2AUD
Thumb Screw (brass)
$3AUD
EBONY
STAR
Any amateur
telescope builders interested in the hard to get Ebony Star Laminate can
contact us. Ebony Star is very popular for using as a Dobsonian
Azimuth Bearing.
WIN
CTC - TURN YOUR TELESCOPE INTO A GOTO
FOR THE MINIMUM PRICE
The Win CTC
Goto System enables many popular brand name mounts to become computerised GoTo
mounts for as little as $600AUD. Popular mounts which accept the Win CTC
include Losmandy, SkyWatcher, Celestron and Vixen. Telescopes and
Astronomy is the Australian distributor for the Win CTC.:
http://www.coaa.co.uk/winctc.htm
HOT
HANDS - HAND & FEET WARMERS
Hot Hands
and Feet Warmers are made from natural ingredients. The air activated
contents can reach a maximum temperature of 70°C. Each packet contains 2
sachets which are placed in your pockets, or the front of your shoes, next to
your toes. The warmth generated lasts up to 10 hours and works incredibly
well to keep fingers and toes warm in cold weather. A rubber band is all
that's needed to change the hand and feet warmers into an ideal dew remover!
One Packet
contains 2 sachets $8AUD
EXCELLENT
VIDEO OF JUPITER BY AMATEUR
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/downloads/Dennis-Jupiter-GRS-Rotation-20060504.gif
GETTING
WIDE FIELDS OF VIEW FROM YOUR WEB
If you're
looking for a wide field of view from your web cam, then we have 2
alternatives.
Firstly, there
is the SLR Lens to Web Cam Adaptor for $69AUD. This allows SLR Camera
Lenses to attach to your Web Camera. There are many lenses available
from second hand stores in different focal ratios.
Secondly,
there is the 40mm Plossl with T Thread ($130AUD) which is a low magnification,
wide field eyepiece with a T Thread for screwing into a standard T Thread
Adaptor.
GALAXY
OPTICS - LARGE REFLECTOR MIRRORS
Telescope
builders are always asking me who supply very high quality, large reflector
mirrors. One of our many options is Galaxy Optics, who have been around
for many years, supplying the higher end of the market. One of their
best points is offering accurate lead times which can be very difficult
when producing mirrors. The father and son team produce around 70 mirrors
a year. The mirrors are offered in, and built around, many of the biggest
names of telescope kits available throughout the
SPECIALS
WILLIAM
OPTICS 7X50MM BINOCULARS - $340AUD
H-B7x50ED
(7x50mm)
- Extra low
dispersion glass
- Compact
and waterproof
- 7.3°
Field of view
- Sharp to
the edges
-
Individual focus
- Exceptional
colour correction
LUNAR MAP
PRO V3 SOFTWARE - $75AUD
Lunar Map
Pro V3 isn't available in
- Exclusive
3D graphic visualization lets you create your own 3D displays of the Moon's
rugged landscape. See rilles, valleys, craters and mountains almost as if you
were on the lunar surface.
- NASA
lunar texture map and RITI graphic map let you view the moon at high
resolution. A detailed outline map is available for sketching, and three
interactive geology maps let you study lunar geological history.
- Extensive
database of nearly 8,200 nearside and far side features can be located and
explored using advanced search capabilities.
- Hover
-
Point-of-View (POV) tool
- Maps flip
and reverse
- Eyepiece
Field-of-View (FOV) feature
- Libration
correction
- Phase
Manager
- Surveyor
tool
- Ephemeris
- Export
maps or 3D Images
- Link animated
GIFs, or your personal photos and observing notes to any named features.
SECONDHAND
TELESCOPES AND ACCESSORIES
Please
visit the following web page for current secondhand telescopes and accessories.
ASTRONOMY
2006 CALENDARS - $1AUD
COIN
OPERATED BINOCULARS - $2955AUD
Available
in 25x and 40x magnification with an Aperture of 100mm. The Coin Operated
Binoculars can take any coins and set for any time. For more information
and specifications, please contact us.
http://www.coronadofilters.com/cgi/display_catalog.cgi?item=23
VIXEN
2X BARLOW - $65AUD
2"
DIAMETER, 32MM PLOSSLS - $60AUD or $42US$ or £24
DVD's
- SOLAR SYSTEM - ASTRONOMY - SPACE FLIGHT - $16AUD
WIL
TIRION & BRIAN SKIFF'S - BRIGHT STAR ATLAS - $29AUD:
http://www.willbell.com/atlas/atlas1.htm
EDDIE
TRIMARCHI's - MILKY WAY WALL MAP & CHART - $10AUD:
An image of
the Wall Chart can be seen here.:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/poster-chart-astronomy-star-night-sky.htm
EDMUND
SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES - $150AUD each
The RKE
Eyepiece is built in reverse to a Kellner Eyepiece. It receives good
reviews especially for Bino users. The 28mm has excellent eye relief and
is the most popular budget eyepiece when used at public observing sessions.
WRATTEN
COLOUR FILTERS - $15AUD
LASER
COLLIMATORS - $75AUD
POPULAR
CAMERA T MOUNTS - $15AUD
Nikon,
Pentax, Pentax K, Minolta, Canon, Canon EOS, Fujica
TAL-125R
REFRACTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT - $1900AUD
http://www.telescopes.ru/product.html?cat=1&prod=60
300MM
(12") F/5 COMPLETED MIRRORS - $590AUD
3
WAY PAN CAMERA TRIPOD - $40AUD
CAMERA
TO BINOCULAR ADAPTOR - $15AUD
11X70MM
BINOCULARS BAK4 PRISMS - $160AUD
CARBON
FIBRE VERNIER CALIPERS 1/10MM GRADUATIONS - $20AUD
ALUMINIUM
CASE 65CM X 40CM X 40CM - $150AUD
WORLD
POLITICAL SUPER MAP LAMINATED 190CM X 110CM - $59AUD
8"
DOBSONIAN MOUNTS ONLY - $90AUD
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
MARCH NEWSLETTER 2006 NO.36
Our
new
International
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or
if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
December
2005 was the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want December's.
Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
POSTION VACANT
-
WORKING LINKS ON THE PAST NEWSLETTER
WEB SITE
- NEW
PRICELISTS AND SUPPLIERS
-
GALAXIES CLUMP FROM DARK MATTER
-
ToUcams
- 900NC IN STOCK $185AUD OR $325AUD
MODIFIED FOR LONG EXPOSURE
- PULLING APART THE 900NC AND MODIFYING
- WANTED - ELECTRONIC ENGINEER OR SIMILAR
TO REPAIR TOUCAMS
-
THE VERY BEST OF SOLAR SYSTEM IMAGERS
- WIN
CTC - TURN YOUR TELESCOPE INTO A GOTO
FOR THE MINIMUM PRICE
-
MEADE ACCESSORIES
-
VIXEN PORTA MOUNT
-
PENTAX OPTIO A10 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA
-
DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
-
BAADER TURBO FILM - PROTECT YOUR OPTICS!
-
EDMUND SCIENTIFC RKE EYEPIECES
-
SKY & TELESCOPE MAGAZINE SOLD (US)
-
NEW SOURCE FOR IMAGING - THE IMAGING
SOURCE!
- LOOKING
FOR THE WORM GEAR MAN
-
LARGE SHIPMENT OF PLASTIC 2x BARLOWS
-
MESSIER OBJECTS FOR MAC OS X
-
ALUMINIUM CASES
-
PENTAX IST-DL DIGITAL SLR CAMERA -
BODY ONLY
-
MICROSCOPE IMAGING
-
NOVOSIBRISK RUSSIAN SHIPMENT ARRIVES
-
RUSSIAN 4X BARLOWS
-
ANYONE WANT TO GO SHARE IN A
22" DOB?
-
DISCOVERY TELESCOPES
-
PRODUCT BY PICTURE WEB PAGE
-
SOUTH PACIFIC STAR PARTY
-
SECONDHAND ITEMS
- ULTRA SPECIALS:
-
- Vixen 2x Barlows $65AUD
- Astronomy 2006 Calendars $2AUD + $3AUD Postage
Calendars include new stunning pictures, articles and observing guides.
- 2" diameter, 32mm Plossls $60AUD or $42US$ or £24
- Astronomy 2006 Book $5AUD + $4AUD Postage
POSITION
VACANT
We are
still growing quite rapidly, so we need another person to do various
duties within the business.:
- a
Telescope/Astronomy passionate person is most welcome to apply.
-
telescopes and astronomy products will be available to the sucsessful applicant
at a substantial discount.
The
position is a Casual one, which will be around 20+ hours per week to start,
with a view to more hours dependant on demand. I expect demand to grow.
Position
duties will include:
- sales and
information to the public
-
representing the business to new sales opportuntities
-
involvement in business enterprises ie. large telescope making, development of
products
- attending
star parties
Further
skills will be an advantage:
- ability
to speak to the public on basic astronomical topics
- drivers
licence
- computer
literacy
Interested
persons can contact me via phone or email.
WORKING
LINKS ON THE PAST NEWSLETTER WEB SITE
Most of the
past Newsletter can now be seen on the following page.:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
All links in
the past Newsletters now work. The best way to search for items on the
web site is to use Ctrl+F. This is true for most of the web site as many
pages have large amounts of text on them.
NEW
PRICELISTS AND SUPPLIERS
I have been
adding a number of new product pricelists. Pricelists can be seen here.:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pricelists.htm
New
pricelists include Williams Optics (under construction please email for
quotes), Astro Engineering, Green Laser Pointers, Adirondack Imaging, Rigel
Systems and Novosibirsk Russian Instruments.
GALAXIES
CLUMP FROM DARK MATTER
Very
interesting article from the Subaru Telescope Team. A clump of over a
million galaxies can be seen in the constellation of Cetus around 8 billion
light years away. The formation process and evolution of galaxies
contributes to the understanding of Universe. Galaxies are located at
different distances, hence we see them at various stages of their
lives. Data obtained is of a very high value, especially once the
complimentary data made up from different wave lengths is added in the near
future.:
http://subarutelescope.org/Pressrelease/2004/06/01/index.html
ToUcams
900NC
IN STOCK $185AUD OR $325AUD MODIFIED
FOR LONG EXPOSURE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
PULLING
APART THE 900NC AND MODIFYING FOR
LONG EXPOSURE:
www.robertreeves.com/900NC.htm
WANTED
- ELECTRONIC ENGINEER OR SIMILAR TO
REPAIR TOUCAMS
Every now
and then, a ToUcam is returned which is not working, and is out of
warranty. The problem with the camera is always the same, ie. the screen
shows one colour only. These cameras are fixed easily enough by Philips,
when they are in warranty. I am looking for someone who can repair these
out of warranty cameras for a bit of extra pocket money.
THE
VERY BEST OF SOLAR SYSTEM IMAGES
Damian
Peach is one of the best solar system imagers around. All done with a
Celestron 9.25". Check it out!:
http://www.damianpeach.com/index.htm
WIN
CTC - TURN YOUR TELESCOPE INTO A GOTO
FOR THE MINIMUM PRICE
The Win CTC
Goto System enables many popular brand name mounts to become computerised GoTo
mounts for as little as $600AUD. Popular mounts which accept the Win CTC
include Losmandy, SkyWatcher, Celestron and Vixen. Telescopes and
Astronomy is the Australian distributor for the Win CTC.:
http://www.coaa.co.uk/winctc.htm
MEADE
ACCESSORIES
Although we
are not an authorised exclusive Meade dealer, we do supply a large range of
Meade accessories for updating and improving your Meade instrument.
VIXEN
PORTA MOUNT
The Porta
Mount is the lastest from Vixen. It has received good reviews. It
is light and portable. Optics are the 80EDs F/7.7 Apochromatic Refractor.
Vixen Porta
Mount only $383AUD or $270US$ or £155
Vixen 80ED
PENTAX
OPTIO A10 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA
Includes:
- 8.0
Megapixels
- 3x
Optical Zoom
- High
speed image processing
- New
Pentax Proprietary SR (Shake Reduction) System
- Super
Compact
- DivX
Movie Mode
- 2.5"
LCD Monitor
$565AUD or
$400US$ or £230
DIGITAL
SLR CAMERAS FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
We are
currently organising a purchase of Digital SLR Cameras for
Astrophotography. Due to their high cost, we are putting together a list
of interested buyers, to reduce the cost by buying in bulk. If you are
interested, please let us know.
BAADER
TURBO FILM - PROTECT YOUR OPTICS!
This is the essence
of AstroSolar ™ safety film. A highest precision, crystal clear material (not
"Mylar"). It is a monomer film which we found after thoroughly
testing more than 200 different film samples on our Zeiss autocollimator. This
film was used in german Science Institutes as optical membrane for nuclear and
particle physics experiments. The basic substrate has been further refined and
homogenized by a proprietary annealing process that was developed exclusively
for us. Due to these treatments Turbo Film attains perfect homogeneity and
performs equal to a 1/10 wave plane parallel optical window. In fact it has the
lowest wedge error of any existing optical window. TurboFilm will protect your
valuable optical equipment, close telescope tubes against dust and humidity,
greatly reduce air currents - all without reducing the optical quality of your
telescope.
EDMUND
SCIENTIFC RKE EYEPIECES
I have been
using Edmund Scientific RKE Eyepieces for a very long time. The eyepieces
are designed as a reverse Kellner. They are very good eyepieces and have
been kind of hard to get hold of. Finally, people are finding out how
good they are, with reviews starting to appear on the net. I use these
eyepieces for public viewing sessions. In particular, the 28mm RKE always
gets a WOW! and until now, I have not been able to supply these eyepieces to
the many people who want to know where they can get them from.
Specifications
can be seen here.:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productID=2075&search=1
All the
range are $150AUD each.
SKY
& TELESCOPE MAGAZINE SOLD (US)
Sky &
Telescope Magazine has been sold to New Track Media LLC. Here's the
info.:
http://skyandtelescope.com/aboutsky/pressreleases/article_1677_1.asp
NEW
SOURCE FOR IMAGING - THE IMAGING SOURCE!
In our
endless hunt for new products, The Imaging Source has shown to provide
excellent imaging cameras at affordable prices. Here are a couple of
their Astro orientated cameras with specifications.:
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk21af04/overview/
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk31af03/overview/
Images can
be seen here.:
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk21af04/documentation/
http://www.1394imaging.com/en/products/cameras/firewire_mono/dmk31af03/documentation/
The DMK
21AF04 is priced at $395 and includes software
The DMK 31AF03
is priced at $CALL and includes software
Thanks to
Paul Haese
LOOKING
FOR THE WORM GEAR MAN
A little
while ago, I was in contact with someone in
LARGE
SHIPMENT OF PLASTIC 2x BARLOWS
We have
just received a large shipment, by mistake, of 1.25" Plastic 2x
Barlows. We will pay anyone $2 to take each one off our hands. This
will be in the form of a $2 discount off any product or service we
provide. Limit one per customer (smart arses). These Barlows work
best with Takahashi and similar instruments.
MESSIER
OBJECTS FOR MAC OS X
If you have
a Mac OS X machine, take a gander at this. It's a nice little (free) app
that shows Messier object positions
relative to one another.:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/math_science/whereism13.html
Try this site
if you want Windows or Linux versions of this Java 1.3
application.:
http://www.thinkastronomy.com/software/software.html
Thanks to
David Benn and Jeff Lowery
ALUMINIUM
CASES
We are
currently making another list for interested people. Just let us know the
inside dimensions you need (length, width and depth). These aluminium
cases are very cheap and good quality. A typical case which sells for
$400 is available for $150. Foam is extra, although, we are able to
supply block foam at discounted prices. Let us know if you want pictures
and quotes.
PENTAX
*IST-DL DIGITAL SLR CAMERA - BODY ONLY
Here's a
camera suitable for Astrophotography. It has all the features needed.
See the information and specifications here.:
http://www.crkennedy.com.au/v1/index.cfm?pageID=238&prodID=194&pageRef=200
$825AUD or
$585US$ or £338
MICROSCOPE
IMAGING
We have
developed a number of systems for attaching cameras to microscopes. This
normally would cost in the vicinty of $600 at the very least. Our systems
have a maximum cost of under $400. This includes the wide field view
eyepiece and camera attachments. If you would like to see some images
taken through our systems, let us know.
NOVOSIBRISK
RUSSIAN SHIPMENT ARRIVES
Our long
awaited Russian shipment of TAL telescopes arrived last week. In it was
the new TAL-250K, 200Ks, 150Ks, TAl-1s and 150K Optical Tube
Assemblies. All but 2x TAL-150K Optical Tubes Assemblies ($1450) have
been sent to happy homes. The TAL-1 4.5", 810mm Focal Length
Reflectors on Equatorial Mounts ($680) are always kept in stock, being most
popular for begineers. Anyone wanting to order a Russian TAL Telescope or
any of the Novosibrisk Instrument Making Plant equipment please send an email
for quotes including your delivery location. Novosibrisk also produce
night vision googles, binoculars and rifle scopes.:
RUSSIAN
4X BARLOWS
CCDer's
will know how hard it is to get a good quality, high magnification,
affordable, Barlow lens. We have number of these arriving shortly.
ANYONE
WANT TO GO SHARE IN A 22" DOB?
Looking for
one or more people to share in the cost of a 22" Dob. Need to
be a resident of
DISCOVERY
TELESCOPES
We are now
suppliers for Discovery Telescopes. Discovery make large Dobsonian
telescopes in tube and truss form, Mirrors and Digital Setting Circles at
affordable prices. One of the best things about Discovery is they are
willing to sell the components separately to their telescope range.:
http://www.discovery-telescopes.com/accessories.html
PRODUCT
BY PICTURE WEB PAGE
Our Product
By Picture web page got out by mistake. If you see it around (already has
a top ranking in Google), it's a work in progress. I've upload some of
the images just so there are some. Here's the link if you don't want to
visit it.:
SOUTH
PACIFIC STAR PARTY
We will be
attending the South Pacific Star Party this year in the
SECONDHAND
ITEMS
All
secondhand items can now be seen here.:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
DECEMBER
NEWSLETTER 2005 NO.35
Please
note our new email address:
telescopes@adam.com.au
Our
old address was:
telescopes@bigpond.com
Our
new
International
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or
if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
October was
the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want October's. Past Newsletters
can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
There are
mainly specials for Christmas in this issue.
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
LAST CHANCE FOR
- LAPTOPS FROM
$400AUD
- 21"
COMPUTER MONITORS $100AUD
- 12v
DC BATTERIES $15AUD
-
POWER TANK
- 40mm
PLOSSL WITH T THREAD NOW AVAILABLE
FOR MICROSCOPES
ToUcams
- 900NC ARE NOW AVAILABLE
- SCREWING ADAPTORS INTO THE ToUcam 840k
- 12"
to 14" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE
-
ASTRONOMY CALENDAR 2006 - $10AUD
-
ASTRONOMY 2006 BOOK (16th EDITION) $18AUD
-
KYOCERA/YASHICA EZ 5030 5MP DIGITAL CAMERA
$245AUD
-
HEAVY DUTY EQ5 EXTENSION $160AUD
-
25x100FB BINOCULARS $529AUD - MANFROTTO
TRIPOD & HEAD $396AUD
-
SMALL SIZES OF BAADER FILM FOR SOLAR
VIEWING
- EQ5
MOUNTS WITH SINGLE MOTOR DRIVE AND
CONTROLLER $550AUD
- PST
- PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $800AUD &
OTHER
-
NIGHTSKY CEILINGS - ULTIMATE CHRISSY PRESENT!
-
STAR CHARTS - $16AUD
-
ASTRONOMY DVDs - $16AUD
-
VARIOUS LARGE APERTURE BINOCULARS
-
GUAN SHENG DOBSONIANS
- 90°
6x30mm WHITE FINDERSCOPES INCLUDING BRACKET
$28AUD or $21US or £11
- 90°
8x50mm RED FINDERSCOPES INCLUDING BRACKET
$80AUD or $60US or £36
LAST
CHANCE FOR
This is the
last chance to place an order for Russian Novosibirsk Instruments. The
quality for price cannot be match. A number of popular telescopes are always
kept in stock. Here is the
LAPTOPS
FROM $400AUD
A Laptop
computer is the easiest way of doing imaging on a telescope. We have a number
of laptops available from $400.
21"
COMPUTER MONITORS $100AUD
We have a
limited number of 21" Monitors available for $100. Please inquire
for more information.
12v
DC BATTERIES $15AUD
12v
Batteries (7.2Ah/20HR) for running your telescope or whatever. Dimensions
are 150mm x 95mm x 64mm.
40mm
PLOSSL WITH T THREAD NOW AVAILABLE
FOR MICROSCOPES
The 40mm
Plossl give a wide field of view with low magnification. It can be used
with a T Thread Mount on a SLR Camera, Digital Camera, Webcam or Camcorder.
ToUcams
900NC ARE NOW
AVAILABLE $185AUD
The 900NC
is the new model of ToUcam. We are hoping the shipment arrives before
Christmas. If not, beginning of January. Let us know if you want a
PDF file of the new model's specifications. Also, let us know if you
require details about long exposure modifications, either for yourself or if we
do it for you.
SCREWING
ADAPTORS INTO THE ToUcam 840k
Since the
thread of the ToUcam is plastic, its advisable to screw adaptors into the
ToUcam by themselves, without any weight attached. It is also easiest to
screw the adaptors in while the came is horizontal.
12"
to 14" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE
We have a
new range of Dobsonian telescopes available. They are up to 90%
Australian Made. There are a choice of optics, either 12" or
14". The 12" or 14" optics are available in 1/6 to 1/14
wave accuracy. Focal Ratios are F/5. Type of Focuser, Eyepieces,
Finderscope etc. can be chosen. The telescope itself is very sturdy and
easy to use.
ASTRONOMY
CALENDAR 2006 - $10AUD
The
Astronomy Calendar has the most stunning pictures. It also has a lot of
information and star maps for each month and in general.
ASTRONOMY
2006 BOOK (16th EDITION) $18AUD
Astronomy 2006
is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
KYOCERA/YASHICA
EZ 5030 5MP DIGITAL CAMERA $245AUD
Here some
information and review:
http://betterdigitalphotography.blogspot.com/2005/05/kyocera-introduces-yashica-ez-5030.html
HEAVY
DUTY EQ5 EXTENSION $160AUD
The
Extension has been produced by one of our own machinists. The Heavy
Duty EQ5 Extension makes the Mount another 20.5cm taller which is helpful for
telescope owners who need to bend down to look through their instruments.
The Extension also has a fair bit of weight in it which helps settle the
vibration.
Other
Extensions are being developed.
25x100FB
BINOCULARS $529AUD - MANFROTTO TRIPOD & HEAD
$396AUD
Details of
the binoculars can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/binocular_25x100.htm
The
Manfrotto Tripod and Head is solid as a rock and suitable for the large
binoculars.
SMALL
SIZES OF BAADER FILM FOR SOLAR VIEWING
*Warning* Viewing
the Sun without solar film will blind the observer. Solar Film and/or
Dust Cap fitted with the Film must be attached properly to prevent the Film
from coming free during oberservation.
Its not
necessary to cover the whole end of the telescope with Baader Film.
Generally, the hole in the Dust Cap is large enough to cover with Baader Film
for solar viewing. This is what the hole is designed to do.
30cm x 30cm
$45AUD
25cm x 25cm
$35AUD
20cm x 20cm
$25AUD
15cm x 15cm
$15AUD
10cm x 10cm
$8AUD
8cm x 8cm
$6AUD
EQ5
MOUNTS WITH SINGLE MOTOR DRIVE AND
CONTROLLER $550AUD
These
mounts have been rebuilt and track well.
POWER
TANK
Take your
telescope anywhere with this portable rechargeable power supply. The Power Tank
17 is also useful as an emergency roadside accessory. It includes an emergency
light, and booster terminals in to start weak car batteries.
Features include:
· 17 amp hour, 12 Volt D.C.
· 2 x 12V DC output car jack socket
· DC 3, 6, 9V output jacks
· Built-in AM/FM Radio and Siren
· Removable red filtered flashlight with magnetic back
· Built-in multi-angle 800,000cp emergency Halogen spotlight
· Handy jump-start system - 250 cranking AMPS (5 sec.)
· Built-in circuit breaker for safety
· Cigarette lighter adapter included
· Switchable 110v-220v AC adapter
PST
- PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $800AUD &
OTHER
“Experience
The Sun Our Way” with your own “Personal Solar Telescope” (P.S.T). The P.S.T is
made from milled aluminium, not plastic! The P.S.T. comes with a built in Sol
Ranger for easy alignment, a 20mm Kellner eyepiece, and a re-usable box with
dye cut foam for safe storage. Optional accessories include a hard travel case,
To see
Coranado's Filters web site and price list:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/coronado-pst-instruments-solar-pricelist.htm
NIGHTSKY
CEILINGS - Ultimate Chrissy Present!
Click on
the link below to see how your bedroom, lounge, or any room at
all will look with Constellations, Planets, stars, comets
and shooting stars painted on as a mural. One of the best
effects I've found, is a Globular Cluster. Its invisible by day, and incredible
by night! Make your room into a planetarium and learn the Constellations.
We have had
our son's bedroom done and the result is amazing. No complaints about
going to bed!
Perfect for
kids (and parents), Hotels, Motels and B&Bs.
Nightsky
Ceilings are known for their authenticity, depth of perception and realistic 3D
effect. The Galaxy arms are particularly good. There are no stick
on stars. Check out the different effects and themes:
http://nightsky.to/starstruck/
Contact
Nightsky Ceilings
0438 054
968
(08) 8386
0150
STAR
CHARTS - $16AUD
16x
A4 Charts of the entire night sky showing positions of star clusters,
nebulae, galaxies
Charts come
in a clear plastic bag with reference guide and index.
ASTRONOMY
DVDs (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD is
comprehensive including the following features:
- Stars,
Nebulae and Galaxies (27mins)
- Hubble
Images - Best Photos (10mins)
- Universe
- Stars and the Cosmos (21mins)
- OutBack
Sky - David Miller (10mins)
- History
of Astronomy (12mins)
- Moon and
Sky - Constellations (10mins)
-
Australian Astronomy (16mins)
- Comets -
Origin and History (12mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SPACE
FLIGHT DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD covers
the history of manned space flight, including the Apollo and Shuttle programs
and the development of the Space Station. Featuring:
- Apollo 11
(27mins)
- Astro
Smiles (15mins)
- In Earth
Orbit (14mins)
-
Historical Highlights (12mins)
- Skylab
(9mins)
- Apollo 17
(17mins)
- Astronaut
Slide Show (12mins)
-
International Space Station (11mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SOLAR
SYSTEM DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD
Covers the Sun, all the planets, moons, asteroids and other bodies of the solar
system. Features images from the Spirit Rover on Mars. Featuring:
-
Introducing the Planets (18mins)
- Venus ‑ Magellan movies (7mins)
- Earth ‑ Movies & stills (17mins)
- Mars Rovers Sprit & Opportunity (17mins)
- Mars ‑ Movies & orbital views (10mins)
- Voyager – the outer planets (30mins)
- Jupiter – from Voyager & Galileo (13mins)
- Asteroids - Ida, Gaspra & Eros (8mins)
$16AUD or $10US$ or £6
VARIOUS LARGE
APERTURE BINOCULARS
7x50mm Binoculars $60AUD or $46US or £25
9x60mm Binoculars $100AUD or $78US or £42
11x70mm Binoculars $140AUD or $109US or £58
13x70mm Binoculars (MOST POPULAR) $150AUD or $117 or
£63
12x80mm Binoculars $220AUD or $171US or £92
20x80mm Binoculars $240AUD or $187US or £100
GUAN SHENG DOBSONIANS
6" Dobsonian Telescope $295
8" Dobsonian Telescope $499
10" Dobsonian Telescope $699
12" Dobsonian Telescope $990
90° 6x30mm WHITE
FINDERSCOPES INCLUDING BRACKET $28AUD or $21US or £11
90° 8x50mm RED
FINDERSCOPES INCLUDING BRACKET $80AUD or
$60US or £36
No more broken backs!
Merry and save Christmas to all.
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX:
61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
OCTOBER
NEWSLETTER 2005 NO.34
Please
note our new email address:
telescopes@adam.com.au
Our
old address was:
telescopes@bigpond.com
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or
if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
It has been
a while. Astronomy has kept me particularly busy. 8-)
June was the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want June's. Past
Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE VicSouth
STAR PARTY
-
10th PLANET OF SOLAR SYSTEM
- PST
- PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $800AUD &
OTHER
-
MARS IS AT ITS CLOSEST AND WON'T
BE THIS CLOSE AGAIN UNTIL 2016!
-
CHECK YOUR ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OR CLUB
FOR MARS VIEWING NIGHTS
-
RESULTS FROM THE DEEP IMPACT
-
ASTRONOMY 2006 BOOK (16th EDITION) $18AUD
- ToUcam
- ToUcam AND
- ToUcam 900 LATEST INFORMATION
- ToUcam IMAGES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
& SPACE SHUTTLE
- NEW
& UPDATED PRICELISTS
-
- RUSSIAN TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS (NOVOSIBRISK)
- SECONDHAND TELESCOPES & ACCESSORIES
- CELESTRON
- BUSHNELL
- TASCO
- VIXEN
- SKYWATCHER
-
PRICELISTS CURRENTLY BEING COMPLETED
- Pentax
- Astro Engineering
- StarLight Express
- Guang Sheng Optics
-
-
- Starry Night
- ProtoStar Diagonals
-
PRE-FABRICATED DOBSONIAN MOUNTS
-
REPLACEMENT DSI BACK - PELTIER COOLED
-
8" F/7 MIRRORS $480AUD
-
POLISHED 10" MIRRORS READY FOR HAND
CORRECTION $300AUD
-
CANON 350D - GREAT FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
- 40mm
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH T THREAD $130AUD
or $101US or £54
-
RUSSIAN TELESCOPES AND BINOCULARS (
-
ASTROPHOGRAPHY WITH A DOBSONIAN!
-
NIGHTSKY CEILINGS
-
STAR CHARTS - $16AUD
-
KYOCERA YASHICA EZ 5030 DIGITAL CAMERA
$325AUD or $240US or £135
-
SOLAR
- UNIVERSAL
CAMERA ADAPTOR BY TAU CETI - $340AUD
- HOT
HANDS - HAND WARMERS - $10AUD per pack
-
LUNAR MAP PRO V3 SOFTWARE - $85AUD
-
ASTRONOMY DVDs (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
-
AUTOCOLLIMATORS
-
AUSTRALIAN POSTCODE MAPS - $40AUD
LAST
CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE VicSouth STAR PARTY
The
VicSouth Star Party is held just south
of Nhill between the 4th and 7th of November. Nhill
is situated along the Dukes/Western Highways, near the border of
Bring your
own telescope. Arrive before dark. Public Night on Friday the 4th
November.
For all the
details and booking form:
http://astronomy.trilobytes.com.au/vicsouth/vicsouth.htm
10th
PLANET OF SOLAR SYSTEM
In October
2003 scientist's discovered a bright object, the small icy world is the most
distant solar system body ever discovered. The discovery came about when a team
at the California Institute of Technology lead by Dr. Micheal Brown, had been
following the object, which, for over a year, gradually built up enough data to
compute an orbit and verify the object's nature. The object is a typical member
of the Kuiper Belt, but it's sheer size in relation to the nine known planets
means that it may be classified as a planet, yet that claim is already being
contested which could open a healthy debate as to what really constitutes a
planet. The new object — as yet unnamed, but temporarily known as 2003 UB313 —
is now 9 billion miles away from the sun, or 97 times as far away as the Earth
and about three times Pluto's current distance from the sun. Its 557-year
elliptical orbit brings it as close as 3.3 billion miles. Pluto's orbit ranges
between 2.7 billion and 4.6 billion miles.
Astronomers
do not have an exact size for the new planet, but its brightness and distance
tell them that it is larger than Pluto, the smallest of the nine known planets.
"It is guaranteed
bigger than Pluto," said Michael Brown. "Even if it were 100 percent
reflective, it would be larger than Pluto. It can't be more than 100 percent
reflective."
The name planet means
wandering star. For thousands of years, people have noticed planets moving
through the apparent, unmoving stars of the constellations. We now know the
close proximity of the planets make them appear as moving quickly through sky
compared to the background stars.
As
astrology is based on the positions of the planets, the finding of the 10th
planet has made all previous astrological predictions inaccurate. Not only has
the 10th planet given cause for debate over astrology, it has also
caused debate to what really defines a planet. Pluto is smaller than our Moon,
although it is classified as a planet! Does the location of Pluto and the new
10th Planet make them Kuiper Belt objects - the comet and asteroid
type objects which surround our solar system? The term planet is so old, that
is not a scientific description. Dr. Michael Brown, leader of the 10th
planet discovery team, says the term planet is simply not a scientific word, it
is a cultural word.
PST
- PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $800AUD &
OTHER
“Experience
The Sun Our Way” with your own “Personal Solar Telescope” (P.S.T). The P.S.T is
made from milled aluminium, not plastic! The P.S.T. comes with a built in Sol
Ranger for easy alignment, a 20mm Kellner eyepiece, and a re-usable box with
dye cut foam for safe storage. Optional accessories include a hard travel case,
Anyone
interested in the range of Solar Telescopes should check out the benefits of
Double Stacking.
To see Coranado's
Filters web site and price list:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/coronado-pst-instruments-solar-pricelist.htm
MARS
IS AT ITS CLOSEST AND WON'T BE
THIS CLOSE AGAIN UNTIL 2016!
Here is
information for viewing Mars which is currently at its closest point to
Earth. On this page you will find tips on using a telescope on the red
planet:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/mars.htm
CHECK
YOUR ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OR CLUB FOR
MARS VIEWING NIGHTS
Our own
Astronomical Society (Astronomical Society of South Australia) is holding Mars
Public Viewing Nights at:
For event
confirmation (weather), information, entrance fees and directions, please
visit:
http://www.assa.org.au/activities/
Or contact
me, Matthew Lovell, ASSA's Publicity Officer.
RESULTS
FROM THE DEEP IMPACT
The analysis
from the Deep Impact Mission is being updated all the time. Updates can
be seen here:
http://deepimpact.jpl.nasa.gov/
ASTRONOMY
2006 BOOK (16th EDITION) $18AUD
Astronomy
2006 is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
ToUcams
ToUcam
AND
The Philips
ToUcam works very well with the Coronado PST - Personal Solar Telescope.
For more information please contact us.
ToUcam
900 LATEST INFORMATION
The
SPC900NC is the newest ToUcam from Philips.
Please
email for latest specs in .PDF:
Inside the
new SPC900NC to modify it for long exposure:
http://www.home.zonnet.nl/m.m.j.meijer/D_I_Y/spc900nc.htm
ToUcam
IMAGES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION &
SPACE SHUTTLE
Here are
some current images of the International Space Station, Space Shuttle and Mars
using the Philips ToUcam and a Celestron Nexstar 11:
https://webspace.utexas.edu/gentryml/www/astro.html
NEW
& UPDATED PRICELISTS
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/coronado-pst-instruments-solar-pricelist.htm
RUSSIAN
TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS (NOVOSIBRISK):
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/russian-novosibirsk-tal-pricelist-telescopes.htm
SECONDHAND
TELESCOPES & ACCESSORIES:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
CELESTRON:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/celestron-pricelist.htm
BUSHNELL:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/bushnell-pricelist.htm
TASCO:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/tasco-pricelist.htm
VIXEN:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen-pricelist.htm
SKYWATCHER:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/skywatcher-pricelist.htm
PRICELISTS
CURRENTLY BEING COMPLETED:
- Astro
Engineering
- StarLight
Express
- Guang
Sheng Optics
-
-
- Starry
Night
- ProtoStar
Diagonals
PRE-FABRICATED
DOBSONIAN MOUNTS
10"
Dobsonian Mounts $40AUD
REPLACEMENT
DSI BACK - PELTIER COOLED
The OutBack Cooler is a regulated replacement back
electronic cooler for the Meade DSI and DSI Pro Astronomy Camera has been
developed. Please call for further information and pricing.
8"
F/7 MIRRORS $480AUD
There are
limited number of these mirrors.
POLISHED
250mm (10") MIRRORS READY FOR HAND
CORRECTION $300AUD
250mm
(10") x 35mm thick F/5 Glass Polished Mirrors. The hard part of
polishing is finished. Only the re-figuring needs to be done.
CANON
350D - GREAT FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Canon
EOS 350D 18-55 Kit $1970AUD
Canon EOS
300D 18-55 Kit 6.3MP
1.6x $1890AUD
Canon EOS
20DK 18-55 Kit 8.25MP
1.6x $2900AUD
Canon XL2
Professional DV Camera $7400AUD
http://www.canon.com.au/visual/default.aspx
40mm
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH T THREAD $130AUD
or $101US or £54
Lowest
magnification, brightest images, widest field of view, minimum
vignetting. Just screw it onto your Camera's T Mount or use it as an 40mm
Plossl Eyepiece.
RUSSIAN TELESCOPES AND BINOCULARS
(
The Russian
Telescopes and Binoculars recieve good reviews and are excellent value for
money.:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/russian-novosibirsk-tal-pricelist-telescopes.htm
ASTROPHOGRAPHY
WITH A DOBSONIAN!
An
interesting article found in the ICE IN SPACE forum:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,201,0,0,1,0
NIGHTSKY
CEILINGS - Ultimate Chrissy Present!
Click on
the link below to see how your bedroom, lounge, or any room at
all will look with Constellations, Planets, stars, comets
and shooting stars painted on as a mural. One of the best
effects I've found, is a Globular Cluster. Its invisable by day, and
incredible by night! Make your room into a planetarium and learn the
Constellations.
We have had
our son's bedroom done and the result is amazing. No complaints about
going to bed!
Perfect for
kids (and parents), Hotels, Motels and B&Bs.
Nightsky
Ceilings are known for their authenticity, depth of perception and realistic 3D
effect. The Galaxy arms are particulary good. There are no stick on
stars. Check out the different effects and themes:
http://nightsky.to/starstruck/
Contact
Nightsky Ceilings
0438 054
968
(08) 8386
0150
STAR
CHARTS - $16AUD
16x
A4 Charts of the entire night sky showing positions of star clusters,
nebulae, galaxies
Charts come
in a clear plastic bag with reference guide and index.
KYOCERA
YASHICA EZ 5030 DIGITAL CAMERA $325AUD or $240US
or £135
- 5 Mega
Pixel
- 3x
Optical Zoom
http://www.dcviews.com/press/Yashica-EZ-5030.htm
SOLAR
The SolarScope
is the Sky & Telescope Hot Product for 2005. Using the SolarScope
enables the user to measure the following:
- earth rotation speed
- day duration
- true local noon
- earth poles axis inclination
- sun rotation speed
- latitude of the observation spot
- earth orbit ellipticity
- astronomical Unit (AU)
The
SolarScope is $320AUD if you put it together yourself or $400AUD as
Complete. For more information:
UNIVERSAL
CAMERA ADAPTOR BY TAU CETI - $340AUD
Universal
Video Camera Adapter is a connecting system to attach camcorders to two inch
telescope openings without flexure. Precise 3 axis alignment for the highest
quality afocal images.
2" Universal Camera Adaptor fits 2" Focusers.
This will fit Newtonians, Refractors, SCT's. 2 inch Barlows and 2 inch eyepiece
holders making it the most versatile adapter available today.
It can be used with AstroVids, Starlight Express, SBIG'S, CamCorders, Digital
Cameras, 35mm Cameras.
Full solar disc, white light & H-Alpha, full lunar disc and Magnified
imaging.
For an
image:
http://www.astrovid.com/prod_details.php?pid=540
HOT
HANDS - HAND WARMERS - $10AUD per pack
These hand
warmers are Safe, Non-toxic, Natural Heat, Odorless, No Messy Fuels Up to 10
Hours of heat. They work incredibly well on those cold nights
observing. Use them on your equipment as a dew busters. Experience
has shown, if you have one pack for your hands - its great to have one for
your feet! 8-)
LUNAR MAP
PRO V3 SOFTWARE - $85AUD
Lunar Map
Pro V3 isn't available in
- Exclusive
3D graphic visualization lets you create your own 3D displays of the Moon's
rugged landscape. See rilles, valleys, craters and mountains almost as if you
were on the lunar surface.
- NASA
lunar texture map and RITI graphic map let you view the moon at high
resolution. A detailed outline map is available for sketching, and three
interactive geology maps let you study lunar geological history.
- Extensive
database of nearly 8,200 nearside and farside features, can be located and
explored using advanced search capabilities.
- Hover
-
Point-of-View (POV) tool
- Maps flip
and reverse
- Eyepiece
Field-of-View (FOV) feature
- Libration
correction
- Phase
Manager
- Surveyor
tool
- Ephemeris
- Export
maps or 3D Images
- Link
animated GIFs, or your personal photos and observing notes to any named
features.
For more
information visit Riti's web site:
ASTRONOMY
DVDs (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD is
comprehensive including the following features:
- Stars,
Nebulae and Galaxies (27mins)
- Hubble
Images - Best Photos (10 mins)
- Universe
- Stars and the Cosmos (21mins)
- OutBack
Sky - David Miller (10mins)
- History
of Astronomy (12mins)
- Moon and
Sky - Constellations (10mins)
-
Australian Astronomy (16mins)
- Comets -
Origin and History (12mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SPACE
FLIGHT DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD
covers the history of manned space flight, including the Apollo and Shuttle
programs and the development of the Space Station. Featuring:
- Apollo 11
(27mins)
- Astro
Smiles (15mins)
- In Earth
Orbit (14mins)
-
Historical Highlights (12mins)
- Skylab
(9mins)
- Apollo 17
(17mins)
- Astronaut
Slide Show (12mins)
-
International Space Station (11mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SOLAR
SYSTEM DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD
Covers the Sun, all the planets, moons, asteroids and other bodies of the solar
system. Features images from the Spirit Rover on Mars. Featuring:
-
Introducing the Planets (18mins)
- Venus ‑ Magellan movies (7mins)
- Earth ‑ Movies & stills (17mins)
- Mars Rovers Sprit & Opportunity (17mins)
- Mars ‑ Movies & orbital views (10mins)
- Voyager – the outer planets (30mins)
- Jupiter – from Voyager & Galileo (13mins)
- Asteroids - Ida, Gaspra & Eros (8mins)
$16AUD or $10US$ or £6
AUTOCOLLIMATORS
I tend to
go on about these a fair bit. Owning a 16" F/4.5 Reflector, I find
them invaluable. Accuracy on a short focal ratio telescope is crucial.
To
Understand how the autocollimator is used, consider the following analogy:
A fun
house has two mirrors facing each other in a room. One of the mirrors can
be moved by using a lever in the center of the room. If you stand in the
center of the room and look in one mirror, you will see your reflection.
If the two mirrors are not exactly parallel, you will also see a reflection of
your reflection in the other mirror. These reflections will go on for
what seems forever, creating a line of ever smaller images of yourself.
When the mirrors are parallel, you will only see your reflection in the mirror
because your body is blocking the reflection from the other mirror.
Suppose another person is looking through a small hole in the fixed
mirror. This hole is centered on the position where you are
standing. When the mirros are slightly out of parallel, he sees you and a
series of reflections of you in the mirror behind you from his
perspective. When both mirrors are parallel, he sees only you and no
reflections.
If a flat
mirror is placed in the focuser of a Newtonian telescope and it has a small
hole placed in it to look through, the center of the primary along with
secondary and the mirror in the autocollimator act like the two mirrors in the
example. When a Newtonian is properly collimated, all the multiple
reflections will appear as one.
A standard
collimator or laser is used first to get the rough alignment.
Light
Pipe/Site Tube Combination $99AUD$
AutoCollimator $95AUD$
If both are
purchased there is a discount of $12AUD$ ($182AUD$)
AUSTRALIAN
POSTCODE MAPS - $40AUD
Fully
detailed on both sides. City areas are on the reverse side.
WANTED
TO SELL
- Antique
Troughton & Siims 8-inch Newtonian on pedestal German Equatorial Mount with
setting circles, slow motions and clock drive. In excellent condition. For
details go to:
http://www.pdcf.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/scope/
-
12" LX200GPS + Acc's for $5,500AUD ONO
-
NexStar 114GT Goto telescope complete in padded box
for transport $550AUD
Please also
see our web site for pre-loved items:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
WANTED
TO BUY
- 6mm
RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
JUNE
NEWSLETTER 2005 NO.33
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or
if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
March was
the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want March's. Past Newsletters
can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
DEEP IMPACT - THE FIRST LOOK INSIDE A
COMET
-
NIGHTSKY CEILINGS
- AN
ASTRONOMY WEBSITE FOR VIEWING EXCELLENT IMAGES
- SETI @
HOME - The search for extraterrestrial life at home
- A
GREAT WEB SITE TO VIEW OUR GALAXY!
-
UNIVERSAL TIME CALCULATOR
-
CARL ZIESS TELESCOPES - Original Brochures
-
INEXPENSIVE GOTO FOR POPULAR MOUNTS
-
RUSSIAN TAL TELESCOPES NOW AVAILABLE
-
CHANGES TO TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY
- 15
YEARS OF HUBBLE DOWNLOADABLE DVD
-
LARGE MIRRORS AND BLANKS AVAILABLE AGAIN
- ToUcam
PROGRAM FOUND TO BE USEFUL
-
CANON CAMERAS FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
-
PLANET CONJUNCTION BETWEEN SATURN, VENUS
& MERCURY
-
SOCIETY MEMBERS GET THERE BENEFITS - Hire Telescopes
-
PENTAX BINOCULARS ON SPECIAL
-
ANTI VIBRATION SUPPRESSION MATERIAL
-
REFIGURING YOUR MIRROR
- JUPITERS
MOONS TRANSIT ON 24TH JUNE
-
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION CORRECTOR THINGY
-
OPTICAL TUBE ASSEMBLY RINGS
CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES
- CORANADO PST SOLAR TELESCOPE $900AUD
- 12" DOBSONIANS $1240AUD or
$890US$ or £499
- RUSSIAN TAL-1 114mm (4.5") REFLECTING
TELESCOPE $680AUD or $510 or £280
- SPOTTING SCOPES
- 80mm DIAMETER F/5 SPOTTING SCOPE
OPTICAL TUBE ASSEMBLY $150AUD or $110US or £62
- BINOCULARS
- 25x100mmFB GIANT BINOCULARS $599AUD or $389US or £209
- MANFROTTO TRIPODS FOR GIANT BINOCULARS
- OTHER
- 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $80AUD or $60US or £35
- 40mm WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH
T THREAD $130AUD or $101US or £54
- 50.8mm (2") DIAMETER EYEPIECES
- POLAR ALIGNMENT SCOPES $55UAD or
$40US or £23
- MOST POPULAR PLANETARY AND
MOON FILTERS
- LOSMANDY G11 AND G11 GEMINI
- EQ6 WITH SKYSCAN MOUNT
COMPLETE $2650AUD
- SKYWATCHER PRO SERIES MOUNT
WITH GOTO $1995AUD or $1490US or £832
- LARGE EYEPIECE CASES $25AUD or $19US or
£11
- FOCUSERS
- VIXEN SELLOUT
- KYOCERA YASHICA EZ 5030
DIGITAL CAMERA $325AUD or $240US or £135
- MINOX (
WANTED
TO SELL
WANTED
TO BUY
DEEP
IMPACT - THE FIRST LOOK INSIDE A COMET
For six
years NASA has been developing a spacecraft, which left earths orbit on January
12th 2005, and is headed straight towards Comet 9P/Tempel 1. Deep Impact’s
Spacecraft will release a probe which will collide with the comet on July 4th
2005.
NASA has
been working on the development of the spacecraft which has been designed to
collect information about the comets surface and also reveal the secrets
of the interior of the comet. The impactor is a battery powered spacecraft that
operates independently of the flyby spacecraft for just one day, after its
release, it will take over its own navigation and maneuver into the path of the
comet. A camera attached to the impacter will capture and relays images of the
comets nucleus until just seconds before impact.
The
impactor spacecraft is constructed mainly of copper (49%) and weighs
370kg. The impactor contains the copper impact body, scientific instruments,
guidance computer, solid rocket attitude control thrusters and communications
gear. It will plough through the comet's thin crust and on into the interior
where the heat of friction between the impactor and the comet will cause it all
to vaporize. A tremendous explosion will occur. A crater is expected to form
upon impact creating a bowl shaped crater as wide as a football and
approximately 15 stories deep.
The effects
of the collision with the comet will also be observable from certain locations
on Earth and in some cases with smaller telescopes. The data is analyzed
and combined with that from other missions, from telescopes around the world,
and in Earth orbit. These results will lead to a better understanding of both
the solar system's formation and implications of comets colliding with Earth.
Some doubts
have be raised to how well this event will be seen through a telescope or
binoculars. Some believe the probe will miss altogether!
Tempel 1
will be able to seen at around magnitude 9 before the impact. This means the
comet can be seen by a small telescope or binoculars in areas of low light
pollution. If all goes well, once the probe has collided with the comet, estimates
say the comet will brighten to around magnitude 6 or better. Best views
will be from
The
expected viewing time for the impact in Australia is between 5:50am and 6:00am
Universal Time, which unfortunately for viewers in Australia, is not
visible due to it still being daylight. Once dark, the result
of the impact will be seen through telescopes or binoculars. NASA is
broadcasting the mission via the internet live (google search "NASA
TV").
Here are some
links regarding information about the mission:
http://deepimpact.jpl.nasa.gov/
http://www.space.com/deepimpact/
A competition
is being run by The Planetary Society to guess how big the crater will be made
by the probe. For competition details visit:
http://www.planetary.org/deepimpact/contest_enter.html
There are a
lot of opinions about this mission, with some people saying there may be a
Butterfly Effect. One woman is suing NASA for disturbing the harmony of
the solar system!
NIGHTSKY
CEILINGS
Click on
the link below to see how your bedroom, lounge, or any room at
all will look with Constellations, Planets, stars, comets
and shooting stars painted on as a mural. One of the best
effects I've found, is a Globular Cluster. Its invisable by day, and
incredible by night! Make your room into a planetarium and learn the
Constellations.
We have had
our son's bedroom done and the result is amazing. No complaints about
going to bed!
Perfect for
kids (and parents), Hotels, Motels and B&Bs.
Nightsky
Ceilings are known for their authenticity, depth of perception and realistic 3D
effect. The Galaxy arms are particulary good. There are no stick on
stars. Check out the different effects and themes:
http://nightsky.to/starstruck/
Contact
Nightsky Ceilings
0438 054
968
(08) 8386
0150
AN
ASTRONOMY WEBSITE FOR VIEWING EXCELLENT IMAGES:
http://www.photomeeting.de/astromeeting/_index.htm
SETI
@ HOME - The search for extraterrestrial life at home
Seti at
Home allows anyone to use their home or business computer to analyse data
received from the Aricebo Observatory.:
http://www.answers.com/topic/arecibo-observatory
By
downloading a small and simple program from Seti @ Home, PC owners
can receive units of data, analyse them, and send back to Seti. Each
unit of data can take up to 24 hours to analyse depending on the speed of your
computer. The program runs as a screensaver which means it only runs when
the screensaver comes into effect and doesn't interupt any other programs.
As units
are completed and sent back, certificates are issued for certain milestones eg.
50, 100, 500 units etc. Anyone who produces a result will receive the
credit for finding it. There are currently 5.5 million users and the
number grows by about 300 a day. Seti's Home page is here:
http://seticlassic.ssl.berkeley.edu/index.html
To download
the Seti at Home program Screen Saver Version click below or there are
Command Line Versions, see below.
http://seticlassic.ssl.berkeley.edu/download.html
There are
also command line versions which doesn't have the pretty screensaver
graphics, although, unit analysing speed is greatly increased. Some
command line versions produce lots of information about your computer and the
analysing process. To see different versions of the Seti at Home
programs, visit here:
http://www.seti.nl/content.php?c=downloadwin9x&language=1
To use the one
we use, go the the page above and download "Easy CLI Setup".
There are
clubs and groups. Telescopes and Astronomy have just started a group and
anyone is welcome to join. To join our group, please visit the following
page:
http://setiathome2.ssl.berkeley.edu/stats/team/team_193848.html
Two new
programs includes Einstein @ Home and Climate Prediction. Einstein @ Home
uses your computer's idle time to search for spinning neutron stars (also
called pulsars) using data from the LIGO and GEO gravitational wave
detectors. One of the most accurate ways of testing Einstein's
Theory of Relitivity is using neutron stars being the most accurate time clocks
in the universe.
Climate
Prediction is the largest experiment to try and produce a forecast of the
climate in the 21st century. Once again it uses the idle time on your
computer.
A
GREAT WEB SITE TO VIEW OUR GALAXY!
Includes
object names for reference.:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/stellar/scenes/milky_e/mw20c.htm
UNIVERSAL
TIME CALCULATOR
To
calculate Universal Time to your time, use the following web page.
Astronomical events are usually shown in Universal Time (Greenich Time).
To use the calculator, just click onto your city:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
CARL
ZIESS TELESCOPES - Original Brochures
Do you own
a Carl Ziess Telescope. If you do, and would like the original brochure
for it, chances are we have it. Let us know which model you have and
we'll email a copy to you.
INEXPENSIVE
GOTO FOR POPULAR MOUNTS
The
WinCTC Goto Telescope Controller can be used with the following mounts:
- Vixen SP,
GP & GP-DX
- EQ5,
CG-5, EQ5 Heavy Duty, EQ6
- Losmany
G-11 & GM-8
Information
on the WinCTC can be seen on their web site:
http://www.coaa.co.uk/winctc.htm
Price for
EQ5 is $700AUD or $530US$
RUSSIAN
TAL TELESCOPES NOW AVAILABLE
After a
great amount of difficulty, we are now distributors for Novosibirsk Telescope
Instrument Making Plant or better known as the TAL range of telescopes and
accessories:
- 2"
diameter, 24mm Focal Length, 80° Field Eyepieces $330AUD or $257US or £138
- 17mm
Plossls $95
- 7.5mm
Plossls $90
- 6.3mm
Plossls $85
TAL-1
4.5" Reflector $680. If you know anyone who is about to buy a
4.5" diameter telescope, the TAL-1 is a far cry in quality, workmanship,
parts and accessories. It also produces excellent views. I have
always had one of these handy. What I like about it:
http://www.telescopes.ru/product.html?cat=1&prod=7
- No crappy
Eyepieces
- Sun
Viewer (the safe way), see sunspots, eclipses, transitions
- Camera
Holder away from the Optical Tube
- Can see
the Red Spot on Jupiter
- Really
smooth Slow Motion Controls (Astrophotography)
- Cross
Hair Reticle for astrophotography
- Filter
Set (5)
- Solid as
a rock
- A
higher magnification Eyepiece of a different brand can be used to get the
maximum magnification available from the scope on nights of good seeing.
CHANGES
TO TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY
Our new
email is telescopes@adam.com.au
Our old address telescopes@bigpond.com will remain for 5 months during the
change over.
Telescopes and
Astronomy have been operating for 11 years this past April. During this
time we have been operating more as a hobby and club to promote astronomy and
used our business knowledge to enable customers to buy the largest instruments
for the smallest price and all the accessories we can get our hands on.
Sales are too high to run as a part time business, so we are now full
time, and I have taken someone on to help out. We expect to have 2 more
employees by year end.
15
YEARS OF HUBBLE DOWNLOADABLE DVD
This
documentary on the Hubble Space Telescope can be downloaded from the following
site in English or German. It can run as a QuickTime Movie or Windows
Media Player in high or low resolution.:
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=37140
LARGE
MIRRORS AND BLANKS AVAILABLE AGAIN
We've been
a bit short of large Mirrors and Blanks lately. We've now rectified this by
offering Completed Mirrors, Blanks and Tools up to 24" (609mm).
Blanks can have a Pre-Generated Curve of F/5. A curved Tool is needed for
Pre-Generated Curve Blank. Contact us for more information or pricing.
ToUcam
PROGRAM FOUND TO BE USEFUL
Here is a
useful program for the ToUcam:
-
adjustments real time
- save
Settings
-
percentages instead of guessing slides
http://www.burri-web.org/bm98/soft/wcctrl/screens.htm
CANON
CAMERAS FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Canon EOS
20DK 18-55kit 8.25MP 1.6x $3020
Canon EOS
350D 18-55kit $1975
Canon EOS
300D 18-55kit 6.3MP 1.6x $1885
PLANET
CONJUNCTION BETWEEN SATURN, VENUS & MERCURY
Starting on
the 24th of June, a conjunction between Saturn, Venus and Mercury will
occur. A conjunction is an approximate lining up of a number of
celestrial objects. All 3 planets will start off being just
under 4 degrees of each other on the 24th of June. They will
continue to dance close to each other for the next 3 days. On the
25th of June the planets will be within 2.2 degrees of each other. On the
26th June at around 5.00 UT (Universal Time) the planets will separated by only
1.5 degrees. The planets will stay within 2 degrees of each other on the
27th.
Conjunctions
of this type make good specimens for videoing through a telescope. It is
not necessary to wait for darkness to image the planets. The major
planets can be seen through even small telescopes during the day. This
may be difficult as there is no reference to finding your objects, unless you
have a goto! Caution must be taken not to point your telescope at the Sun
unless the appropriate filters or setup is used.
To convert
UT (Universal Time) to your time, see the article earlier in the Newsletter.
SOCIETY
MEMBERS GET THERE BENEFITS - Hire Telescopes
A number of
Astronomical Societies and Clubs have Telescopes for hire. These are
generally fairly large in Aperture and generally of the Dobsonian
type. To hire these telescopes is very inexpensive. Our society
(Astronomical Society of South Australia) have a 8" Dobsonian for $20 per
month and $20 refundable deposit. We're not the only ones. Check
your local society or club.
PENTAX
BINOCULARS ON SPECIAL
Pentax
62616 DCF SP 10x50 Binoculars - excellent reviews $910 other sizes
available:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/sport_optics/binoculars/full_size/dcf_sp.jsp
ANTI
VIBRATION SUPPRESSION MATERIAL
These
really work. Cut down how long it takes for the telescope to stop
shaking. Helps greatly in preventing outside movement from shaking your
telescope. Don't bother paying $100AUD when we have the material for
$45AUD or $35US or £18
REFIGURING
YOUR MIRROR
We
currently have 3 experienced mirror makers who are able to refigure your
current mirror. If you have a Chinese made mirror which isn't up to
scratch (yes, that's all of them), we are able to hand correct the optics and
re-aluminise the surface with high quality coatings. We have found the
majority of mirrors have been overcorrected, have bumpy surfaces and errors,
made by machine polishing. If you want to know the difference it makes,
pop along to an Astronomical Society viewing night, and have a look through a
telescope who's mirror is hand made.
Let us know
the size and focal ratio of your mirror, and we'll quote its facelift.
LAPTOP
COMPUTER
The best
way of imaging is to have your computer next to your telescope!
TS THINKPAD
R51 PMC725-1.6G
40GB 256MB
15IN DVD/CDRW WXPP
UJ0K2NU
$2250
1 year
warranty.
http://www.vdhsoft.be/specs/21156.htm
Contact us for
more information.
2
OF JUPITERS MOONS TRANSIT ON 24TH JUNE
2 of
Jupiters moons will move across its face on June 24th. You will
need a telescope of the bare minium of 114mm Reflector or 70mm
Refractor, and favourable seeing conditions. The shadows of Io
and Europa will move at different speeds starting with Io entering the
scene (ingress) at around 7.15 UT. Europa's shadow will
ingress at 8.30 UT. Io's shadow will dissappear (egress) around
9.30 UT and Europa's shadow will egress at around 11.15 UT. To convert UT
(Universal Time) to your time, see the article earlier in the Newsletter.
PLANETARY
ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION CORRECTOR THINGY
The
PADC - 1.25" Prism Assembly, with 4° (or 2°) 1/10th wave AR coated
prism, 1.25" Eyepiece Holder has received some good reviews.
"What does it do?":
- For
Visual & Imaging.
- will
realign the Red and Blue wavelengths of objects 40 degrees and lower in the
sky.
- will work for all telescope types.
- will show the most dramatic correction in long focal length telescopes, this
is because the telescope is looking at a much smaller field of view.
- can be used visually, for film, with video, webcams and conventional ccd
cameras.
- can be used for White Light Solar, Lunar, Planetary and Planetary moon
imaging.
- possible uses for Astrometric work, low elevation CCD work including LRGB
imaging.
- for possible spectroscopy work at low sky altitudes.
- can be used for double star visual observations.
- can be used for photometric work.
PADC -
1.25" Prism Assembly, with 2° 1/10th wave AR coated prism, 1.25"
Eyepiece Holder. $270AUD
Order two
of these for a variable 0-4° corrective system.
PADC -
1.25" Prism Assembly, with 4° 1/10th wave AR coated prism, 1.25"
Eyepiece Holder. $270AUD
Order two
of these for a variable 0-8° corrective system.
OPTICAL
TUBE ASSEMBLY RINGS
We now
carry stock of Optical Tube Assembly Rings. These are available in many
sizes up to 10" Mirror Tube Assemblies.
CURRENT SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
CORANADO
PST PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $900AUD
PST
(Personal Solar Telescope) has been awarded a 2004 Best of What's New Award
from Popular Science Magazine.
The
Personal Solar Telescope(PST) incorporates state of the art patented technology
to provide superb views of both Solar surface detail and prominences. The PST
uses a 5mm blocking filter that cannot be removed or changed. It uses a
modified Sol Ranger as its built in sunfinder. Includes a 12.5mm Kellner
3-element multi-coated eyepiece.
12"
DOBSONIANS $1240AUD or $890US$ or £499
Huge optics
for little price. Complete, ready for use.
- Focal
Ratio F/5
- 2"
Focuser
- Cooling
Fan
RUSSIAN
TAL-1 114mm (4.5") REFLECTING TELESCOPE $680AUD or $510 or
£280
See article
above Russian TAL Telescopes now available.
SPOTTING
SCOPES
80mm
DIAMETER F/5 SPOTTING SCOPE OPTICAL TUBE
ASSEMBLY $150AUD or $110US or £62
- 32mm
(1.25") Focuser
- Diagonal
- Pick your
own 2 Eyepieces (9 to choose from)
- UV Filter
-
FinderScope
Tripods are
separate depending on your needs:
- Table Top
$15
-
Adjustable Table Top $25
- 3 Way Pan
Camera Tripods from $48
BINOCULARS
25x100mmFB
GIANT BINOCULARS $599AUD or $460US or £245
Improvements
made over other brands are:
- Improved prism
mounts for better collimation
- Full matt
black internals
- More
shock proof and better armoured
- Fully
broadband Multi-Coating on all surfaces
-
Individual focus
-
Collimation screws
More
detailed information can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/binocular_25x100.htm
MANFROTTO
TRIPODS FOR GIANT BINOCULARS
To support
the 25x100mm Giant Binoculars and other Giant Binoculars, an extra tall, extra sturdy
and high quality Tripod and Head is needed. We got the tallest,
sturdiest and highest quality at the best price:
055 Tripod
- 176cm tall, Black Silver, weighs 2.4kg
141RC Head
- 13cm tall, Black, weighs 1kg
Both
together $395AUD or $296US or £159
If you've
been looking for any Manfrotto Tripod, give us a call and we'll quote.
OTHER
90°
8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $80
Have
your Finderscope at the same angle as your Focuser for comfortable
viewing.
40mm
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH T THREAD $130AUD
or $101US or £54
Lowest
magnification, brightest images, widest field of view, minimum
vignetting. Just screw it onto your Camera's T Mount or use it as an 40mm
Plossl Eyepiece. Don't pay 300 dollar!
50.8mm
(2") DIAMETER EYEPIECES
Ultra low
magnification and wide field of view. These low magnification Eyepieces
are ideal for searching for objects. If you find you can't fit your
favourite nebula into your current Eyepiece, try one of these. A 50.8mm
(2") Focuser is needed.
50mm Focal
Length $85
42mm Focal
Length $85
POLAR
ALIGNMENT SCOPES $55UAD or $40US or £23
These Polar
Alignment Scopes suit Synta EQ5, Vixen GP and GP-DX (now known as GPE and GP-D)
and other common brand Mounts.
MOST
POPULAR PLANETARY AND MOON FILTERS
Wratten #82A
Light Blue Glass Filter $15
Wratten #8
Yellow Glass Filter (also used as a UV Filter) $15
Neutral
Density Moon Glass Filters ND96 $15
LOSMANDY
G11 AND G11 GEMINI
Losmandy
G11 with Gemini $4950 (stock)
Losmandy
G11 $3530 (stock)
EQ6
WITH SKYSCAN MOUNT COMPLETE $2650AUD
The EQ6 can
take a fair bit of weight. Any small telescope can go onto it
though. Upgrade to a larger Optical Tube Later:
http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/EQ6SkyScan.html
SKYWATCHER
PRO SERIES MOUNT WITH GOTO $1995AUD or $1490US
or £832
The new Pro
Mounts from SkyWatcher have been engineered to a higher level of accuracy with very
strict quality control. The Mount is modeled after the Heavy Duty EQ5 and
includes SkyScan. The Mount's colour is white.
LARGE
EYEPIECE CASES $25AUD or $19US or £11
350mm x
260mm x 90mm Foam lined and also includes the fitted foam (Cut the holes
you need).
http://www.users.bigpond.com/telescopes/images_telescope_accessories.htm
FOCUSERS
Many to
choose from. Current Special:
- 50.8mm
(2") diameter Rack and Pinion Focuser
- 85mm
Height
$80AUD or
$60US or £33
VIXEN
SELLOUT
2516 Half
Pillar $190AUD
1513 HAL
110 Tripod $459
1574 Weight
Shaft $95
1575 SX
Large Accessory Tray $115
3847 Erect
Image Adaptor 31.7mm $65
3715 LV4
Eypeice $130
3756 LV15
Eyepiece $130
3757
3511 25.4mm
diameter 9mm Orthoscopic Eyepiece $60
3512 25.4mm
diameter 12.5mm Orthoscopic Eyepiece $60
3518 25.4mm
diameter 25mm Orthoscopic Eyepiece $60
3679 Vixen
Filter Sets (6 Filters) $80
2571 SX Polar
Axis Scope $155
KYOCERA
YASHICA EZ 5030 DIGITAL CAMERA $325AUD or $240US
or £135
- 5 Mega
Pixel
- 3x
Optical Zoom
Here's a
review:
http://www.photoreview.com.au/Articlexasp/2eece806-3323-4b48-8528-61917ee7bdfb/Default.htm
MINOX
(
- 8.1 Mega
Pixel
- 3x
Optical Zoom, 5x Digital Zoom
- 2.5"
LCD
- Stainless
Steel Slim-line Body
Information:
http://www.photoimaging.com.au/pages/currentpage.taf?record_ID=36545
WANTED TO SELL
Please now see our web site for pre-loved items:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
WANTED TO BUY
- 6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical
part) for a Meade DS-10
- Rings for rotating Optical Tubes on their Equatorial
Mounts.
Please call or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
MARCH
NEWSLETTER 2005 NO.32
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or
if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
December was
the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want December's. Past
Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
Corrections
to the December Newsletter. The 20x80mm Binoculars are actually
12x80mm. 20x80mm are available now for $230.
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
JUPITER - MOON OCCULATION
-
NIGHTSKY CEILINGS
-
PARTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM ASTRO ENGINEERING
- STONE
HENGE IS MOVING... PLEASE FORWARD ALL MAIL
TO...
-
LESS EXPENSIVE MINUS VIOLET FILTERS
-
REFIGURING YOUR MIRROR
- HAND
MADE 10" F/5.4 DOBSONIAN
-
BAFFLED OVER BAFFLING
-
ANTI VIBRATION SUPPRESSION MATERIAL
-
FILTERS FOR JUPITER
-
FILTERS FOR THE MOON
-
WHERE, OH WHERE, HAS MY RUSSIAN
SHIPMENT GONE?
-
DAVID MALIN IMAGES AVAILABLE
-
POPULAR 2" OBSERVATORY EYEPIECE
- TELESCOPES
FOR HIRE
-
SOLARSCOPE - A GREAT EDUCATIONAL SUN
PROJECTOR
- CURRENT SPECIALS
-
LASER POINTERS $125AUD or $97US or £52
- PHILIPS TOUCAM PRO 840k
$145AUD or $103US or £54
- BAADER MOON/SKY GLOW FILTERS
- TELESCOPES
- SKYWATCHER 10"
REFLECTOR ON EQ6 MOUNT INCLUDING SKYSCAN
$3300AUD
- EQ5 MOUNT WITH
DUAL AXIS DRIVE, CONTROLLER,
TRIPOD, POLAR SCOPE AND 8" TUBE
RINGS
- 114mm REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT $280AUD or
$218US or £117
-
BINOCULARS
- PENTAX 62616 DCF
SP 10x50mm BINOCULARS
- 25x100mmFB GIANT BINOCULARS $499AUD or $389US or £209
- VARIOUS LARGE
APERTURE BINOCULARS
- MANFROTTO TRIPODS FOR GIANT BINOCULARS
- BINOCULAR CASES $5AUD
- SPOTTING SCOPES
- 65mm, 80mm AND
100mm SPOTTING SCOPES WITH ANGLED EYEPIECE
- 80mm SPOTTING SCOPES
$150AUD or $116US or £63
- 40mm WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH
T THREAD $130AUD or $101US or £54
- FOCAL REDUCER 0.6X $95AUD or $74US
or £39
- FOCAL REDUCER EXTENDER 0.3x $30AUD
or $23US or £12
- STUDENT & JUNIOR MICROSCOPES
IN WOODEN
- FULL SIZE EYEPIECE CASES
WITH PRE-CUT FOAM $25AUD or $19US or £10
- BINOCULAR TO TRIPOD ATTACHMENT
$10AUD$ or $8US or £5
- 1.9KG WEIGHTS $30AUD or
$23AUD or £12
- 90° 6x30mm WHITE FINDERSCOPES
INCLUDING BRACKET $28AUD or $21US or £11
- TELRAD DEW SHIELDS $25AUD or $19US or
£11
- STARRY NIGHT PRO 5 SOFTWARE
$230AUD or $162US or £87
- ALUMINIUM TELESCOPE CARRY CASES
- HIGH QUALITY DISPOSABLE WEDDING
CAMERAS (11+ CAMERAS) $8AUD or $7US or £4 each
- WANTED TO
SELL
- WANTED TO
BUY
JUPITER
- MOON OCCULATION
General
World Information:
On February
27th, an occultation will be visable between the Moon and Jupiter. The
observer will see the planet Jupiter very close to the Moon, or being
occultated (the blocking of the light by a nearer object, usually by a solar
system object).
Telescope
owners will be able to see both Jupiter and the Moon, together, in the field of
view. This makes an excellent and interesting photograph or image.
The
occultation will be observed from the following places:
http://www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/planets/planets.htm
Australian
Information:
The 2
Celestial bodies will graze each other for observers, along an arc,
between
For further
information including times, use the following keywords in your search engine:
moon
jupiter occultation february 27 2005 (and your country)
or your
local astronomical society:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/ssmassey/links.html
NIGHTSKY
CEILINGS
Click on
the link below to see how your bedroom, lounge, or any room at
all will look with Constellations, Planets, stars, comets
and shooting stars painted on as a mural. One of the best
effects I've found, is a Globular Cluster. Its invisable by day, and
incredible by night! Make your room into a planetarium and learn the
Constellations.
Perfect for
kids (and parents), Hotels, Motels and B&Bs.
Nightsky Ceilings
are known for their authenticity, depth of perception and realistic 3D
effect. There are no stick on stars. Check out the different
effects and themes:
http://nightsky.to/starstruck/
Contact Nightsky
Ceilings
0438 054
968
(08) 8386
0150
PARTS
NOW AVAILABLE FROM ASTRO-ENGINEERING
Astro
Engineering is a
http://www.astro-engineering.com/
STONE
HENGE IS MOVING... PLEASE FORWARD ALL MAIL
TO...
You gotta
love this!:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4264945.stm
This link
may change.
LESS
EXPENSIVE MINUS VIOLET FILTERS
Minus
Violet Filters can be used firstly, on short Focal Ratio Refractors to reduce
the false colour which the less expensive brands tend to have. Secondly,
CCD Cameras require reducing the amount of Infra Red they accept for
clearer images. A Minus Violet Filter will do pretty well the same thing.
Minus
Violet Filters $30AUD or $24US or £13
REFIGURING
YOUR MIRROR
We
currently have 3 experienced mirror makers who are able to refigure your
current mirror. If you have a Chinese made mirror which isn't up to
scratch (yes, that's all of them), we are able to hand correct the optics and
re-aluminise the surface with high quality coatings. We have found the
majority of mirrors have been overcorrected, have bumpy surfaces and errors, made
by machine polishing. If you want to know the difference it makes, pop
along to an Astronomical Society viewing night, and have a look through a
telescope who's mirror is hand made.
Let us know
the size and focal ratio of your mirror, and we'll quote its facelift.
HAND
MADE 10" F/5.4 DOBSONIAN
Made by one
of the most experienced mirror makers in country, this telescope has the
highest optical quality. Just for something different, we will accept
bids for this telescope. Bidding starts at $1100 plus whatever the
shipping is to you.
BAFFLED
OVER BAFFLING
There seems
to be a bit of a debate about whether baffling is good for the telescope or
not. Having looked through a number and scopes, before and after, I have reached
the conclusion that it does work. Baffling doesn't need to be all the way
down the tube. There are programs available on the internet which tell
you exactly where to position the baffles on particular telescopes, although, I
have found the most benefit is to baffle around the secondary mirror and
focuser area.
Terry
Toweling still seems to be the best material to blacken a telescope, and stop
those naughty reflections. Being fairly thick, it can be difficult to work
with. When adding any material to the inside of a telescope, unroll the
material around the inside very slightly bunched, instead of trying to stick it
flat. This will help prevent the material from lifting, if it shrinks.
ANTI
VIBRATION SUPPRESSION MATERIAL
These
really work. Cut down how long it takes for the telescope to stop
shaking. Helps greatly in preventing outside movement from shaking your
telescope. Don't bother paying $100AUD when we have the material for
$45AUD or $35US or £18
FILTERS
FOR JUPITER
Since Jupiter
is coming into its full glory for the year Light Blue Wratten Filters are
$15AUD or $11US or £6.
FILTERS
FOR THE MOON
A Neutral
Density Filter is best suited for the Moon. It reduces
the light, but doesn't change the colour which other filters
do. ND Moon Filters $15AUD or $11US or £6.
WHERE,
OH WHERE, HAS MY RUSSIAN SHIPMENT GONE?
We are
still waiting for the Russian shipment to arrive. It contains a number of
TAL telescopes, Maksutovs and Accessories. One of the highlights will be
the 2" diameter, 24mm Focal Length, 80° Field Eyepieces which, by reports,
are a high drool factor for $330AUD or $257US or £138. Bibs are optional.
DAVID
MALIN IMAGES AVAILABLE
David Malin,
reknown for being amoungst the best astrophotographers in the world, has many
of his images available as photographic prints. A list can be seen here:
http://www.aao.gov.au/images/general/big_prints.html
If you wish
to purchase through Telescopes and Astronomy, let us know which ones you're
interested in and how many and we'll quote a good price.
POPULAR
2" OBSERVATORY EYEPIECE
Another
high drool factor is Harry Siebert's 2" diameter, 36mm Focal Length, 70°
Field, Observatory Class Eyepiece which has impressed a number of people.
They are currently $290AUD or $226US or £121.
Information
can be seen on Harry's site:
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/SiebertOptics-eyepieces-observatory.html
TELESCOPES
FOR HIRE
Most
Astronomical Societies around the world have "Telescopes for
Hire!". Contact your local society or club for details. We
also have telescopes for hire for our local area - please inquire.
SOLARSCOPE
- A GREAT EDUCATIONAL SUN PROJECTOR
Developed
in
Standard
Model $125
Education
Model $175
CURRENT
SPECIALS
LASER
POINTERS $125AUD or $97US or £52
Binocular
Collimation is checked prior to shipping.
PHILIPS
TOUCAM PRO 840k $145AUD or $103US or £54
- Adaptors which
are threaded for for filters are $35AUD
- Schott Glass IR Filters to suit 1.25" Adaptor or Eyepieces $60AUD
(Recommended)
- Long
exposure Modification $140AUD
- Edmund Scientific IR Filters $120AUD
- 40mm Wide
Angle Eyepiece with T Thread $130AUD
- ToUcam T
Thread Adaptor $45AUD
- Focal Reducers 0.6x $95AUD
- Focal
Reducers 0.3x extender (total = 0.9x) $30AUD
- Eyepiece
Projection Adaptors $45AUD
-
Achromatic 2x Barlow (with T Thread) $70AUD
- Achromatic 3x Barlows $60AUD
- Minus Violet Filters $110AUD
- 5m Extension cables are available for $24AUD. This extends the total cable
length to 7.7m. Please contact us for longer lengths, as it needs to be
boosted.
Please call
or email for more information, currency conversion or postage quotes.
Let us know
if you want Chip Specs, Data etc.
BAADER MOON/SKY GLOW FILTERS $80AUD (1.25")
$126AUD (2")
For
information regarding Baader Filters in German and English:
http://www.baader-planetarium.de/zubehoer/okularseitiges_zubeh/farbfilter_pdfdownload.htm
TELESCOPES
SKYWATCHER
10" REFLECTOR ON EQ6 MOUNT INCLUDING
SKYSCAN $3300AUD
The EQ6
Mount including SkyScan is available separately. Let us know if you need
rings for your telescope. Here are the specifications:
EQ6 Mount
and SkyScan
http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/EQ6SkyScan.html
10" Reflector
(shown on EQ6 without SkyScan)
http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/SK25012EQ6-2IN.html
EQ5
MOUNT WITH DUAL AXIS DRIVE, CONTROLLER,
TRIPOD, POLAR ALIGNMENT SCOPE AND
8" TUBE RINGS
$650AUD
or $507US OR £273
This Mount
can be rebuilt using the instructions at Astroboy's web site for improved
performance, or we can do it for you.
Rebuilding
EQ5, CG-5 or LXD-55 Mounts (all the same)
http://www.astronomyboy.com/cg5/index.html
114mm
REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
This
telescope has the same dimensions as the SkyWatcher/Synta and Guan Sheng
Optical type 114mm Reflector Telescopes. However, this telescope's mount
is much thicker and sturdier, the focuser is smoother and the optics are made
in
BINOCULARS
PENTAX
62616 DCF SP 10x50mm BINOCULARS
Excellent
reviews $910AUD OR $709US OR £380. Other sizes available:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/sport_optics/binoculars/full_size/dcf_sp.jsp
25x100mmFB
GIANT BINOCULARS $499AUD or $389US or £209
Improvements
made over other brands are:
- Improved
prism mounts for better collimation
- Full matt
black internals
- More
shock proof and better armoured
- Fully
broadband Multi-Coating on all surfaces
-
Individual focus
-
Collimation screws
More detailed
information can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/binocular_25x100.htm
VARIOUS
LARGE APERTURE BINOCULARS
7x50mm
Binoculars $60AUD or $46US or £25
9x60mm
Binoculars $100AUD or $78US or £42
11x70mm
Binoculars $140AUD or $109US or £58
13x70mm
Binoculars (MOST POPULAR) $150AUD or $117 or £63
12x80mm
Binoculars $220AUD or $171US or £92
20x80mm
Binoculars $240AUD or $187US or £100
MANFROTTO
TRIPODS FOR GIANT BINOCULARS
To support
the 25x100mm Giant Binoculars and other Giant Binoculars, an extra tall, extra
sturdy and high quality Tripod and Head is needed. We got the
tallest, sturdiest and highest quality at the best price:
055 Tripod
- 176cm tall, Black Silver, weighs 2.4kg
141RC Head
- 13cm tall, Black, weighs 1kg
Both
together $380AUD or $296US or £159
If you've
been looking for any Manfrotto Tripod, give us a call and we'll quote.
BINOCULAR
CASES $5AUD
Thick Woven
material.
65mm,
80mm AND 100mm SPOTTING SCOPES WITH
ANGLED EYEPIECE
These
spotting scopes are outstanding value. Most popular application being
rifle shooting and archery. Define your shots with ease. Optical
Tube Assembly, Variable Zoom and Carry Case is standard. Fixed Focus
Eyepieces are available for high magnification. Cameras can be used by
buying a Camera Adaptor, T Mount and a choice of Fixed Eyepiece
suited to photography.
65mm
Spotting Scope $220AUD or $170US or £92
Focal
Length 386mm
Zoom
16x-48x
80mm
Spotting Scope $390AUD or $304US or £163
Focal
Length 480mm
Zoom
20x-60x
100mm
Spotting Scope $540AUD or $420 or £226
Focal
Length 540mm
Zoom
22x-67x
Camera
Adaptor $35AUD or $27US or £14
Camera
Fixed Eyepieces $65AUD or $50US or £27
High Magnification
Fixed Eypeices $70AUD or $54US or £29:
65mm
Spotting Scope will produces 64x magnification
80mm
Spotting Scope will produces 80x magnification
100mm
Spotting Scope will produces 90x magnification
T
Mounts for most popular cameras $25AUD or $19US or £10
80mm
SPOTTING SCOPES $150AUD or $116US or £63
Light,
compact, good optics, huge range of eyepieces available. Comes with one
eyepiece as standard. You can choose which eyepiece. Tripod is extra
- $10AUD for Standard Tripod or $40AUD for Adjustable Tripod with Controls.
40mm
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH T THREAD $130AUD
or $101US or £54
Lowest
magnification, widest field of view, minimum vignetting. Just screw it
onto your Camera's T Mount.
FOCAL
REDUCER 0.6X $95AUD or $74US or £39
FOCAL
REDUCER EXTENDER 0.3x $30AUD or $23US or £12
Focal
Reducer 0.6x changes the F/ Ratio of your telescope. If you have an
F/10, using the 0.6x Reducer makes it an F/6 (wider field of view, shorter
exposure time). This is particularly useful for Astrophotography and
CCDing. The 0.3x Extender screws into the 0.6x to reduce the Focal Ratio
even more. The 0.3x Extender is not recommended for observation, on some
telescopes, as towards the edge of the telescope's view, the field is no
longer flat (elongated stars). This is not important for most imaging
devices as they do not have a wide field of view.
STUDENT
& JUNIOR MICROSCOPES IN WOODEN
Good solid
construction, good imaging, smooth rack and pinion focusing and good
reviews. Schools, don't pay $250 for these little gems. If you have
Carton or Olympus etc Microscopes at your school, with broken rack and Pinions,
contact us to see if we have a much cheaper replacement. Your high quality Olympus or Carton etc microscope
lenses will screw or slide straight in!
FULL
SIZE EYEPIECE CASES WITH PRE-CUT FOAM
$25AUD or $19US or £10
Let us know
if you want a picture.
BINOCULAR
TO TRIPOD ATTACHMENT $10AUD$ or $8US or £5
Screws into
most binoculars and attaches to tripods using the standard 1/4" thread.
1.9KG
WEIGHTS $30AUD or $23AUD or £12
Suit 20mm
(3/4") Shafts. 100mm (4") in diameter. Green (slightly
darker than Vixen).
90°
6x30mm WHITE FINDERSCOPES INCLUDING BRACKET
$28AUD or $21US or £11
No more
broken backs!
TELRAD
DEW SHIELDS $25AUD or $19US or £11
If you've
got a Telrad, you know its the first thing to Dew up. This is a shroud
which covers the Telrad's viewing glass when not in use. It flips back
when the Telrad is used.
STARRY
NIGHT PRO 5 SOFTWARE $230AUD or $162US or £87
At our
Astronomical Society meetings, we have the usual "What astronomical events
are coming up" just like other clubs and societies. For our
society, astronomical events are shown using Starry Night Pro. A
number of people have been quite impressed with the realism of the
software. Instead of just dots for stars, the software shows the night
sky as it really looks, including realistic terrestrial views for effect.
You can also take a spacecraft for a ride! So we decided to order some in
and sell them for a great price. The following site has all the
information on the software:
ALUMINIUM
TELESCOPE CARRY CASES
Aluminium
Carry Cases are very expensive. Not any more!
100cm x
45cm x 30cm Foam Lined.
$130AUD
Let us know
your dimensions and we'll quote.
HIGH
QUALITY DISPOSABLE WEDDING CAMERAS (11+ CAMERAS)
$8AUD or $7US or £4 each
Good clear
400 Film, strong flash, numbered negatives, nice words and pictures on the box:
"To
Our Dear Guests,
We would really enjoy seeing our wedding reception through your eyes.
Please use this camera to take pictures of each other... then just leave it
on the table and we'll do the rest.
Thank you for sharing this day and these memories."
WANTED TO SELL
Please now see our web site for pre-loved items:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
WANTED TO BUY
- 6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical
part) for a Meade DS-10
Please call or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
TELESCOPES AND
ASTRONOMY
DECEMBER
NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.31
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or
if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
October was
the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want October's. Past Newsletters
can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN THIS ISSUE:
DUE
TO CHRISTMAS - SPECIALS FIRST!
- ToUcams $145AUD or $108US or £56
- GREEN LASER POINTERS $125AUD or $92US or £50
- 1000 OAKS OXYGEN III NEBULA FILTERS $140AUD
- ITEMS DUE TO ARRIVE 16TH DECEMBER
- ASTRONOMY 2005 BOOK (15th EDITION) $16AUD
- HARRY SIEBERT EYEPIECES ON SPECIAL
- HARRY SIEBERT 2X BARLOWS 1.25" $150AUD or
£63
- ULTRA WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECES $65AUD or $45US or £27
- NEW SHIPMENT OF 4 ELEMENT PLOSSLS
$40-$50AUD or $30-$35US or £16-£21
- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $30AUD or $20US or £12
- ACUTER 65mm SPOTTING SCOPES $220AUD or $153US or £88
- VIXEN SPHINX MOUNT POLAR ALIGNMENT SCOPES
$245AUD or $158US or £94
ToUCam
- ToUcam - LONG EXPOSURE MODS NOW AVAILABLE
- ToUcam - GETTING THE BEST SETUP
- ToUcam - CHIP SPECS & PRODUCTION SPEC
SHEET
- ToUcam - STACKING SOFTWARE
-
ToUcam - CLEANING THE ToUcam CHIP
- ToUcam - NEW VERSION OF REGISTAX
-
HANDBOOK OF ASTRONOMICAL IMAGE PROCESSING
WITH AIP4WINH
- 40mm
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH T THREAD
- NEW
FREE RONCHI SOFTWARE
-
UNIVERSAL RECALL
-
HARRY SIEBERT BINOS FOR TELESCOPES
-
ALTERNATIVE TO EXPENSIVE CAMERA TO
TELESCOPE ADAPTORS
-
TELESCOPE FORMULAS
-
DARK SITE TEST
-
RUBBER EYECUPS
-
- BAADER
FRINGE KILLERS
-
PENTAX XW EYEPIECES
-
TELRAD DEW SHIELD & 90° VIEWER
-
1000 OAKS DEW CONTROLLERS
-
LUNAR MAP PRO V3 SOFTWARE
-
TELESCOPE IMPROVEMENTS
-
TELESCOPE IMPROVEMENT TIPS
-
AUTOCOLLIMATORS
- 50mm
(2") FOCAL PROJECTION ADAPTORS
-
WEATHER SATELLITE PICTURES FOR NSW (
-
100mm BINOCULARS WITH 45° INTERCHANGABLE
EYEPIECES
-
STARRY NIGHT PRO 5 SOFTWARE
-
ALUMINIUM TELESCOPE CARRY CASES
-
ASTRONOMY DVDs (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
- CUT
DOWN DIAGONALS FOR CAMERA USE ON
SCHMIDT CASSEGRAINS
-
SKYWATCHER'S SKYSCAN GOTO FOR EQ6 MOUNT
-
SOLARSCOPE - A GREAT EDUCATIONAL SUN
PROJECTOR
- WANTED TO
SELL
- WANTED TO
BUY
ToUcams
ON SPECIAL $145AUD or $108US or £56
Our ToUcam
page has been updated with the latest accessories:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
Special
price will remain until Christmas.
GREEN
LASER POINTERS ON SPECIAL $125AUD or $94US or £50
5mw Green
Laser Pointers are $125AUD or $94US. The lasers have a horizontal range
of around 4km or more. Higher milliwatt lasers are available, although
5mw are ideal for astronomical purposes of pointing out objects. Higher
milliwatt lasers are needed if pointing out objects during a full Moon.
Green Lasers are dangerous if pointed into the eyes and need a degree of care
when used.
1000
OAKS OXYGEN III NEBULA FILTERS $140AUD
Oxygen III
Filters are well reknown for their excellent views of diffuse and planetary
nebulae. Enhance your deep sky viewing with the latest in multi-layer
coating technology. Over three years in development, the filters transmit
desired wave-lengths in a very steep slope vs. gentle transition slopes in
competitive brands. This means better contrast and overall performance.
All coatings are fully protected within two glass layers.
$140AUD
(1.25")
http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/nebular.html
ITEMS
DUE TO ARRIVE 16TH DECEMBER
9x60mm
Binoculars $100AUD
11x70mm
Binoculars $140AUD
13x70mm
Binoculars $150AUD (MOST POPULAR)
20x80mm
Binoculars $220AUD
6"
(150mm) Dobsonian Reflectors
Parabolic
Mirror $380AUD
8"
(200mm) Dobsonian Reflectors
Parabolic
Mirror $520AUD
10"
(250mm) Dobsonian Reflectors
Parabolic
Mirror $890AUD
4.5"
(114mm) Reflectors
Equatorial
Mount $245AUD
Tall Camera
Tripods $45AUD
8"
Equatorial Mounts including Pier $280AUD
7x50mm
FinderScopes $45AUD
6x30mm 90°
Finderscopes (aargh! me back) $28AUD
1.9kg
Weights $30AUD
Large Foam
Lined Eyepiece Cases (like Celestron or Meade) $25AUD
2"
Diameter Eyepieces $60AUD
Various
Microscopes
Please
inquire about any items.
ASTRONOMY
2005 BOOK (15th EDITION) $16AUD
Astronomy
2005 is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
$16AUD$
*No price
increase for 9 years*
PREVIOUS
EDITIONS OF ASTRONOMY - $5AUD
HARRY
SIEBERT EYEPIECES ON SPECIAL
1.25"
3.9mm Wide Angle Ultra Performance 65° FOV, 7mm Eye Relief (EP125-39) $165AUD
1.25"
19mm Ultra Super Wide Angle 70°+ FOV, 20mm Eye Relief (EP125-19ULTRA) $175AUD
2"
Observatory (or standard 2" Focuser) 36mm Ultra Plus 70° FOV, 20mm Eye
Relief (OB236MM) $290AUD
HARRY SIEBERT 2X
BARLOWS 1.25"
In order to continue to provide the best possible
optics for these Barlows presently on the market, Harry purchases directly
from Edmund Industrial Optics. You are guaranteed to be purchasing the
highest quality Barlows both in terms of workmanship and optical quality
presently on the market.
$150AUD$ or £63
For more information:
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/
ULTRA
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECES $65AUD or $45US or £27
These are
good quality eyepieces. Features include:
- Fully
MultiCoated
- 66°
Apparent Field of View
- 13 to 17mm
Eye Relief (distance from eyepiece to eye)
- Fold down
rubber eyecups
You can see
the eyepieces on this web page:
http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=4058
NEW
SHIPMENT OF 4 ELEMENT PLOSSLS $40-$50AUD or $30-$35US or £16-£21
We have
these eyepieces made to our design. I guarantee they are better than
standard Meade, Celestron, SkyWatcher, Bushnell, Guan Sheng or Orion
Plossls. 4mm to 40mm Focal Lengths.
RED
DOT FINDERSCOPES $30AUD$ or $20US or £12
If your
building a telescope on a budget and don't won't to pay a $100 or so for a
Finderscope or Telrad, consider a Red Dot Finderscope. Many current
telescopes are issued with them as standard items from Vixen to Tasco and in
between.
ACUTER
65mm SPOTTING SCOPES
$220AUD or $152US$ or £88
The Acuter
Spotting Scope has a large range of accessories including camera
attachments. Normally priced at around $400AUD, these spotting scopes are
snapped up for target shooting, whale watching, bird watching or just a
good quality field scope. Here are some specs.:
- 45°
Eyepiece
- 65mm diameter
- Focal length 386mm
- Multi-Coated
- 16x-48x magnification
- 18-15mm Eye Relief
- 40-60° Field of View
- Field of view 2.5-1.26°
- 4.1 to 1.4mm Exit Pupil
- Carry Case
Also
available in 80mm, 80mm ED, 90mm, 90mm ED, 100mm, and 100mm ED. ED
is low dispersion glass which increases the quality of the optics.
Accessories, Eyepieces
and Camera Attachments can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes068.htm
VIXEN
SPHINX MOUNT POLAR ALIGNMENT
SCOPES $245AUD or $158US or £94
If you have
one of the new Vixen Sphinx Mounts, aligning it to the Celestrial Pole is easy
with this tool.
ToUcams
ToUcam - LONG EXPOSURE
MODS NOW AVAILABLE
Contact
us about modifying the Philips ToUcam and other similar cameras (Quikcam
etc.) for long exposure. Using free software from the internet, the
cameras can be used very easily to take long exposures of the night sky
capturing faint objects. Stacking multiple images using Registax is also
very easy. Registax is also available free from the internet. The
modification includes a switch to choose between short and long exposure.
ToUcam -
CHIP SPECS & PRODUCTION SPEC SHEET
Let me know
if you need these emailed to you.
ToUcam -
GETTING THE BEST SETUP
The best images
can be calculated by using some simple formaulas. These formaulas will
determine the best resolution for your size and focal aspects of
your telescope. A very well explained web site can be seen here:
http://www.frankbrandl.com/htm/webcam.htm
ToUcam
- STACKING SOFTWARE
A number of
people have told me that the AstroStax software gives better colour of nebulaes
than Registax (See below, New Version Of Registax). Both are free downloads.
The ToUcam
Forum is very popular for information:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ToUcam/
ToUcam
- CLEANING THE CHIP
Here's
some advice on cleaning the ToUcam Chip:
"For those new to the ToUcam, I myself have had good results by dabbing a
q-tip in 99% IPA (isopropyl alcohol), applying a slight
amount of pressure and swabbing once/twice across the cover in one
direction. IPA does not etch glass, so rest-assured there is no danger of
damage here (I work in semiconductors and specialize in films and etch).
I might add I store my ToUcam upside-down, sensor down with a fresh layer of
plastic wrap covering the adapter (but how I wish I could store it in a
fab/cleanroom:)...).
Never
use acetone, for it can delaminate the glass cover from the package.
ToUcam
- NEW VERSION OF REGISTAX
Registax
software, amoungst other things, allows images to be aligned and stacked
on top of each other automatically. A new version of Registax has been
developed and pre-tested by a number of people. The new version will be
available in the week leading up to Christmas:
http://aberrator.astronomy.net/registax/
HANDBOOK
OF ASTRONOMICAL IMAGE PROCESSING WITH AIP4WINH
Obtain the
best images possible!
Work is
progressing on a complete update of the book and software to take full
advantage of the rapidly expanding astro-imaging universe. The projected
publication date is mid-winter 2005.
For the
past three years HAIP/AIP4WIN has provided thousands of astro-imagers with both
a text-book-like introduction to the subject and powerful software that allows
them to practice this cutting-edge technology. Since its introduction the
software has been enhanced and now stands as a robust tool for the
scientific imager.
Richard
Berry and Jim Burnell are now working on a complete re-write of the software and
to revise the book to make it ever more flexibile and adaptable to the ever
expaning field of astro imaging. Top line here is what will the new AIP4WIN
will feature:
Robust new
core routines and revised code architecture support trouble-free operation and
future growth and expansion. Our track record for support and upgrades
unequalled in the field of CCD image processing software will continue
unabated.
Based on
precise floating-point math throughout, so pixel values can be as large as
10^32 or as small as -10^32, with 32-bit FP precision (better than 1 ppm
precision and 64 decades of dynamic range).
Virtually
unlimited ability to stack files and accumulate pixel value, or average to
original numeric range without loss of data or signal-to-noise ratio.
Unbeatable for stacking /processing H-alpha in low-signal operations.
Able to
load and display images limited only by the available system memory on your
computer, and undocumented limitations in the Windows operating system.
Processing speed limited only by the speed of your computer's CPU and display
subsystem.
Supports
all valid FITS files using official NASA FITS support libraries, including
8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit integer and flating-point FITS files.
Supports
40+ import/export formats in monochrome and color, including the popular JPEG,
TIFF, PNG, and BMP format.
Plus a
revised and more powerful suite of image processing tools and functions
Plus much,
much more . . .
Visit the Willmann-Bell
Inc. web page to register for updates on the software:
http://www.willbell.com/aip/index.htm
40mm
WIDE ANGLE EYEPIECE WITH T THREAD
We are now
producing 40mm focal length eyepieces with T Thread on the end. The T
Thread
enables
many adaptors and T Rings to fit onto the eyepiece. A 40mm focal length
eyepiece
has a large clear aperture (part you look through) widening the field of
view for a
camera.
There are a
number of advantages to the eyepiece. Firstly, a wide eyepiece
entry hole
(clear aperture) of 26mm allows a wider field of view for the
camera.
Secondly, low magnification, which doesn't spread the light of the
object as
much. Magnification is derived by dividing 40mm into your
telescope's
focal length in mm. Thirdly, other adaptors are not needed to
connect the
camera to an eyepiece, only a T Ring thread. Fourthly, the
eyepiece
can still be used as a 40mm.
The T
Thread Eyepiece is $130AUD or $88US or £50
NEW
FREE RONCHI SOFTWARE
There are a
host of Ronchi software programs free from the internet::
http://www.users.bigpond.com/PJIFL/ronchi_software.html
Ronchi (Ron-Key)
Testers show the shape accuracy of a telescope mirror using a series of
lines. Ronchi Testers, and unassembled kits, can by purchased from us.
UNIVERSAL
RECALL SOFTWARE
Universal Recall is a time efficient way to memorise star and constellation
names by daily listening to the spoken lists. It includes:
- the 25 brightest stars in the night sky
- the 88 constellations
- the 88
constellations with their named stars and their meanings
The spoken
lists are accompanied in the background by quiet classical music. Within
a few months of daily listening, the constellation and star names will be
easily familiar to you.
The software was developed by Michael O'Leary from the
The disc
price is $5 plus postage.
HARRY
SIEBERT BINOS FOR TELESCOPES
I find
the best results from BinoViewers is with an aperture of at least 200mm
(8") in a fairly dark location. Any aperture can be used during the
day. Images are the correct way up when used with a refractor.
22mm CA
Black Night Binos $470AUD or £200
- 22mm
Eyepieces
-
Dielectric coatings
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/SiebertOptics-blacknightbinoviewers.html
The use of
an OCA or Focal Reducer can make a large difference. See this page for
more information:
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/SiebertOptics-barlows.html#1.8x
1.8x
OCA Low profile for Dobs and refractors $205 or £86
1.3x
OCA Dobsonians and refractors $215 or £90
1.3x
OCA Dobsonians and refractors $315 or £132
NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE MAP
A little
known map of the Universe is produced by National Geographic. The map
provides an overview of the Universe as it stands. With the
distance we can see with our ever-improving telescopes, there are at least
a hundred billion galaxies arrayed throughout the universe. Each one, like
the Milky Way, is an “island universe” containing billions of stars. This map
uses graphic scales to show how our solar system fits within the vastness
of the universe. The map also includes a universe timeline and a description of
its evolution. Laminated. Size: 505mm (20") x 785mm (31"). We
can send a picture of the map if you're interested.
$45AUD
ALTERNATIVE
TO EXPENSIVE CAMERA TO TELESCOPE ADAPTORS
The EZI-PIX
camera holder is an alternative to to costly camera adaptors. The
EZI-PIX is a mechanical arm which holds a camera up to the eyepiece.
Using the standard 1/4" Thread common to all cameras, attaching the device
is a breeze. A number of extra attachments are supplied to ensure it fits
onto all telescopes. Being very well engineered and fully adjustable, the
EZI-PIX allows the camera to work with virtually any eyepiece.
$95AUD
TELESCOPE
FORMULAS
There are a
lot of telescope formulas available on the internet. There normally isn't
a comprehensive site with all of them together. Here's a site which has
many of them all together:
http://www.company7.com/library/astforms.html
DARK
SITE TEST
This
article was produced by Sky & Telescope to measure how dark, a "dark
site" is:
http://skyandtelescope.com/resources/darksky/article_81_1.asp
RUBBER
EYECUPS
We have replacement
rubber eyecups. They are $2 each. They are a general size and
fit any eyepieces with a width of 33mm to 34mm.
If you need
an Rubber Eyecup of a particular size and cover, send us a drawing with
measurements and we'll quote.
Mike Salway
has produced a telescope/astronomy web site and forum for
BAADER
FRINGE KILLERS
Baader
Planetarium, a
Going by
the spectral transmission of the Filter, the Fringe Killer covers all the
areas. It blocks the unecessary wave lengths of light, but allows the
transmission of suitable wave lengths very effeciently.
Baader
suggests that the Fringe-Killer combined with their Red filter is perhaps the
best Hydrogen-Alpha filter commercially available. This combination
has a 95% transmission rate at the H-Alpha wavelength and yet costs very
little. H-Alpha filters are great for imaging emission nebula in great
detail, though a smaller pass-band would produce better results.
1.25"
Fringe KIller $120
2"
Fringe Killer $180
PENTAX
XW EYEPIECES
Ranked as
one of the very best eyepieces available for astronomy, the Pentax XW Range is
an update of the XL Range. Within its JIS Class 4 weather-proof
construction, the eyepiece features high refraction, low dispersion lanthanum
glass elements and Pentax's original multi-layer coating for bright, high
resolution images with minimal aberrations and distortions. And you'd
expect it too!:
XW-30 30mm
Focal Length $690
XW-40 40mm
Focal Length $690
TELRAD
DEW SHIELD & 90° VIEWER
If you own
a Telrad, you know its the first thing to dew up on the telescope.
The Dew Shield accessory is also a 90° imager. The 90° imager allows to
look through the Telrad, in the same direction as looking through the
telescope's eyepiece.
$25AUD
1000
OAKS DEW CONTROLLERS
Thousand
Oaks Optical are now producing high quality Dew Contollers. The Digital
Control Unit has 4 independant channels which can be adjusted between
0-100%. With the Controller's state of the art circuitry, with
microprocessor, output voltage will not wander due to moisture. The Unit
also includes a battery saver. For more information visit their web site:
http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/newproducts.html
Digital Dew
Heater Control Units $155AUD
Telrad
Heater Band $39AUD
8" Telescope
Heater Band $86AUD
Contact us
for a quote for your instruments.
LUNAR MAP
PRO V3 SOFTWARE
Lunar Map
Pro V3 isn't available in
- Exclusive
3D graphic visualization lets you create your own 3D displays of the Moon's
rugged landscape. See rilles, valleys, craters and mountains almost as if you
were on the lunar surface.
- NASA
lunar texture map and RITI graphic map let you view the moon at high resolution.
A detailed outline map is available for sketching, and three interactive
geology maps let you study lunar geological history.
- Extensive
database of nearly 8,200 nearside and farside features, can be located and
explored using advanced search capabilities.
- Hover
-
Point-of-View (POV) tool
- Maps flip
and reverse
- Eyepiece
Field-of-View (FOV) feature
- Libration
correction
- Phase
Manager
- Surveyor
tool
- Ephemeris
- Export
maps or 3D Images
- Link
animated GIFs, or your personal photos and observing notes to any named
features.
$150AUD
For more
information visit Riti's web site:
TELESCOPE
IMPROVEMENTS
Hand
Corrected Optics:
Do you have
a telescope with terrible optics? Do you want to see fine detail in the
planets and other objects? Would you like us to re-figure the mirror to a
highly accurate parabola and re-aluminise the mirror with the latest highly
reflective coatings? This service will be available soon.
Replacement
Secondary Mirrors:
Does your
telescope have a low reflective, 1/2 or 1/4 wave accuracy glass secondary
mirror? Replace the secondary with a Pyrex 1/10 wave accuracy secondary
mirror.
Crayford
Focusers for SkyWatcher/Synta/Guan Sheng Newtonians & Refractors:
Designed to
specifically replace the focusers on SkyWatcher/Synta/Guan Sheng model
Newtonians and Refractors. Are you tired of the sloppy, inaccurate Rack
and Pinion Focuser you now use? Crayford Focusers are highly accurate and
stable. Have the ability of putting a camera onto the focuser without it
bending to the weight.
- Newtonian
(Reflector) Crayford Focuser $190AUD or $128US or £74
- Refractor
Crayford Focuser is $230AUD or $155US or £90
Contact us
for more information.
TELESCOPE
IMPROVEMENT TIPS
We are
quite often asked what is the best non-reflective material for lining
telescopes. If you wish to paint the inside of your telescope, then Black
Board Paint is great. If you wish to baffle, line or shroud your telescope
then Black Terry Toweling is highly non-reflective.
AUTOCOLLIMATORS
I tend to
go on about these a fair bit. Owning a 16" F/4.5 Reflector, I find
them invaluable. Accuracy on a short focal ratio telescope is crucial.
To
Understand how the autocollimator is used, consider the following analogy:
A fun
house has two mirrors facing each other in a room. One of the mirrors can
be moved by using a lever in the center of the room. If you stand in the
center of the room and look in one mirror, you will see your reflection.
If the two mirrors are not exactly parallel, you will also see a reflection of
your reflection in the other mirror. These reflections will go on for
what seems forever, creating a line of ever smaller images of yourself.
When the mirrors are parallel, you will only see your reflection in the mirror
because your body is blocking the reflection from the other mirror.
Suppose another person is looking through a small hole in the fixed
mirror. This hole is centered on the position where you are
standing. When the mirros are slightly out of parallel, he sees you and a
series of reflections of you in the mirror behind you from his
perspective. When both mirrors are parallel, he sees only you and no
reflections.
If a flat
mirror is placed in the focuser of a Newtonian telescope and it has a small
hole placed in it to look through, the center of the primary along with
secondary and the mirror in the autocollimator act like the two mirrors in the
example. When a Newtonian is properly collimated, all the multiple
reflections will appear as one.
A standard
collimator or laser is used first to get the rough alignment.
Light
Pipe/Site Tube Combination $99AUD$
AutoCollimator $95AUD$
If both are
purchased there is a discount of $12AUD$ ($182AUD$)
50mm
(2") FOCAL PROJECTION ADAPTORS
The
Adaptors are threaded for filters.
$105AUD or
$78US
WEATHER
SATELLITE PICTURES FOR NSW (
Siding
Spring Observatory, where some of the world's major telescopes, and
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~map/weather/
100mm
BINOCULARS WITH 45° INTERCHANGABLE EYEPIECES
Now
available. They are 100mm in diameter with 1.25"
Focusers. The binoculars come with a Fork Mount and Wooden
Tripod.
We have used different eyepieces, ranging from 15x up to 120x, on the
binoculars with good images. Since the 1.25" focuser is a
new design, 1.25" telescope eyepieces can be used.
We have also made a better Fork Mount for the binoculars which allows pointing
to zenith.
Collimation
screws are also a part of this design as well. Optics are fully coated.
If you
would like some images of the binoculars, let me know.
$1570AUD or
$1175US or £660
STARRY
NIGHT PRO 5 SOFTWARE
At our
Astronomical Society meetings, we have the usual "What astronomical events
are coming up" just like other clubs and societies. For our
society, astronomical events are shown using Starry Night Pro. A
number of people have been quite impressed with the realism of the software.
Instead of just dots for stars, the software shows the night sky as it really
looks, including realistic terrestrial views for effect. So we decided to
order some in and sell them for a great price. The following
site has all the information on the software:
Starry
Night Pro 5 is $230AUD
ALUMINIUM
TELESCOPE CARRY CASES
Aluminium
Carry Cases are very expensive. Not any more!
100cm x
45cm x 30cm Foam Lined.
$130AUD
Let us know
your dimensions and we'll quote.
ASTRONOMY
DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD is
comprehensive including the following features:
- Stars,
Nebulae and Galaxies (27mins)
- Hubble
Images - Best Photos (10 mins)
- Universe
- Stars and the Cosmos (21mins)
- OutBack
Sky - David Miller (10mins)
- History
of Astronomy (12mins)
- Moon and
Sky - Constellations (10mins)
-
Australian Astronomy (16mins)
- Comets -
Origin and History (12mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SPACE
FLIGHT DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD
covers the history of manned space flight, including the Apollo and Shuttle
programs and the development of the Space Station. Featuring:
- Apollo 11
(27mins)
- Astro
Smiles (15mins)
- In Earth
Orbit (14mins)
-
Historical Highlights (12mins)
- Skylab (9mins)
- Apollo 17
(17mins)
- Astronaut
Slide Show (12mins)
-
International Space Station (11mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SOLAR
SYSTEM DVD (MOST POPULAR ITEMS)
This DVD
Covers the Sun, all the planets, moons, asteroids and other bodies of the solar
system. Features images from the Spirit Rover on Mars. Featuring:
-
Introducing the Planets (18mins)
- Venus ‑ Magellan movies (7mins)
- Earth ‑ Movies & stills (17mins)
- Mars Rovers Sprit & Opportunity (17mins)
- Mars ‑ Movies & orbital views (10mins)
- Voyager – the outer planets (30mins)
- Jupiter – from Voyager & Galileo (13mins)
- Asteroids - Ida, Gaspra & Eros (8mins)
$16AUD or $10US$ or £6
CUT DOWN DIAGONALS
FOR CAMERA USE ON SCHMIDT CASSEGRAINS
Nexstar 8s, Meade LX scopes and many other types best
known to the owners as having a problem reaching the zenith, with a camera
attached, due to diagonal protuding to far out. We have 2" Mirror
Diagonals which are cut down to allow the telescope to point straight up.
There are 2 different qualities and prices. Please inquire.
SKYWATCHER'S SKYSCAN
GOTO FOR EQ6 MOUNT
The EQ6 Mount complete with SkyScan and SkyScan
upgrade kit will be available mid December The Upgrade includes
all that is necessary to bring an EQ6 up to the Skyscan-EQ6 spec. Stepper
motors, hand control, control board, cables etc.
Skyscan is compatible with most astronomy
programs and autoguiders from the outset. The appropriate pinouts are given in
the instructions.
EQ6 Mount with SkyScan $2730
SkyScan upgrade $1145
The upgrade installation is quite simple and well
within the scope of "handy" people. The autoguide function, is
compatible with most commercially available autoguiders. Here's some
information by SkyWatcher:
http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/EQ6SkyScan.html
SOLARSCOPE - A
GREAT EDUCATIONAL SUN PROJECTOR
Developed in
Standard Model $125
Education Model $175
WANTED TO SELL
Please now see our web site for pre-loved items:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
WANTED TO BUY
- 6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical
part) for a Meade DS-10
Please call or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO
BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
OCTOBER
NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.30
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There's a
fair bit in this one since July was the last Newsletter - Let me know if
you want July's. Past Newsletters can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm
IN
THIS ISSUE:
-
ToUcam LONG EXPOSURE MODS NOW AVAILABLE
- SLR
LENSES FOR WEB CAMS
- NEW
LARGE BINOCULARS
- 25x100mmFB
- 100mm BINOCULARS WITH 45° INTERCHANGABLE
EYEPIECES
-
ASTROSYSTEMS LIGHT PIPE/SIGHT TUBE & AUTOCOLLIMATOR
-
INEXPENSIVE DIGITAL IMAGER FOR THE
MOON & PLANETS
- STOPPING
DOWN A TELESCOPE
-
STAR TRACK PROGRAM
-
AUSTRALIAN SKY & TELESCOPE MAGAZINE
- RUSSIAN
NOVOSIBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES (LAST CHANCE!)
- BULK MIRROR
PURCHASE
-
ATIK CCD INSTRUMENTS
-
STARRY NIGHT PRO 5 SOFTWARE
- RR
ACHROMATIC REPLACEMENT FOR SYNTA TELESCOPES
- UPDATE
ON OUR OWN ACHROMAT LENSES
-
FIRST PHOTOGRAPH OF A WORLD BEYOND OUR
OWN?
-
INFORMATION ON OUR MILKY WAY GALAXY
-
MIRAGE 180mm MAKSUTOV CASSEGRAIN OTAs
-
ASTROVID STELLACAMS
-
NEED A VIXEN CARRY CASE?
- NEW
PRICE LISTS
-
UNIVERSAL RECALL SOFTWARE
-
ARRIVING IN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS
- DVDs
- ASTRONOMY DVD
- SPACE FLIGHT DVD
- SOLAR SYSTEM DVD
- NEW
VIXEN 100S SHUTTLE SCOPE
-
CRAYFORD FOCUSERS FOR SKYWATCHER/SYNTA NEWTONIANS
& REFRACTORS
- VIC
SOUTH STAR PARTY (
-
SKYWATCHER EQ6 HEIGHT EXTENSION TUBE
-
2" VARIABLE FOCAL REDUCER FOR DSLR
& ORION 80ED
- EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTORS
- ORION 80ED
- MAXKUEI 80HD
- PHEONIX 80S
- CUT
DOWN DIAGONALS FOR SCHMIDT CASSEGRAIN
- DO
YOU HAVE $70,000AUD AND LOOKING FOR A
TELESCOPE?
-
CURRENT SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES SPECIALS
- DOBSONIANS
- MOUNTS
- G11 LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
- NEXSTAR 4/5, 5i TRIPOD/WEDGE
- SPOTTING SCOPES
- ACUTER 65mm
- BINOCULARS
- 13X70mm BINOCULARS
- VARIOUS
- ASTRONOMY 2005 BOOK (15th Edition)
- ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN OBSERVATORY POSTCARDS
OF OBJECTS
- BAADER SOLAR FILM
- HARRY SIEBERT 2X BARLOWS 1.25"
-
- VIXEN SPHINX MOUNT POLAR
ALIGNMENT SCOPE
- 2" 90° MIRROR DIAGONALS
- GREEN LASER POINTERS
- MOON PHASE MAPS
- TELRAD FINDERSCOPES
- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES
- RASTER 250K -
-
- LAMINATED WORLD SUPER MAPS
- LAMINATED
- DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
- WANTED
TO SELL
- PLEASE NOW SEE OUR WEB SITE FOR
PRE-LOVED ITEMS
-
WANTED TO BUY
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
ToUcam
LONG EXPOSURE MODS NOW AVAILABLE
We are now
modifying the Philips ToUcam and other similar cameras (Quikcam etc.) for long
exposure. The Modification is $140AUD or $102US. Using free
software from the internet, the cameras can be used very easily to take long
exposures of the night sky capturing faint objects. Stacking multiple images
using Registax is also very easy. Registax is also available free from
the internet. The modification includes a switch to choose
between short and long exposure.
Due to the
stacking capability of Registax, its not necessary to have a telescope with an
equatorial mount. Images can be captured using a Dobsonian mount
and stacked together to make one image.
- Philips
ToUcam 840k $145AUD or $105US
- Long
Exposure modification $140AUD or $102US
- Adaptors which are threaded for for filters are $35AUD
- Schott Glass IR Filters to suit 1.25" Eyepieces $60AUD (Recommended)
Other Accessories:
- IR Filters (Edmund Scientific) $120AUD (high quality)
- Minus
Violet Filters (1000 Oaks) $110AUD
- T Thread
Adaptors $40AUD
- Eyepiece
Projection Adaptors $45AUD
- Focal
Reducers 0.6x $95AUD
- Focal
Reducers 0.3x - please inquire
- 2x Barlow
with T Thread $70AUD
- Achromatic 3x Barlows $60AUD
- 5m Extension cables are available for $24AUD. This extends the total cable
length to 7.7m - Please contact us for longer lengths.
Please
contact us for currency conversions outside
SLR
LENSES FOR WEB CAMS
Why
SLR lenses on web cams? Firstly, the optics are very good.
Secondly, they where designed to give a very flat field image over the entire
35mm film plain. The image being in the center, where a webcam CCD
resides, is therefore extremely good. Telephoto lenses could be used for
guide scopes and for applications where you want slightly wider Field of View
(FOV) images of bright objects. Short focal length lenses like 50mm or even
down to fisheye lenses can give webcams a reasonable FOV for wide field astro
imaging. Note that even a 180 degree fisheye will only give a webcam a FOV of
40 to 60 degrees due to the small size of the CCD. There are also many
terrestrial applications that could be explored.
For more
information please contact us.
NEW
LARGE BINOCULARS
25x100mmFB
In the past
we have been dealing with Celestron's large 25x100 Binoculars. Now we are
happy to announce a change to a new model which has many advantages over the
Celestron model. These improvements include:
- Improved
prism mounts for better collimation
- Full matt
black internals
- More
shock proof and better armoured
- Fully
broadband Multi-Coating on all surfaces
-
Individual focus
-
Collimation screws
$699AUD or
$415US$ or £308
More
detailed information can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/binocular_25x100.htm
100mm
BINOCULARS WITH 45° INTERCHANGABLE EYEPIECES
These
binoculars have just finished development and are now in
production. They are 100mm in diameter with 1.25" Focusers.
The binoculars come with a Fork Mount and Wooden Tripod.
We have used different eyepieces, ranging from 15x up to 120x, on the
binoculars with good images. Since the 1.25" focuser is a
new design, 1.25" telescope eyepieces can be used.
We have also made a better Fork Mount for the binoculars which allows pointing
to zenith.
Collimation
screws are also a part of this design as well. Optics are fully coated.
If you
would like some images of the binoculars, let me know. The initial price is
around $1700AUD.
ASTROSYSTEMS LIGHT PIPE/SIGHT TUBE & AUTOCOLLIMATOR
AstroSystems
are well renown for making quality telescopes and accessories. When it
comes to collimating your telescope (alignment of the mirrors) accuracy is
important especially if the focal ratio is short. The Light Pipe and
Sight Tube is used in combination with the Auto-collimator to get an exact
alignment. For those who already have an alignment tool, Chesire Tool or
Laser Collimator, these tools only do half the job. The AutoCollimator is
used to ensure exact alignment. More information can be read on
AstroSystems site:
http://www.astrosystems.biz/coltlsm1.htm
Light
Pipe/Site Tube Combination $99AUD$
AutoCollimator
$95AUD$
If both are purchased there is a discount of $12AUD$ ($182AUD$)
INEXPENSIVE DIGITAL
IMAGER FOR THE MOON & PLANETS
If you
would like an inexpensive Digital Camera imager for brighter objects
including the Stars, Moon, Planets and day time objects then the Digi-Eyepiece
is the way to go. The Digi-Eyepiece replaces the eyepiece in your
telescope or spotting scope and allows images to be shown on a PC. The
Digi-Eyepiece is used on telescopes which use 1" or 1.25"
eyepieces. Video frame rate is 30 frames per second and has an image
sensor of 300k pixels. The Digi-Eyepiece uses a USB cable to connect to
the PC.
$70AUD or
$47US or £27 - normally priced at $120AUD
STOPPING
DOWN A TELESCOPE
Increased
resolution along with a longer focal ratio, decreased brightness and the
ability to use the best part of your mirror is some of the advantages of
Stopping Down a Telescope.
Warning:
Solar film is still needed when stopping down a telescope to view the
Sun. Baader Solar Film is a Current Special. See below.
The
technique is particulary useful on larger reflecting telescopes.
Cut out a
cardboard or similar disk about the same diameter as your tube. This will
be placed over the end of the telescope (where the light goes in). From
the disk, cut holes in the places where only the mirror sees (no obstruction).
eg. between secondary mirror arms, around the secondary mirror, or even if your
focuser sticks in too far creating an obstruction. Keep the cornering of
the circles neat. Oblongs are ok. Each hole is now your mirror
without the obstruction of the secondary mirror, arms and maybe focuser which
all cause obstructions to the main mirror. Your new size mirror changes
the focal ratio of the telescope to a longer one making it great for Moon,
planets and transits - as long as the subject is bright enough for your now,
smaller mirror. Using circles in the disk makes it easier to work out
your new focal ratio etc. Circles also allow you to choose what part of
the mirror is used by rotating the disk.
STAR
TRACK PROGRAM
This free
software downloaded from the internet is useful for guiding your webcam or
similar device. An output device is required to control the telescope's
dual axis drive. The link was given to me by John Innes of the Australian
Antarctic Division who operate an observatory down there:
http://www.davidditch.com/astro/startrack/software/
AUSTRALIAN
SKY & TELESCOPE MAGAZINE
An
Australian version of the highly popular
RUSSIAN
NOVOSIBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES (LAST CHANCE!)
This is the
last chance to add to the Russian Novosibrisk order.
We are
placing another order with the Russian Telescope Makers Novosibrisk, makers of
the famous TAL Series and Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes. Please call for
quotes. Any persons wishing to place an order of any
of Novosibrisk items need to pay a 10% deposit. Here is their
web site:
Some of the
pages of this site open slowly.
For those
who are not familiar with Novosibrisk, they make very good quality, affordable
telescopes and accessories. Everything's as solid as a rock and the
machining is of a high grade compared to other popular scopes. They
like to put a little more metal into the instruments as well, which isn't a bad
thing!
One of
their most popular items is the Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
Assemblies. Maksutov-Cassegrains are suited for planetary viewing due to
the smaller design of secondary mirror which causes less obstruction.
The
4.5" TAL-1 Reflector on Equatorial Pedestal Mount is a fantastic beginner
instrument. I use one for portability and it gives very sharp images of
the planets using high quality eyepieces. For around an extra
$100, the TAL-1 is a chalk and cheese comparison to any Chinese
4.5". The TAL-1 also includes a full set of Filters, Solar
Projection Screen and rock solid Mount with Slow Motion Controls which are
pleasurable to use for basic astrophotography. The telescope is designed
with the correct sized secondary mirror and low profile focuser which improves
the image quality also.
BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
Once again
we are collecting orders from interested parties who wish to purchase
items form NewPort Glass Works.
The bulk
order enables purchasers to save money as we order the items in one large
shipment. Newport Glass are specialists in telescope glass making
materials including mirrors, blanks and tools. Blanks include
pre-generated curves and Schmidt-Cassegrain. The products Newport Glass
produce can be seen at their web site:
ATIK
CCD INSTRUMENTS
We have access
to the Atik range of CCD Cameras designed for astronomical use for good
prices. Atik'c base model uses the same CCD chip as the Philips
ToUcam. More sensitive models are priced between the Philips ToUcam and
the AstroVid StellaCams. This enables the buyer to purchase suited to
their budget:
http://www.perseu.pt/atik/about.php
STARRY
NIGHT PRO 5 SOFTWARE
At our
Astronomical Society meetings, we have the usual "What astronomical events
are coming up" just like other clubs and societies. For our
society, astronomical events are shown using Starry Night Pro. A
number of people have been quite impressed with the realism of the
software. Instead of just dots for stars, the software shows the night
sky as it really looks, including realistic terrestrial views for effect.
So we decided to order some in and sell them for a great price. The
following site has all the information on the software:
Starry
Night Pro 5 is $230AUD
RR
ACHROMATIC REPLACEMENT FOR SYNTA TELESCOPES
For a high
performance, the RR Achromatic replacement lens is designed to upgrade Synta
Instruments (SkyWatcher, Saxon etc.) Refractors. Please inquire for
pricing. A review from Cloudy Nights can be seen here:
http://www.cloudynights.com/reviews5/rr.htm
UPDATE
ON OUR OWN ACHROMAT LENSES
We have
been working hard on making available a popular, affordable, achromatic
lens suitable for the home builder of a refractor telescope. Thanks go to
Angel (manufacturer's representative) and Ian Robinson (ASSA) for their input
so far.
As this
stage we expect the achromatic lens will be 127mm diameter with a focal ratio
of about F/12.5. The lens will be in an adjustable cell. The
resulting telescopes will be great for high powered observations of the
planets, Moon, solar and a whole lot more.
Let us know
if you're interested in one. We will have all the accessories to complete
the telescope.
FIRST
PHOTOGRAPH OF A WORLD BEYOND OUR OWN?
A group of
European-led astronomers has made a photograph of what appears to be a planet orbiting
another star. If so, it would be the first confirmed picture of a world beyond
our solar system:
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/planet_photo_040910.html
INFORMATION
ON OUR MILKY WAY GALAXY
This web
site has comprehensive information on our own Milky Way Galaxy including views
from a number of sources (optical, x-ray, multi wavelength etc.):
http://csc.gallaudet.edu/soarhigh/SHMA440.HTM
MIRAGE
180mm MAKSUTOV CASSEGRAIN OTAs
Always on
the hunt for good telescopes at good prices, we came across the 7" (180mm)
Mirage Maksutov Cassegrain. The optical tube assembly comes with
different accessories and different wavelengths ratings! Anyone
interested in buying one can contact us for pricing. Here is one of the
reviews from Cloudy Nights where its side by side with a Takahashi:
http://www.cloudynights.com/reviews5/toa.htm
ASTROVID
STELLACAMS
A number of
popular astronomy magazines have reviewed the Astrovid StellaCams with
praise. The StellaCams boast a 0.00005 Lux rating for the deep sky model
StellaCam II. This means the StellaCam can be for very low light
imaging. One such review has been from Shevill Mathers, a highly active
astronomer from
http://www.astrovid.com/stellacam_customer_comments.htm
StellaCam
EX $1190AUD$ or £465
StellaCam
II $1330AUD$ or £505
PC
Control $205 or £78
Accessories
are available for attachment. Please call or email for more information.
NEED
A VIXEN CARRY CASE?
I have had
numerous inquiry from all over the world for Vixen Telescope Carry Cases.
Until now the distributors have been unwilling to bring them in. They are
now available at a reasonable price. Let us know what model Vixen you
have and we can quote including shipping.
NEW
PRICE LISTS
We are
currently updating our web price lists which is fairly continuous. I'm
currently working on Celestron's. Our product resources are far and
wide. Currently our web site has nearly 200 pages with many products not
listed. It's best to send us an inquiry email or give us a call if you
can't find what you're looking for.
Here are
our main price lists:
Popular
Brands
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pricelists.htm
CLASSIFIEDS
DIVIDED INTO SECTIONS;
Telescopes
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes066.htm
Spotting
Scopes
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes068.htm
Microscopes
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes092.htm
Binoculars
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes067.htm
Second hand
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
Parts and
Accessories
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes095.htm
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm
Books
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes097.htm
Always on
Special
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
UNIVERSAL
RECALL SOFTWARE
Universal Recall is a time efficient way to memorise star and constellation
names by daily listening to the spoken lists. It includes:
- the 25 brightest stars in the night sky
- the 88 constellations
- the 88
constellations with their named stars and their meanings
The spoken
lists are accompanied in the background by quiet classical music. Within
a few months of daily listening, the constellation and star names will be
easily familiar to you.
The software was developed by Michael O'Leary from the
The disc
price is $5 plus postage.
ARRIVING
IN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS
New items
are arriving all the time. Here is a short list of items people have been
inquiring about:
- Heavy
Duty Alt/az Mounts
- Compact
Binoculars 10x25mm
- 12x80mm
Binoculars
- 9x60mm
Binoculars
- 11x70mm
Binoculars
- Tall
Camera Tripods 170cm and higher
- 7x50mm
Finderscopes
- Telescope
weights
- Aluminium
Eyepiece and Accessory Boxes
- 6x30mm
90° Finderscopes
Contact us
if you wish to know when they arrive.
DVDs
ASTRONOMY
DVD
This DVD is
comprehensive including the following features:
- Stars,
Nebulae and Galaxies (27mins)
- Hubble
Images - Best Photos (10 mins)
- Universe
- Stars and the Cosmos (21mins)
- OutBack Sky
- David Miller (10mins)
- History
of Astronomy (12mins)
- Moon and
Sky - Constellations (10mins)
-
Australian Astronomy (16mins)
- Comets -
Origin and History (12mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SPACE
FLIGHT DVD
This DVD
covers the history of manned space flight, including the Apollo and Shuttle
programs and the development of the Space Station. Featuring:
- Apollo 11
(27mins)
- Astro
Smiles (15mins)
- In Earth
Orbit (14mins)
-
Historical Highlights (12mins)
- Skylab
(9mins)
- Apollo 17
(17mins)
- Astronaut
Slide Show (12mins)
-
International Space Station (11mins)
$16AUD or
$10US$ or £6
SOLAR
SYSTEM DVD
This DVD
Covers the Sun, all the planets, moons, asteroids and other bodies of the solar
system. Features images from the Spirit Rover on Mars. Featuring:
-
Introducing the Planets (18mins)
- Venus ‑ Magellan movies (7mins)
- Earth ‑ Movies & stills (17mins)
- Mars Rovers Sprit & Opportunity (17mins)
- Mars ‑ Movies & orbital views (10mins)
- Voyager – the outer planets (30mins)
- Jupiter – from Voyager & Galileo (13mins)
- Asteroids - Ida, Gaspra & Eros (8mins)
$16AUD or $10US$ or £6
NEW
VIXEN 100S SHUTTLE SCOPE
Here's a
new telescope released from Vixen. I haven't a lot information on the telescope so
far and has yet to be released outside
http://www.hi-net.zaq.ne.jp/bubok708/sw/imp-shuttle.html
CRAYFORD
FOCUSERS FOR SKYWATCHER/SYNTA NEWTONIANS &
REFRACTORS
We had a
great response for these in the last Newsletter so for the Newbies, here's
the info again:
Designed to
specifically replace the focusers on SkyWatcher/Synta model Newtonians and
Refractors. Are you tired of the sloppy, inaccurate Rack and Pinion
Focuser you now use? Crayford Focusers are highly accurate and
stable. Have the ability of putting a camera onto the focuser without it bending
to the weight.
- Newtonian
(Reflector) Crayford Focuser $190AUD or $128US or £74
- Refractor
Crayford Focuser is $230AUD or $155US or £90
VIC
SOUTH STAR PARTY (
The annual,
combined star party between the Astronomical Society of South Australia and
Astronomical Society of Victoria is being held between Friday November 5 to
Sunday November 7, regardless of weather, at the Little Desert National Park
near the town of
Information
regarding the star party can be seen here:
http://www.assa.org.au/activities/camps/
SKYWATCHER
EQ6 HEIGHT EXTENSION TUBE
If you
would like to increase the height of your EQ6 Mount, SkyWatcher now have an
extension tube:
http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/WhatsNew.html
TOSHIBA
LAPTOPS
We still
have the Toshiba Laptops available. I got one myself! There
are a number of models and the prices are very good. The laptops are
straight from the factory in the
Please
email for detailed specifications of the various models.
2"
VARIABLE FOCAL REDUCER FOR DSLR &
ORION 80ED
The Orion
80ED is a very popular telescope and doesn't break the bank. Please see
below. A 2" Variable Focal Reducer to be used with a DSLR Camera is
now available and is suited very well to the Orion 80ED and other similar
telescopes. Please inquire for suitability.
$95AUD or
$64US or £38
EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTORS
ORION
80ED
Have you
been searching for the ideal short focal length refractor? The Orion 80mm
F/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor Optical Tube Assembly is $910AUD.
The assembly includes a 2" Focuser with a 1.25" adaptor. Some
of these great telescopes have optics which are out of alignment (collimation)
which greatly reduces their performance. Collimation of our Orion 80ED's is
tested, and if necessary corrected, before sending them out to our customers.
MAXKUEI
80HD
If the
Orion 80ED is little out of your price range then the MaxKuei 80HD Optical Tube
Assembly is certainly worth consideration. The engineering of the MaxKuei
80HD is excellent. HD stands for High Definition and is a step up from
standard achromats. Upon testing, the High Definition optics show clear
crisp images of stars over a 3° Field of View! Here are some more specs.:
80mm Dia.
480mm Focal Length F/6
2"
Crayford Focuser
Heavy Duty,
Foam Lined Suit Case
$560AUD or
$392US or £224
PHEONIX
80S
Finally
there is the
80mm Dia.
480mm Focal Length F/6
2"
Crayford Focuser
Heavy Duty,
Foam Lined Suit Case
$620AUD or
$434US$ or £248 - Don't pay $900AUD or $575US!
As
mentioned above, a 2" Variable Focal Reducer for DSLR Cameras is now
available for these telescopes.
CUT
DOWN DIAGONALS FOR SCHMIDT CASSEGRAIN
Nexstar 8
and Meade LX scopes and many other types best known to the owners as having a
problem reaching the zenith due to diagonal. We know have 2"
Diagonals which are cut down to allow the telescope to reach zenith.
There are 2 different models and prices. Please inquire.
DO
YOU HAVE $70,000AUD AND LOOKING FOR A
TELESCOPE?
Celestron
C20 Astrograph - Observatory Class Telescope
20"
(508mm) diameter - Field Corrected, Modified Dall-Kirkham Optical System
with StarBright XLT Coatings, 3454mm Focal Length (F/6.8), Computerised German
Equatorial Mount with 40,000 Objects Database, Nexstar Computerised Hand
Control, Nexremote Telescope Control Software, Professional Class Portable
Pier/ Tripod or Permanent Pier.
Discount
for quantities.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
6"
(150mm) Dobsonians
Parabolic
Mirror
$380
8"
(200mm) Dobsonians
Parabolic
Mirror
$520
10"
(250mm) Dobsonians
Parabolic
Mirror
$890
12"
(300mm) Dobsonians
Parabolic
Mirror
$1250
MOUNTS
G11
Losmandy with Gemini
$4990
Nexstar
4/5, 5i Tripod/Wedge
$250
SPOTTING
SCOPES
Acuter
65mm
The Acuter
Spotting Scope has a large range of accessories including camera
attachments. Normally priced at around $400AUD, these spotting scopes are
snapped up for target shooting, whale watching, bird watching or just a
good quality field scope. Here are some specs.:
- 45°
Eyepiece
- 65mm diameter
- Focal length 386mm
- Multi-Coated
- 16x-48x magnification
- 18-15mm Eye Relief
- 40-60° Field of View
- Field of view 2.5-1.26°
- 4.1 to 1.4mm Exit Pupil
- Carry Case
$220AUD or
$152US$ or £88
Accessories,
models and camera attachments can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes068.htm
BINOCULARS
13x70mm
Binoculars
Large
aperture budget binoculars $150.
Excellent
binoculars for finding objects, viewing comets or brilliant day time
viewing. We've sold a fair few of these. The quality far surpasses
the price. Currently out of stock. More are on the way. Let
me know if you want some put aside.
VARIOUS
Vixen
1.25"
10mm $250 (New)
1.25"
20mm $250 (New)
Astronomy
2005 (15th Edition)
Astronomy
2005 is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
$16AUD$
*No price
increase for 9 years*
PREVIOUS
EDITIONS OF ASTRONOMY - $5AUD
Anglo-Australian
Observatory Postcards of Objects
0.30 cents
each
Various
objects taken by the AAO Observatory including shots by David Malin and
made into beautiful postcards.
Objects
Include:
Centaurus A
Trifid
Nebula
Star Trails
Sprial
Galaxies
Cometary
Globule
Eta Carinae
Nebula
Helix
Nebula
Keyhole
Nebula
Horse Head
Nebula
Sprial
Galaxy in Fornax SB
Southern
Cross and Pointers
Moon
Planets
Star Birth
in Eagle Nebula
Baader
Solar Film
30cm x 30cm
$35AUD
25cm x 25cm
$27AUD
20cm x 20cm
$20AUD
15cm x 15cm
$12AUD
10cm x 10cm
$8AUD
8cm x 8cm
$6AUD
It's not
necessary to cover the whole end of the telescope with solar film. Only a
small portion of the mirror or the lens needs to see the Sun. On
reflector telescopes, "Stopping Down" the optics, then using solar
film, can improve the image clarity of the Sun. An article on Stopping
Down A Telescope can been seen earlier in the Newsletter.
Warning:
Ensure safety when viewing the Sun with any means. There have been no
reported cases of injuries using proper solar film. Baader Film is used
by millions of solar watchers. Full safety instructions are available
from us if you're not sure.
Warning:
Ensure when viewing the Sun that solar film, caps or "Stopping Down"
disks are securely attached. Do not under any circumstance view the
Sun without solar film or similar devices used for solar observation.
Warning:
Ensure Finderscopes are covered so no one looks through it by mistake.
For
information on Baader Solar Film visit their web site here:
http://www.baader-planetarium.com/sofifolie/sofi_start_e.htm
Harry
Siebert 2x Barlows 1.25"
In order to
continue to provide the best possible optics for these Barlows presently on the
market, Harry purchases directly from Edmund Industrial Optics. But
you are guaranteed to be purchasing the highest quality Barlows both in terms
of workmanship and optical quality presently on the market.
$180AUD$ or
£72
For more
information:
http://www.siebertoptics.com/SiebertOptics-barlows.html
Locate
objects in the night sky with a planisphere designed directly for
$3AUD
Vixen
Sphinx Mount Polar Alignment Scopes
If you have
one of the new Vixen Sphinx Mounts, aligning it to the Celestrial Pole is easy
with this tool.
$245AUD or
$158US or £94
2"
90° Mirror Diagonals
If
your telescope focuser can take 2" Eyepieces, here's the
inexpensive diagonal to do the job. 2" eyepieces can double the
field of view of long focal length refractors! The diagonal has a
1.25" collar so 1.25" eyepieces can still be used.
$95AUD$ or
$66US$ or £35
Green
laser pointers
5mw Green
Laser Pointers are $125AUD or $94US. The lasers have a horizontal range
of around 4km or more. Higher milliwatt lasers are available, although
5mw are ideal for astronomical purposes of pointing out objects. Higher
milliwatt lasers are needed if pointing out objects during a full Moon.
Green Lasers are dangerous if pointed into the eyes and need a degree of care
when used.
Moon
Phase Maps
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover
sheet illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$16AUD$ or
$10US$ or £6
Telrad
Finderscopes
Telrads are
currently $95AUD. Extra Bases are $18AUD. What's a Telrad
Finderscope? It's what I use. See here:
http://www.astro-tom.com/tips_and_advice/1x_finder_scopes.htm
Anti-Dew
Heaters are now available for your Telrad. Please inquire.
Red
Dot Finderscopes
If your
building a telescope on a budget and don't won't to pay a $100 or so for a
Finderscope or Telrad, consider a Red Dot Finderscope. Many current
telescopes are issued with them as standard items from Vixen to Tasco and in
between.
$30AUD$ or
$20US or £12
Raster
250k -
Geo-Science
Australia Raster Maps, when compared to vector maps, are suitable for
special use. For example when you want to explore into features not covered in
vector maps, such as vegetation, mountain top names, labels on maps and
others. Raster Maps are geo-referenced and provide optimal resolution at
various zoom levels. NatMap Raster 250k CD ROM includes:
-
Geo-referenced RASTER 250k images
- Data
Configuration Tool
- Access to
Grid Coordinates
- Viewer
interface
- Gazetteer
(Place Name) Search
-
Latitude/Longitude Search
- Map Name
Search
- Map
Number Search
- Index Map
- Image
Export Facility
- Print a
Portion of the Map
$70AUD
Olympus ECE
10x 40x 100xoil (100 - 400 & 1000 times).
$870AUD or
$590US or £348
Olympus ECE
Binocular with long working distance, objectives 6x 10x 40x 100x and 10xoil
eyepieces brightfield.
$1080AUD or
$734US or £430
Olympus BH1
Binocular with long working distance objectives 6x 10x 40x 100x and 10xoil
eyepieces brightfield.
$1900AUD or
$1290US or £760
We have a
large range of fully overhauled
Laminated World
Super Maps
Highly Popular, Highly
detailed including time zones - 190cm x 110cm
$59AUD$ or
$38US$
Laminated
Highly Popular,
Highly detailed - 137cm x 120cm
$59AUD$ or
$38US$
Disposable
Cameras
- 27
Exposures
- Flash
- 400 ASA
Film
- Glass
Lens
- $8AUD -
discounts for quantities
WANTED
TO SELL
Please now
see our web site for pre-loved items:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes093.htm
WANTED
TO BUY
- 6mm RADIAN
EYEPIECE
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO
BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
JULY
NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.29
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
June was
the last Newsletter - Let me know if you want it.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
-
VENUS TRANSIT
-
TOSHIBA LAPTOPS
-
UNIVERSAL RECALL
- ToUcams
- IR FILTERS FINALLY HERE
- ToUcams
LONG EXPOSURE MODIFICATION WITH SWITCH - *UPDATE*
- ASTRONOMY
DVD
-
SECONDHAND ASTRONOMY MAGAZINES
-
INFORMATION, PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS, STAR
LOCATING, FREE PLANETARIUM SOFTWARE
-
CRAYFORD FOCUSERS FOR SKYWATCHER/SYNTA NEWTONIANS
& REFRACTORS
-
HAVE YOU CHECKED NASA's WEB TV?
-
CASSINI/HUYGENS SPACECRAFT
- OLD
PENTAX BINOCULAR MODELS NOW ON SPECIAL
-
ILLUMINATED RETICLES
- LOSMANDY
DEALERS
- RUSSIAN
NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES
- BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES SPECIALS
- 102mm REFRACTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- ALL CELESTRON
- EXCELLENT SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR
- MOUNTS
- G11 LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
- NEXSTAR 4/5, 5i TRIPOD/WEDGE
- BINOCULARS
- CELESTRON 25X100mm BINOCULARS - *New Lower Price*
- 13X70mm BINOCULARS
- VARIOUS SPECIALS
- BOOKS etc.
- THE BEST OF
AMATEUR TELESCOPE MAKING JOURNAL VOL I
& 2
- THE DOBSONIAN
TELESCOPE, A PRACTICAL MANUAL TO
BUILDING LARGE APERTURE TELESCOPES
- HOW TO MAKE A
TELESCOPE 2ND EDITION
- PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF ASTRONOMY 2004
- ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN OBSERVATORY
POSTCARDS OF OBJECTS
- SKY MAP PRO SOFTWARE
- 2" 90° PRISM DIAGONALS
- ASTROSYSTEMS COLLIMATION TOOLS
- 3X BARLOWS
- GREEN LASER POINTERS
- EYEPIECE PROJECTION ADAPTORS
- MOON PHASE MAPS
- DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
- WANTED TO
SELL
- 5" REFRACTOR ON EQ5
- VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (
- TASCO LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- VIXEN GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- CELESTRON C8 SCT PARTS
- CELESTRON C8 COMPLETE PLUS MANY EXTRAS
- Pentax 12x50 PCF III
- Pentax Tripod Adapter N
- Manfotto 128RC Pan Head. Includes handle
- Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl 15mm (made in
- Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl 26mm (made in
- WANTED TO
BUY
- SBIG ST4 GUIDER
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
- Dust Caps of Various Sizes
- Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
VENUS
TRANSIT
Here are
some interesting web sites after the Venus Transit:
One of the
best images of the Transit:
http://astrosurf.com/rondi/venus2004/index.htm
International
Space Station Transiting the Sun during the Venus Transit:
http://www.vt-2004.org/photos/images/vt-photo-01-toma.jpg
Much
discussion has gone into the "black drop" effect during the
Transit. We were not able to see any effect using our equipment:
http://metaresearch.org/home/viewpoint/blackdrop.asp
If you want
an extreme close up of the event then NASA's site has it. Go to the web
site below, click on Archive and go to "2004 June 09". This is
also one of the best sites for daily pictures:
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
Thanks to
those who attended our setup down at
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/venus-transit-sun.htm
Last of the
Solar Glasses $3 each!
TOSHIBA
LAPTOPS
We have a
delivery of Toshiba Laptops arriving in around 2 weeks. They have a one
year warranty and are specially priced at $1870 each. Here are the
specs.:
Intel
Celeron D Processor 325 (2.53GHZ, 256KB L2 Cache, 533 FSB) and an ATI Mobility
Radeon 7000 intergrated graphics.
- Microsoft
XP Home Edition
- 256MB
PC2100 DDR SDRAM
- 15"
XGA Display (1024x768)
- ATI
Mobility Radeon 7000 IGP w/64MB Shared Video
- 30GB HDD
(4200 rpm)
- DVD/CD RW
-
Intergrated Wi-Fi (802.11g)
Also
Includes:
- Microsoft
Works
- Microsoft
Onenote
- 3 USB
Ports
- TV out (S-Video)
port
- 10/100
Ethernet
- V92/56k
Modem
-
-
Please
email for detailed specifications.
UNIVERSAL
RECALL
Universal Recall is a time efficient way to memorise star and constellation
names by daily listening to the spoken lists. It includes:
- the 25 brightest stars in the night sky
- the 88 constellations
- the 88
constellations with their named stars and their meanings
The spoken
lists are accompanied in the background by quiet classical music. Within
a few months of daily listening, the constellation and star names will be
easily familiar to you.
The disc price is now $5 plus postage. The price was $15 before.
ToUcams
- FILTERS FINALLY HERE
We now have
stock of the Schott Glass IR Filters which are half the price of the Edmund
Scientific IR Filters. The Schott IR Filters are mounted in standard
1.25" Filter Holders ready for screwing into your ToUcam Adaptor.
The IR Filters make a large difference to the quality of the image especially
if its the Moon or planets. The IR Filter also makes adjusting the focus
sharper. The ToUcam and other CCD's accepts a high amount of IR
(Infra Red) and the Filters reduce it greatly.
$60AUD$ or
$42US$ or £22
Information
on the ToUcam including purchasing can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
ToUcams
LONG EXPOSURE MODIFICATION WITH SWITCH - *UPDATE*
After a fair
bit of work, we are now able to modify your ToUcam for long exposure.
This enables the user to capture faint objects and stack the images using free
software from the internet. The modification includes a switch to choose
between video and long exposure. For pricing and more information, please
email.
We are
testing the modified ToUcam to ensure its ready for sale. We have many
people eagerly waiting and will have results and pricing soon.
ASTRONOMY
DVD
This DVD is
comprehensive including the following features:
- Stars,
Nebulae and Galaxies (27mins)
- Hubble
Images - Best Photos (10 mins)
- Universe
- Stars and the Cosmos (21mins)
- OutBack
Sky - David Miller (10mins)
- History
of Astronomy (12mins)
- Moon and
Sky - Constellations (10mins)
-
Australian Astronomy (16mins)
- Comets -
Origin and History (12mins)
$16AUD$
SECONDHAND
ASTRONOMY MAGAZINES
Old
Telescope and Astronomy magazines for sale with proceeds going to the Fred
Hallows Foundation:
All
magazines are 0.50AUD cents each plus postage.
INFORMATION,
PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS, STAR LOCATING, FREE
PLANETARIUM SOFTWARE
If you wish
to find a place to observe through a telescope or bring your own telescope, visit
our web site for information. Astronomical Clubs and Societies can also
advertise their viewing nights here. The site also includes astronomy
information and free planetarium software:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes006.htm
CRAYFORD
FOCUSERS FOR SKYWATCHER/SYNTA NEWTONIANS &
REFRACTORS
Designed to
specifically replace the focusers on SkyWatcher/Synta model Newtonians and
Refractors. Are you tired of the sloppy, inaccurate Rack and Pinion
Focuser you now use? Have the ability of putting a camera onto the
focuser without it bending to the weight. Please inquire for pricing and
a picture of the new focusers.
HAVE
YOU CHECKED NASA's WEB TV?
NASA's Web
TV is live video footage which has the latest updates including the recent
Cassini/Huygens Space Craft mission to Saturn. The TV provides real time
coverage of agency activities and missions as well as resource video to the
news media and educational programming to teachers, students and the general
public. NASA's Web TV can be seen using "Real Player" or
"Windows Media Player" so theres no need to download extra media
software.
Best of
all... Its free!
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/
CASSINI/HUYGENS
SPACECRAFT
As many of
you are aware by the media coverage, the Cassini/Huygens Space Craft has
arrived at Saturn to give us the most detailed information so far about the
planet. One of the most important finds so far is the discovery that the
Rings of Saturn are made mainly from dirt. It was believed previously the
Rings were made of dirt and ice. This new discovery has strengthend
the theory that the Rings may have been formed by a large Moon which once
orbited Saturn and was obliterated by an object hitting it (asteroid, comet or
2001 Space Odyssey Bone!). Anyway, all the details about the mission
can be seen at NASA's Jet Propolsion Laboratory web site:
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.cfm
OLD
PENTAX BINOCULAR MODELS NOW ON SPECIAL
Pentax are
updating their binocular models so all their old models are on special.
Pentax binoculars are high quality and excellent value especially while they're
going cheap. Please inquire. Here are some examples:
16x60mm PCF
WP (Water Proof) $440
7x50mm PCF
V $195
ILLUMINATED
RETICLES
An
Illuminated Reticle allows the camera and eyepiece to be both
attached to the telescope at the same time. A small percent of the light
is diverted to the eyepiece where the observer can keep a star (guide
star) within the illuminated area using high magnification. A must for
improving astrophotography $95.
LOSMANDY
DEALERS
As stated
in the last Newsletter, we are now Losmandy Dealers. This means their
full product range is available to us and we will try to keep their mounts
continuously in stock. New stock is arriving in a few weeks including the
G-11 Gemini for $4950. Here's Losmandy's site:
There has
been some articles posted on groups by other telescope suppliers saying our
Losmandy prices are unrealistic. These suppliers are welcome to join our
business management courses.
RUSSIAN
NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES
We will be
putting this announcement in the Newsletter for a while as we collect
interested parties for Novobrisk Instruments.
We are
placing another order with the Russian Telescope Makers Novobrisk, makers of
the famous TAL Series and Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes. Please call for
quotes. Any persons wishing to place an order of any
of Novobrisk items need to pay a 10% deposit. Here is their web
site:
For those
who are not familiar with Novobrisk, they make very good quality, affordable
telescopes and accessories. Everything's as solid as a rock and the
machining is of a high grade compared to other popular scopes. They
like to put a little more metal into the instruments as well, which isn't a bad
thing!
One of
their most popular items is the Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
Assemblies. Maksutov-Cassegrains are suited for planetary viewing due to
the smaller design of secondary mirror which causes less obstruction.
The
4.5" TAL-1 Reflector on Equatorial Pedastal Mount is a fantastic beginner
instrument. I use one for portability and it gives very sharp images of
the planets using high quality eyepieces. For around an extra
$100, the TAL-1 is a chalk and cheese comparison to any Chinese
4.5". The TAL-1 also includes a full set of Filters, Solar
Projection Screen and rock solid Mount with Slow Motion Controls which are
pleasurable to use for basic astrophotography. The telescope is designed
with the correct sized secondary mirror and low profile focuser which improves
the image quality also.
BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
Once again we
are collecting names of interested parties who wish to purchase items form
NewPort Glass Works.
The bulk
order enables purchasers to save money as we order the items in one large
shipment. Newport Glass are specialists in telescope glass making materials
including mirrors, blanks and tools. Blanks include pre-generated
curves and Schmidt-Cassegrain. The products Newport Glass produce can be
seen at their web site:
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
4"
(102mm) REFRACTOR
102mm
diameter, F/11.8 Refractors on Equatorial Mount
Slow Motion
Controls
2
1.25" Plossl Eyepieces
2"
Smooth Rack and Pinion Focuser (2" Eyepieces)
6x30mm
Finderscope
Accessory
Tray
$699
ALL
CELESTRON
All of
Celestron's range are at really good prices due to their new
pricing. This is giving Meade some fierce competition.
EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR
Have you
been searching for the ideal short focal length refractor? The Orion 80mm
F/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor Optical Tube Assembly is $850AUD.
The assembly includes a 2" Focuser with a 1.25" adaptor.
Company 7
do a number of optical tests on the refractor after they arrive from Orion to
ensure the highest quality. A review of the refractor can be seen here:
http://www.company7.com/orion/telescopes/orion80EDf7.5.html
MOUNTS
G11
LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
$4950
NEXSTAR 4/5,
5i TRIPOD/WEDGE
$250
BINOCULARS
CELESTRON
25X100mm BINOCULARS
$650AUD$ or
$390US$ or £292
Here is a
review from Cloudy Nights:
http://www.cloudynights.com/breviews/celestron100mm.htm
13x70mm
BINOCULARS
Large aperture
budget binoculars $150.
Excellent
binoculars for finding objects, viewing comets or brilliant day time viewing.
VARIOUS
BOOKS
I've chosen
these books specifically because they are the most informative and useful for
making the best telescopes.
THE
BEST OF AMATEUR TELESCOPE MAKING JOURNAL
VOL I & 2 $60 each
Tips and
techniques to get the most of telescope making:
http://www.willbell.com/tm/batmj/index.htm
THE
DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE, A PRACTICAL MANUAL
TO BUILDING LARGE APERTURE TELESCOPES $60
For larger
aperture telescopes the engineering completely changes due to the weight
involved:
http://www.willbell.com/tm/dobtel.htm
HOW
TO MAKE A TELESCOPE 2ND EDITION $55
For the
beginner who wishes to make a telescope between 4" and 8" shows all
the easy ways:
http://www.willbell.com/tm/tm3.htm
PREVIOUS
EDITIONS OF ASTRONOMY 2004 $5
ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN
OBSERVATORY POSTCARDS OF OBJECTS 0.30 cents each
Various
objects taken by the AAO Observatory including shots by David Malin and
made into beautiful postcards.
Objects
Include:
Centaurus A
Trifid
Nebula
Star Trails
Sprial
Galaxies
Cometary
Globule
Eta Carinae
Nebula
Helix
Nebula
Keyhole
Nebula
Horse Head
Nebula
Sprial
Galaxy in Fornax SB
Southern
Cross and Pointers
Moon
Planets
Star Birth
in Eagle Nebula
SKY
MAP PRO SOFTWARE
Sky Map Pro
is one of the leading planetarium programs designed for beginner or
professional. It has the following features:
-
Observation Planning and manage your observing, using comprehensive set of
planning tools. Store your observations in SkyMaps built-in observing
logbook.
- View more
than 15 million stars faint as 15th magnitude and more than 200,000 Deep Sky
Objects!
- Search
for events such as conjunctions, oppositions, minimum and maximum separations,
extremes of declinations etc.
- Create a tabular
ephemeris for any moving object, selecting from over 30 different items of
information to display.
- Customise
your charts by adding eyepiece and finder field of view circles, camera/CCD
frames, text and lines.
- Print
high quality star charts on any printer supported by windows.
- Logging
Satellites
- Eclipse
Tracking
- Telescope
Control including Meade ETX, LX90, and LX200, Celestron Nexstar 5, 8 and GPS
and many many more.
The program
is written by astronomers for astronomers. The sky can be displayed from
400BC to 8000AD. Define any desired filed of view from the entire sky
down to detailed telescopic "finder charts" for faint galaxies.
Sky Map Pro also provides an easy to use facility to add your own data for
stars, deep sky objects, artificial Earth satellites, comets and asteroids.
I use Sky
Map Pro to drive my telescopes around. Click an object on the computer
and the telescope goes straight there with every detail about the object you
could imagine. The creator of Sky Map Pro, Chris Marriott, has a
dedicated web group to assist anyone using the software.
All other
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
A free
trial download is available.
LATEST
SKY MAP PRO Version 10 $170
LATEST
SKY MAP PRO Version 10 Update $100
SKY
MAP PRO Version 9 $100
SKY MAP
PRO Version 9 Update $50
SKY
MAP PRO Version 8 $50
SKY
MAP PRO Version 6 $25
2"
90° PRISM DIAGONALS
If
your telescope focuser can take 2" Eyepieces, here's the
inexpensive diagonal to do the job. 2" eyepieces can double the
field of view of long focal length refractors! The diagonal has a
1.25" collar so 1.25" eyepieces can still be used.
$95AUD$ or
$66US$ or £35
ASTROSYSTEMS
COLLIMATION TOOLS
Very high
quality Collimation Tools.
Light
Pipe/Site Tube Combination $99
AutoCollimator $95
If both are purchased there is a discount of $12 ($182)
The high
accuracy of the Autocollimator gets the alignment of the telescope mirrors
exact. The AutoCollimator is designed to be used after the Light
Pipe/Site Tube Combination or rough alignment using a Laser Collimator.
The shorter the focal length of the telescope, the harder it is to get an
accurate alignment.
3X
BARLOWS
If 2x isn't
enough for your ToUcam or Telescope we have 3x Achromatic Barlows on
special for $60. The len removes to allow filters or extension tube.
GREEN
LASER POINTERS
5mw Green
Laser Pointers are $160. The lasers have a horizontal range of around
4km. Higher milliwatt lasers are available, although 5mw are ideal for
astronomical purposes of pointing out objects. Green Lasers are dangerous
if pointed into the eyes and need a degree of care when used.
EYEPIECE
PROJECTION ADAPTORS
Eyepiece
Projection Adaptors allows a camera to be attached to the telescope including
the use of an eyepiece. The Adaptors are $45. More information can
be seen on our web page:
Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.htm
Eyepiece
Projection Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes023.htm
MOON
PHASE MAPS
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover
sheet illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$15AUD$ or
$10US$
DISPOSABLE
CAMERAS
WEDDINGS
The Disposable/Single Use Camera is ideal for placing on tables at weddings and
other funtions for your guests to take photos of events which would otherwise
not be seen.
HOLIDAYS
The cameras are small, fitting easily into a pocket. No need for carrying a
bulky camera during walks, hikes or climbs.
PARTIES
Nothing to setup, just point and press. Small and compact.
$8AUD$ OR $6US$ each
*Discounts
for Quantities*
WANTED
TO SELL
5” Achromatic Refractor
(the telescope is the same type of scope that Meade uses in its LXD series) on
an EQ5 mount. The EQ5 mounts on to a solid steel homemade pier with three point
adjustments and is complete with polar alignment scope, dual axis drive, hand
control (also has a spare) plus two counter weights. The scope comes with two homemade
plates; one fitted with a camera mount, the other can be used for mounting a
guide scope.
The mount has been modified
to except an Argo Navis DSC (the Argo is not included).
VIXEN
CUSTOM 90M (
-
Accessories
TASCO
LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
Complete
beginners telescope. Perfect condition $320
VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- 8"
Vixen R200SS
- GP Mount
with
- 5mm
- 20mm
- Original
packaging - excellent condition
CELESTRON
C8 SCT PARTS
- Optical
Tube
- 6x30mm
finderscope
- Celestron 25mm Eye peice
- Celestron Hand Controller for Fork Mount drive motor
- Celestron Fork Mount + Equatorial drive motor
- Optical Tube cover
- Celestron Star Diagonal
CELESTRON
C8 COMPLETE PLUS MANY EXTRAS
Pentax
12x50 PCF III
Pentax
Tripod Adapter N
Manfotto
128RC Pan Head. Includes handle
Meade
Series 4000 Super Plossl 15mm (made in
Meade
Series 4000 Super Plossl 26mm (made in
WANTED
TO BUY
- SBIG ST4
Guider
- 6mm RADIAN
EYEPIECE
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
- Dust Caps
of various sizes
-
Declination Correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
Time to
play brmmmm brmmm with little Dilly Willy (Dylan William)
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
JUNE
NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.28
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
May was the
last Newsletter - Let me know if you want it.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- VENUS
TRANSIT
-
ASTROVID STELLACAMS
- ToUcams
- NEW STOCK, NEW PRICE
- ToUcams
LONG EXPOSURE MODIFICATION WITH SWITCH
-
ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF
- MAGAZINES
- LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND
-
LIGHT POLLUTION BINOCULARS
-
IMPROVING YOUR ACHROMATIC REFRACTOR PERFORMANCE
-
2" MODIFIED DIAGONAL FOR SCHMIDT CASSEGRAINS
-
ILLUMINATED RETICLES
-
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY FILMS
- LOSMANDY
DEALERS
- RUSSIAN
NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES
- BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES SPECIALS
- 102mm REFRACTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- ALL CELESTRON
- MOUNTS
- G11 LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
- VIXEN GP-DX MOUNT ONLY
- BINOCULARS
- CELESTRON 25X100mm BINOCULARS
- 13X70mm BINOCULARS
- VARIOUS SPECIALS
- 3X BARLOWS
- GREEN LASER POINTERS
- EYEPIECE PROJECTION ADAPTORS
- MOON PHASE MAPS
- DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
- WANTED TO
SELL
- 5" REFRACTOR ON EQ5
- VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (
- TASCO LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- VIXEN GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- CELESTRON C8 SCT PARTS
- WANTED TO
BUY
- SBIG ST4 GUIDER
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
- Dust Caps of Various Sizes
VENUS
TRANSIT
All
information concerning the Venus Transit of the Sun is available here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/venus-transit-sun.htm
Solar
Glasses $8 each
*Discounts
for Quantities*
Baader
Solar Film $45 per 30x30cm.
*Any size
available*
Black Polymer
Film $45 per 30x30cm.
*Any size
available*
ASTROVID
STELLACAMS
We are glad
to announce the availability of the range of StellaCams from AstroVid.
The StellaCams have glowing reviews and boast a 0.00005 Lux rating. This
means the StellaCam can be used in very low light conditions. Here is the
the AstroVid Comments Page which includes awesome images taken by amateurs with
the StellaCams:
http://www.astrovid.com/stellacam_customer_comments.htm
StellaCam
EX $1190AUD$ or £465
StellaCam
II $1330AUD$ or £505
PC
Control $205 or £78
Accessories
available for attachment. Please call or email for more information.
ToUcams
- NEW STOCK, NEW PRICE
We now have
new stock of the Philips ToUcam. Thanks to some snappy buying while the
Aussie Dollar was good, we are able to reduce their price.
Philips
ToUcam Pro 840k $198
Threaded
Adaptors 1.25" $35
With the
ability to take video at 60 frames per second, the Philips ToUcam
Pro 840k is amoungst the most advanced PC conferencing and Video Mail
(vmail) cameras in the world. Users of Yahoo Messenger and similar, will
find it a delight to use with exceptional image quality
and speed particularly in low
light areas!
The Philips ToUcam PRO II PCVC840K digital camera/CCD Camera can be mounted
onto a telescope, or microscope, to produce images on your PC. The camera
has
the ability of seeing in low light, without snowing, making it excellent for
astronomy.
The ToUcam is featured in the June 2003 issue of 'Sky & Telescope' magazine
and
also the English 'Astronomy Now' magazine.
All
Information regarding the ToUcam Can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
ToUcams
LONG EXPOSURE MODIFICATION WITH SWITCH
After a
fair bit of work, we are now able to modify your ToUcam for long
exposure. This enables the user to capture faint objects and stack the
images using free software from the internet. The modification includes a
switch to choose between video and long exposure. For pricing and more
information, please email.
ASTRONOMICAL
SOCIETY OF
ASSA is holding
a telescope clinic for its members:
"Got
problems with your telescope or binoculars? Dont know how to use them? Maybe
you just want a tune-up? Bring them along with a donation to cover costs
of consumables."
Telescope
Clinic:
The Heights
Observatory Modbury
2.00pm
Sunday, June 6th
Sorry -
Members only
This is one
of the highly useful benefits of being a member of your local astronomical
society. Please call for more information about the day or joining our
local astronomical society.
MAGAZINES
- LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND
The last
Newsletter had old Astronomy magazines for sale with proceeds going to the Fred
Hallows Foundation:
Well, we're
getting lots of magazines coming in, with hardly any going out!
All magazines are now 0.50 cents each plus postage.
LIGHT
POLLUTION BINOCULARS
Opti-View
Binoculars have coated lenses which filter out the spectrums caused by light
pollution. Working the same way as light pollution filters for your
telescope, the Opti-View binoculars open up more areas to see from your own
backyard. Current size available is 10x50mm (10x magnification with 50mm
lenses) for $210 plus postage.
IMPROVING
YOUR ACHROMATIC REFRACTOR PERFORMANCE
Owners of Achromatic
Refractors may have noticed colours forming around some bright objects.
The colour isn't meant to be part of the object, rather Chromatic Aberration
caused by the lens having different focal lengths at different wavelengths.
With the introduction of the "Doublet" (2 pieces of glass)
to make the lens, Chromatic Aberration was reduced significantly, although
the problem still persisted to an extent, especially made worse by having a
shorter focal ratio. An improvement to the Chromatic Aberration
caused by these telescopes can be greatly cured by using a Minus Violet Filter
screwed into the eyepiece.
1000 Oaks
Optical Minus Violet Filters $110AUD$.
Baader
Planetarium Minus Violet "Fringe Killers" $CALL (awaiting shipment)
2"
MODIFIED DIAGONAL FOR SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAINS
This will
be a Orion 2" diagonal with a modified neck to allow for SCT's to reach
the zenith in scopes like the Nexstar 8, Meade LX scopes and other scopes that
have this problem when using a regular 2" diagonal. $265
ILLUMINATED
RETICLES
An
Illuminated Reticle allows the camera and eyepiece to be both
attached to the telescope at the same time. A small percent of the light
is diverted to the eyepiece where the observer can keep a star (guide
star) within the illuminated area using high magnification. A must
for improving astrophotography $95.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
FILMS
TechPan
2415 is a professional black & white film particularly suited to
astrophotography. Features include extremely high resolution due to its
fine grain. This allows photographs to be blown up with out losing its
integrity. Although a professional film, TechPan is not as expensive as
you would think.
35mm
$15/Roll
Another
film which is good for begineers is Kodak ASA800. This film is very fast
without being too grainy. The fast film means your exposures do not need
to be as long. This is extremely important while learning to make
your telescope track accurately. Tracking inaccuracy is shown up as the
stars looking like a bunch of little Saturns!
35mm
$12/Roll
800ASA can
also be soaked in Hydrogen which increases the amount of photons (light
bundles) which hit the film. This also greatly reduces exposure
times. Please contact us for more information.
LOSMANDY
DEALERS
As stated
in the last Newsletter, we are now Losmandy Dealers. This means their
full product range is available to us and we will try to keep their mounts
continuously in stock. New stock is arriving in a few weeks including the
G-11 Gemini for $4950. Here's Losmandy's site:
RUSSIAN
NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES
We will be
putting this announcement in the Newsletter for a while as we collect interested
parties for Novobrisk Instruments.
We are
placing another order with the Russian Telescope Makers Novobrisk, makers of
the famous TAL Series and Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes. Please call for
quotes. Any persons wishing to place an order of any of Novobrisk items
need to pay a 10% deposit. Here is their web site:
For those
who are not familiar with Novobrisk, they make very good quality, affordable
telescopes and accessories. Everything's as solid as a rock and the
machining is of a high grade compared to other popular scopes. They
like to put a little more metal into the instruments as well, which isn't a bad
thing!
One of
their most popular items is the Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
Assemblies. Maksutov-Cassegrains are suited for planetary viewing due to
the smaller design of secondary mirror which causes less obstruction.
BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
Once again we
are collecting names of interested parties who wish to purchase items form
NewPort Glass Works.
The bulk
order enables purchasers to save money as we order the items in one large
shipment. Newport Glass are specialists in telescope glass making materials
including mirrors, blanks and tools. Blanks include pre-generated
curves and Schmidt-Cassegrain. The products Newport Glass produce can be
seen at their web site:
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
4"
(102mm) REFRACTOR
102mm
diameter, F/11.8 Refractors on Equatorial Mount
Slow Motion
Controls
2
1.25" Plossl Eyepieces
2"
Smooth Rack and Pinion Focuser (2" Eyepieces)
6x30mm
Finderscope
Accessory
Tray
$699
ALL
CELESTRON
All of
Celestron's range are at really good prices due to their new
pricing. This is giving Meade some fierce competition.
MOUNTS
G11
LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
$4950
VIXEN
GP-DX MOUNT ONLY
$1520
BINOCULARS
CELESTRON
25X100mm BINOCULARS
$699AUD$ or
$480US$ or £280
Here is a
review from Cloudy Nights:
http://www.cloudynights.com/breviews/celestron100mm.htm
13x70mm
BINOCULARS
Large
aperture budget binoculars $150.
Excellent
binoculars for finding objects, viewing comets or brilliant day time viewing.
VARIOUS
3X
BARLOWS
If 2x isn't
enough for your ToUcam or Telescope we have 3x Achromatic Barlows on
special for $60. The len removes to allow filters or extension tube.
GREEN
LASER POINTERS
5mw Green
Laser Pointers are $160. The lasers have a horizontal range of around
4km. Higher milliwatt lasers are available, although 5mw are ideal for
astronomical purposes of pointing out objects. Green Lasers are dangerous
if pointed into the eyes and need a degree of care when used.
EYEPIECE
PROJECTION ADAPTORS
Eyepiece
Projection Adaptors allows a camera to be attached to the telescope including
the use of an eyepiece. The Adaptors are $45. More information can be
seen on our web page:
Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.htm
Eyepiece
Projection Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes023.htm
MOON
PHASE MAPS
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover sheet
illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$15AUD$ or
$10US$
DISPOSABLE
CAMERAS
WEDDINGS
The Disposable/Single Use Camera is ideal for placing on tables at weddings and
other funtions for your guests to take photos of events which would otherwise
not be seen.
HOLIDAYS
The cameras are small, fitting easily into a pocket. No need for carrying a
bulky camera during walks, hikes or climbs.
PARTIES
Nothing to setup, just point and press. Small and compact.
$8AUD$ OR $6US$ each
*Discounts
for Quantities*
WANTED
TO SELL
5” Achromatic Refractor (the telescope is the same type of scope that
Meade uses in its LXD series) on an EQ5 mount. The EQ5 mounts on to a solid
steel homemade pier with three point adjustments and is complete with polar
alignment scope, dual axis drive, hand control (also has a spare) plus two
counter weights. The scope comes with two homemade plates; one fitted with a
camera mount, the other can be used for mounting a guide scope.
The mount has been modified to except an Argo Navis DSC (the Argo is not
included).
VIXEN
CUSTOM 90M (
-
Accessories
TASCO
LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
Complete
beginners telescope. Perfect condition $320
VIXEN
GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- Vixen GP
Equatorial Mount with single axis hand controller and aluminium tripod
- Konus 5" f8.3 achromatic refractor, 1 1/4 " Parks prism diagonal,
no finder
- Meade 8-24mm zoom eyepiece
VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- 8"
Vixen R200SS
- GP Mount
with
- 5mm
- 20mm
- Original
packaging - excellent condition
CELESTRON
C8 SCT PARTS
- Optical
Tube
- 6x30mm
finderscope
- Celestron 25mm Eye peice
- Celestron Hand Controller for Fork Mount drive motor
- Celestron Fork Mount + Equatorial drive motor
- Optical Tube cover
- Celestron Star Diagonal
WANTED
TO BUY
- SBIG ST4
Guider
- 6mm
RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
- Dust Caps
of various sizes
Please call
or email for further information.
We should
stop meeting like this!
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
MAY
NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.27
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for April.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- VENUS
TRANSITS THE SUN
- CURRENT
COMET
- FILTER
SPECTRUMS
-
SECONDHAND MAGAZINES
- ACCURATE
FOCUSING OF ASTRONOMY CAMERAS
- ALPHA
CRUX TEST FOR SKY CONDITIONS
- 1"
CHANGE TO 1.25"
- LOSMANDY
DEALERS
- RUSSIAN
NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES
- 8"
REFRACTOR OBJECTIVES NOW AVAILABLE!
- BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
- EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR
- SKYMAP
PRO NEW VERSION V10
- CABLES???
- REFRACTOR
TELESCOPE STUDENT ASSEMBLY KITS
- CURRENT SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES SPECIALS
- 102mm REFRACTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- ALL CELESTRON
- MOUNTS
- G11 LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
- VIXEN GP-DX MOUNT ONLY
- BINOCULARS
- CELESTRON 25X100mm BINOCULARS
- 13X70mm BINOCULARS
- VARIOUS SPECIALS
- 3X BARLOWS
- GREEN LASER POINTERS
- EYEPIECE PROJECTION ADAPTORS
- THOUSAND OAKS OXYGEN III FILTERS
- THOUSAND OAKS LP-4 HYDROGEN BETA FILTERS
- THOUSAND OAKS MINUS VIOLET FILTERS
- MOON PHASE MAPS
- DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
- WANTED TO
SELL
- 5" REFRACTOR ON EQ5
- VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (
- TASCO LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- VIXEN GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- WANTED TO
BUY
- SBIG ST4 GUIDER
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
- Dust Caps of Various Sizes
VENUS
TRANSITS THE SUN
*VIEWING
THE SUN WITHOUT THE PROPER FILTER MAY CAUSE PERMANANT BLINDNESS*
On June 8th
Venus will pass in front of the Sun. The event is very rare having last
occured in 1882. The event can be seen using a telescope or
binoculars with a suitable filter, solar projection or eclipse
glasses. Using eclipse glasses, the image of Venus will be very
small and may be difficult for some viewers depending on location and good
eyesight.
When
Captain Cook made his original voyage south in 1769, it was to observe the
transit of Venus from
More
information on the Venus Transit is on our web site:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/venus-transit-sun.htm
Eclipse
Glasses $8AUD$.
Telescope or
Binocular Solar Film called Baader or Black Polymer $45AUD$ per square foot.
(any size available)
Celestron
Telescope Solar Filters are available in all sizes while stock lasts.
32mm
(1.25") Huygen Eyepieces $30
CURRENT
COMET
C/2001 Q4
NEATS
Comet
NEAT is at its brightest and is visable to the naked
eye. The comet is postioned well for southern hemisphere observers
and is visable when the Moon isn't around. The comet will be easily
observed through binoculars or telescope.
Here is
a site which will make finding the comet easier:
http://thestarman.homemail.com.au/amaz/try/charts/2004/May/2001_Q4_May_1_10_2004.html
FILTER
SPECTRUMS by Terry Moon
Terry Moon
(yes that's his real name) has completed some wonderful work on measuring
the spectral transmissions of popular Wratten, Minus Violet and IR
Filters. This information he has made available to everyone. The
analysis will appear on our web site soon. However, anyone wanting the
information now, can let me know, and I can send it in an email attachment.
SECONDHAND
MAGAZINES
We come
across many telescope and astronomy magazines during the course of business.
These are available for $2 each plus postage. All proceeds go to the Fred
Hallows Foundation. Magazines available are: Astronomy, Astronomy
Now, Sky & Space, Sky & Telescope etc. We accept all donations of
Telescope and Astronomy magazines.
ACCURATE
FOCUSING OF TELESCOPE CAMERAS
The latest
meeting of our local astronomical society (Astronomical Society of South
Australia) had the usual array of guest speakers including Perry Vlahos
(president of the Astro Society of
ALPHA
CRUX TEST FOR SKY CONDITIONS
Separation
of two or more, close together stars, is a good test for a telescope.
Theoretically, the larger a telescope is, the better for separating
distant objects. Separation of stars is also a good test to judge what
the seeing conditions are like. For Southern Sky observers, Alpha Crux is
a good test. Alpha Crux is actually 3 stars when magnified at
around 120x (depending on your telescope). It has 2 bright stars
circling each other, which is the test separation. Some really bad nights
will not allow enough magnification to separate them. The 3rd star is
further out, and orbits the other 2. There will be a difference viewing
the stars lower to the ground since there is more atmosphere to look through.
Which one's
Alpha Crux!? Using the Southern Cross (Crux) as a Kite shape,
then its the star where the tail attaches! Observing Alpha Crux
during the year shows the 3rd star slowly making its way around (orbiting) the
other 2 stars.
One of the
best times to observe is after a storm as it helps clears the pollution and
heat currents out of the air.
1"
CHANGE TO 1.25"
There are a
number of ways to change from 1" (25mm) to 1.25" (32mm) diameter
Eyepieces. 1.25" have wider fields of view, more eye relief, higher
quality, cheaper, and in a much wider range of focal lengths (from 4mm to
40mm). The eyepieces can be retained for when a larger instrument is
obtained. The original 1" Eyepieces can still be used.
Standard
Plastic Adaptors $6
Vixen
Standard Metal Adaptors $22
Small
Reflector change over Rack and Pinion Focusers $65
1.25"
to 1" Reducer Sleeves $4
LOSMANDY
DEALER
We've had
our eyes on Losmandy for many years now. I've already broke a heart this
week. We are now Losmandy dealers and have all their mounts and
components on special. G11 with Gemini $4995AUD. Why not save a
$1000 or so? Here's their web site:
RUSSIAN
NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES
We are
placing another order with the Russian Telescope Makers Novobrisk, makers of
the famous TAL Series and Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes. Please call for
quotes. Any persons wishing to place an order of any
of Novobrisk items need to pay a 10% deposit. Here is their web
site:
For those
who are not familiar with Novobrisk, they make very good quality, affordable
telescopes and accessories. Everything's as solid as a rock and the
machining is of a high grade compared to other popular scopes. They
like to put a little more metal into the instruments as well, which isn't a bad
thing!
One of
their most popular items is the Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
Assemblies. Maksutov-Cassegrains are suited for planetary viewing due to
the smaller design of secondary mirror which causes less obstruction.
8"
REFRACTOR OBJECTIVES NOW AVAILABLE!
Refractor
objectives are now available as achromats in most sizes and focal lengths.
Please inquire for pricing and availablility. More information can be
seen on our following site:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_achromatic_lenses.htm
BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
We are once
again organising a bulk purchase of product from Newport Glass in the
EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR
Have you
been searching for the ideal short focal length refractor? The Orion 80mm
F/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor Optical Tube Assembly is $850AUD.
The assembly includes a 2" Focuser with a 1.25" adaptor.
Company 7
do a number of optical tests on the refractor after they arrive from Orion to
ensure the highest quality. A review of the refractor can be seen here:
http://www.company7.com/orion/telescopes/orion80EDf7.5.html
SKYMAP
PRO SOFTWARE V10
The new
SkyMap Pro V10 is now available. Full version is $190AUD$ or
$129US$. Update Version is $98AUD$ or $68US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
A free
trial download is available.
CABLES???
Due to the
high demand we have for all types of computer cables, we now deal in
them. Let us know your requirements and we'll quote! Our usual low
prices will apply.
REFRACTOR
TELESCOPE STUDENT ASSEMBLY KITS
These kits
are designed for schools and allows the student to put together a complete
achromatic telescope. Please inquire for sizes and prices.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
4"
(102mm) REFRACTOR
102mm
diameter, F/11.8 Refractors on Equatorial Mount
Slow Motion
Controls
2
1.25" Plossl Eyepieces
2"
Smooth Rack and Pinion Focuser (2" Eyepieces)
6x30mm Finderscope
Accessory
Tray
$699
ALL
CELESTRON
All of
Celestron's range are at really good prices due to their new
pricing. This is giving Meade some fierce competition.
MOUNTS
G11
LOSMANDY WITH GEMINI
$4995
VIXEN
GP-DX MOUNT ONLY
$1520
BINOCULARS
CELESTRON
25X100mm BINOCULARS
$699AUD$ or
$480US$ or £280
Here is a
review from Cloudy Nights:
http://www.cloudynights.com/breviews/celestron100mm.htm
13x70mm
BINOCULARS
Large
aperture budget binoculars $299.
Excellent
binoculars for finding objects, viewing comets or brilliant day time viewing.
VARIOUS
3X
BARLOWS
If 2x isn't
enough for your ToUcam or Telescope we have 3x Achromatic Barlows on
special for $60. The len removes to allow filters or extension tube.
GREEN
LASER POINTERS
5mw Green
Laser Pointers are $150. The lasers have a horizontal range of around
4km. Higher milliwatt lasers are available, although 5mw are ideal for
astronomical purposes of pointing out objects. Green Lasers are dangerous
if pointed into the eyes and need a degree of care when used.
EYEPIECE
PROJECTION ADAPTORS
Eyepiece
Projection Adaptors allows a camera to be attached to the telescope including
the use of an eyepiece. The Adaptors are $45. More information can
be seen on our web page:
Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.htm
Eyepiece
Projection Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes023.htm
THOUSAND
OAKS OXYGEN III FILTERS
Oxygen III
Filters are well reknown for their excellent views of diffuse and planetary
nebulae. Enhance your deep sky viewing with the latest in multi-layer
coating technology. Over three years in development, the filters transmit
desired wave-lengths in a very steep slope vs. gentle transition slopes in
competitive brands. This means better contrast and overall performance.
All coatings are fully protected within two glass layers.
$160AUD$
THOUSAND
OAKS LP-4 HYDROGEN BETA FILTERS
These
filters are specifically designed for
$160AUD$
THOUSAND
OAKS MINUS VIOLET FILTERS
These
filters work particularly well with CCD cameras as well do Minus Infra Red
Filters.
Minus
Violet $110AUD
Edmund
Scientific IR Filters $120AUD
MOON
PHASE MAPS
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover
sheet illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$15AUD$ or
$10US$
DISPOSABLE
CAMERAS
WEDDINGS
The Disposable/Single Use Camera is ideal for placing on tables at weddings and
other funtions for your guests to take photos of events which would otherwise
not be seen.
HOLIDAYS
The cameras are small, fitting easily into a pocket. No need for carrying a
bulky camera during walks, hikes or climbs.
PARTIES
Nothing to setup, just point and press. Small and compact.
$8AUD$ OR $6US$ each
WANTED
TO SELL
5”
Achromatic Refractor (the telescope is the same type of scope that Meade uses
in its LXD series) on an EQ5 mount. The EQ5 mounts on to a solid steel homemade
pier with three point adjustments and is complete with polar alignment scope,
dual axis drive, hand control (also has a spare) plus two counter weights. The
scope comes with two homemade plates; one fitted with a camera mount, the other
can be used for mounting a guide scope.
The mount
has been modified to except an Argo Navis DSC (the Argo is not included).
VIXEN
CUSTOM 90M (
-
Accessories
TASCO
LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
Complete
beginners telescope. Perfect condition $320
VIXEN
GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- Vixen GP
Equatorial Mount with single axis hand controller and aluminium tripod
- Konus 5" f8.3 achromatic refractor, 1 1/4 " Parks prism diagonal,
no finder
- Meade 8-24mm zoom eyepiece
VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- 8"
Vixen R200SS
- GP Mount
with
- 5mm
- 20mm
- Original
packaging - excellent condition
WANTED
TO BUY
- SBIG ST4
Guider
- 6mm
RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
- Dust Caps
of various sizes
Please call
or email for further information.
We should
stop meeting like this!
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO
BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
MARCH NEWSLETTER
2004 NO.26
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for January and February.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- VENUS
TRANSITS THE SUN
- CURRENT
COMET
- FILTER
SPECTRUMS
- ACCURATE
FOCUSING OF ASTRONOMY CAMERAS
- RARE
JUPITER MOON TRANSITS
-
CELESTRON'S NEW LOWER PRICES
- BULK MIRROR
PURCHASE
- EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR
- SKYMAP
PRO NEW VERSION V10
- UPDATED
VIXEN PLANETARIUM PAGE
- REFRACTOR
TELESCOPE STUDENT ASSEMBLY KITS
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES SPECIALS
- 102mm REFRACTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- NEXSTAR 8i
- NEXSTAR 11 GPS
- BINOCULARS
- CELESTRON 25X100mm BINOCULARS
- DIGITAL BINOCULAR CAMERA
- 13X70mm BINOCULARS
- VARIOUS SPECIALS
- ASTROSYSTEMS LIGHT PIPE/SIGHT TUBE & AUTOCOLLIMATOR
- GREEN LASER POINTERS
- URANOMETRIA 2000.0 DEEP SKY ATLAS (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE)
- EYEPIECE PROJECTION ADAPTORS
- COMPLETED MIRRORS
- OXYGEN III FILTERS
- BLACK NIGHT TELESCOPE BINOCULARS
- MOON PHASE MAPS
- PENTAX ELMO EDP-S50 LCD DATA PROJECTOR
- DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
- WANTED TO
SELL
- NEXSTAR 8 COMPLETE
- NEXSTAR 5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
- VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (
- TASCO LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- VIXEN GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- WANTED TO
BUY
- Declination correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
VENUS
TRANSITS THE SUN
*VIEWING
THE SUN WITHOUT THE PROPER FILTER MAY CAUSE PERMANANT BLINDNESS*
On June 8th
Venus will pass in front of the Sun. The event is very rare having last
occured in 1882. The event can be seen using a telescope or
binoculars with a suitable filter, solar projection or eclipse
glasses. Using eclipse glasses, the image of Venus will be very
small and may be difficult for some viewers depending on location and maybe
age.
New
Zealanders will unfortuneatly miss the event since the
transition will start at sunset. As we move west, the event
will start earlier in the day when the Sun is higher and easier to
observe. Observers in
When
Captain Cook made his original voyage south in 1769, it was to observe the
transit of Venus from
More
information on the event will be on our web site which is currently being put
together.
Eclipse
Glasses $8AUD$.
Telescopes
and binocular Solar Film $45AUD$ per square foot. (any size available)
Celestron
telescope Solar Filters are available in all sizes.
For Solar
Projection, eyepieces which are multi-elemented and use glue in their
construction, will be damaged. It is best to use 2 element
eyepieces (Huygen) or similar, and reduce some of the light entering
the telescope. Reducing the light entering the telescope can be acheived
by attaching a peice of cardboard over the end of the telescope which has a
small hole cut out of it. This will make little difference to the image,
and in some cases, improve the image.
31.8mm
(1.25") Huygen Eyepieces $30
CURRENT
COMET
C/2001 Q4
NEAT - best seen between March 10th and 24th.
Comet
NEAT is increasing in brightness, and according to current calculations, will
be visable to the naked eye. The comet is postioned well for
southern hemisphere observers and is visable now, although the brightness
of the Moon will make things difficult. Once the Moon disappears, the
comet will be easily observed through binoculars or telescope.
Here is
a site which will make finding the comet easy:
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~lovejoyt/2001q4.htm#q4april
FILTER
SPECTRUMS by Terry Moon
Terry Moon
(yes that's his real name) has completed some wonderful work on measuring
the spectral transmissions of popular Wratten, Minus Violet and IR
Filters. This information he has made available to everyone. The
analysis will appear on our web site soon. However, anyone wanting the
information now, can let me know, and I can send it in an email attachment.
ACCURATE
FOCUSING OF TELESCOPE CAMERAS
The latest
meeting of our local astronomical society (Astronomical Society of South
Australia) had the usual array of guest speakers including Perry Vlahos
(president of the Astro Society of
RARE
JUPITER MOON TRANSITS
On March
28th, 3 of Jupiter's moons will transit (travel across) the face of Jupiter
together. The event will be difficult to see due to the event occuring
around sunset. The other problem is Jupiter will be quite low in the
sky causing us to look through a fair amount of earth atmosphere. However
the 3 moon transit will not be seen again for another 41 years! As with
all the moon transits of Jupiter, the shadows of the moons are the only feature
which can be seen. The moons themselves cannot be seen as they are
camouflaged too well by the planet.
Observers
in the eastern states of Australia (EST) will see the event starting around
6pm. At this time it will be very difficult to observe. Observers
in locations moving west will have even more difficulty in observing the event,
since in
The first
true measurement of light-speed came in 1676 by Olaf Roemer. He observed
that the time elapsed between eclipses of Jupiter, with its moons, became
shorter as the Earth moved closer to Jupiter, and became longer as the Earth
and Jupiter moved farther apart.
CELESTRON'S
NEW LOWER PRICES
Celestron have
announced new lower prices to improve competition. Anyone needing a quote
on Celestron equipment or accessories can send us an email.
BULK
MIRROR PURCHASE
We are once
again organising a bulk purchase of product from Newport Glass in the
EXCELLENT
SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR
Have you
been searching for the ideal short focal length refractor? The Orion 80mm
F/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor Optical Tube Assembly is $850AUD.
The assembly includes a 2" Focuser with a 1.25" adaptor.
Company 7
do a number of optical tests on the refractor after they arrive from Orion to
ensure the highest quality. A review of the refractor can be seen here:
http://www.company7.com/orion/telescopes/orion80EDf7.5.html
SKYMAP
PRO SOFTWARE V10
The new
SkyMap Pro V10 is now available. Full version is $190AUD$ or
$129US$. Update Version is $98AUD$ or $68US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
A free
trial download is available.
UPDATED
VIXEN PLANETARIUM PAGE
Although
Vixen products are very good, everyone agrees they have a definite lack of
information available. Maybe its because of the many Chinese copies of
their products.
One of
Vixen's products for which there is little information is the 800M Home
Planetarium. We have used the 800M and found it to be a very good quality
made product and useful for teaching purposes. The 800M isn't available
in the
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen113.htm
Please call
or email for pricing.
REFRACTOR
TELESCOPE STUDENT ASSEMBLY KITS
These kits
are designed for schools and allows the student to put together a complete
achromatic telescope. Please inquire for sizes and prices.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
102mm
diameter, F/11.8 Refractors on Equatorial Mount $650
Celestron
Nexstar 8i $2900:
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/nx8i.htm
Celestron
Nexstar 11 GPS $5960:
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/nx11gps.htm
BINOCULARS
CELESTRON
25X100mm BINOCULARS
$699AUD$ or
$480US$ or £280
Here is a
review from Cloudy Nights:
http://www.cloudynights.com/breviews/celestron100mm.htm
DIGITAL
BINOCULAR CAMERA
You may
have seen these on the web. The binoculars part are 10x magnification
with 25mm diameter front lenses (10x25). The camera has is an F/5
focal ratio with a 8x magnification fixed focus lens. Pictures are
downloaded to your computer. Other specifications are:
- 8 MB
memory
- 8° field
of view
- Automatic
white balance and exposure
- USB port
- 10 second
self timer
$50AUD$ or
$36US$
13x70mm
BINOCULARS
Large
aperture budget binoculars $299.
Excellent
binoculars for finding objects, viewing comets or brilliant day time viewing.
VARIOUS
ASTROSYSTEMS
LIGHT PIPE/SIGHT TUBE & AUTOCOLLIMATOR
AstroSystems
are well reknown for making quality telescopes and accessories. When it
comes to collimating your telescope (alignment of the mirrors) accuracy is
important especially if the focal ratio is short. The Light Pipe and
Sight Tube is used in combination with the Auto-collimator to get an exact
alignment. For those who already have an alignment tool, Chesire Tool or
Laser Collimator, these tools only do half the job. The AutoCollimator is
used to ensure exact alignment. More information can be read on
AstroSystems site:
http://www.astrosystems.biz/coltlsm1.htm
Light
Pipe/Site Tube Combination $99AUD$
AutoCollimator
$95AUD$
If both are purchased there is a discount of $12AUD$ ($182AUD$)
GREEN
LASER POINTERS
5mw Green
Laser Pointers are $150. The lasers have a horizontal range of around
2km. Higher milliwatt lasers are available, although 5mw are ideal for
astronomical purposes of pointing out objects. Green Lasers are dangerous
if pointed into the eyes and need a degree of care when used.
URANOMETRIA
2000.0 DEEP SKY ATLAS (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE)
Error in
your favour! We were sent the wrong edition of Uranometria, so its going
out on special for $70AUD$ or $48US$. A description of the world famous
atlas can be seen here:
http://www.willbell.com/u2k/index.htm
EYEPIECE
PROJECTION ADAPTORS
Eyepiece
Projection Adaptors allows a camera to be attached to the telescope including
the use of an eyepiece. The Adaptors are $45. More information can
be seen on our web page:
Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.htm
Eyepiece
Projection Astrophotography:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes023.htm
COMPLETED
MIRRORS
The
following Mirrors have an overcoating of Al+SiO2.
Strehl Ratio of better than 0.8.
Wave rating of 1/10.
153mm
(6") Pyrex f/8 Parabolic Mirror $370AUD OR $255US$
200mm
(8") Pyrex f/6 Parabolic Mirror $490AUD OR $338US$
The
following Mirrors have an overcoating of Al+SiO2.
Strehl Ratio of better than 0.8.
Wave rating of 1/8.
153mm
(6") Soda Lime f/7.8 Parabolic Mirror $215AUD OR $143US$
200mm
(8") BK7 f/6 Parabolic Mirror $360AUD OR $235US$
250mm
(10") Pyrex f/5 Parabolic Mirror $510AUD OR $330US$
300mm (12") BK7 f/5 Parabolic Mirror $650AUD OR $399US$
OXYGEN
III FILTERS
Oxygen III Filters
are well reknown for their excellent views of diffuse and planetary
nebulae. Enhance your deep sky viewing with the latest in multi-layer
coating technology. Over three years in development, the filters transmit
desired wave-lengths in a very steep slope vs. gentle transition slopes in
competitive brands. This means better contrast and overall performance.
All coatings are fully protected within two glass layers.
$160AUD$
BLACK
NIGHT TELECOPE BINOCULARS
Harry
Sieberts Black Night Binoviewers have recieved great reviews and are
affordable. There are different packages available. Please enquire
for a new perspective on the Universe. You can see and read about the
Black Night Binoviewers on Harry's site:
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/SiebertOptics-blacknightbinoviewers.html
MOON
PHASE MAPS
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover sheet
illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$15AUD$ or
$10US$
PENTAX
ELMO EDP-S50 LCD DATA PROJECTOR
Ideal low
cost projector for the classroom or lecture room. Can be used without
dimming the lights $2920AUD$.
- Ultra
bright display at 2000 ANSI lumens
- SVGA
(800x600) plus compressed XGA, SXGA and UXGA resolutions
- Excellent
video quality and faithful colour reproduction.
- 2x
computer inputs.
- S-Video
& composite video inputs.
- Component
video input for brilliant quality from compatible DVD players.
- HDTV
compatible.
- 2.7 kg
super light weight.
-
Short-throw lens (60" screen projection at 1.8m distance).
- 34dB Low
noise operation (at whisper mode).
- Digital
Keystone Correction.
- Remote Control
included.
DISPOSABLE
CAMERAS
WEDDINGS
The Disposable/Single Use Camera is ideal for placing on tables at weddings and
other funtions for your guests to take photos of events which would otherwise
not be seen.
HOLIDAYS
The cameras are small, fitting easily into a pocket. No need for carrying a
bulky camera during walks, hikes or climbs.
PARTIES
Nothing to setup, just point and press. Small and compact.
$10AUD$ OR $7US$ each
WANTED
TO SELL
NEXSTAR
8 COMPLETE
$2200
Excellent
Condition
NEXSTAR
5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
12v Gel
Cell
Factory
Tripod
Meade
Nebula Filter
Meade
Variable Polarising Filter
Solar
Filter
Meade Super
Plossl 40mm
Celestron
Plossl 25mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 18mm
Meade
Illuminated Reticle 12mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 7.5mm
Celestron
Star Diagonal
Vixen Erect
Image Diagonal
Manual
Excellent
Condition
VIXEN
CUSTOM 90M (
-
Accessories
TASCO
LUMINOVA 114mm (4.5") REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
Complete
beginners telescope. Perfect condition $320
VIXEN
GP - KONUS 125mm REFRACTOR - MEADE 8-24mm ZOOM
- Vixen GP
Equatorial Mount with single axis hand controller and aluminium tripod
- Konus 5" f8.3 achromatic refractor, 1 1/4 " Parks prism diagonal,
no finder
- Meade 8-24mm zoom eyepiece
VIXEN R200SS ON GP MOUNT
- 8"
Vixen R200SS
- GP Mount
with
- 5mm
- 20mm
- Original
packaging - excellent condition
WANTED
TO BUY
-
Declination correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
- 6mm
RADIAN EYEPIECE
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
2003 NO.25
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for November.
Merry
Christmas!
IN
THIS ISSUE:
-
OPPOSITION OF SATURN
- FILTERS
FOR SATURN
- PHILIPS
ToUcam UPDATE- THEY'RE HERE!
- ASTRONOMY
2004 BOOK
- NEW PRICE
LISTS WEB SITE
- HYPERED
FILM
- SKY MAP
PRO SOFTWARE V9/V10 - SPECIAL!
- 2X BARLOW
/ CAMERA ADAPTOR / FILTER HOLDER - SPECIAL!
- WHAT
FILTERS ARE YOU USING?
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
-
TELESCOPES - SPECIAL!
- EYEPIECE DEAL - SPECIAL!
- BINOCULARS - SPECIAL!
- OIII FILTERS
- BLACK NIGHT BINO VIEWERS
- WANTED TO
SELL
- NEXSTAR 8 PLUS ACCESSORIES
- NEXSTAR 5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
- VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (
- ToUcam 740k
- 10" HOMEMADE DOBSONIAN
- 10" HOMEMADE DOBSONIAN (2)
- WANTED TO
BUY
- Declination correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
- Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
-
90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
-
Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
-
Meade Magellan 1 Unit
- Old Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
OPPOSITION
OF SATURN
On December
31st, Saturn will be at its closest and brightest for the year
(opposition). What makes it special this year is the Rings of Saturns
reached their full tilt (as far as they go over period of 15 years) towards us
only a few months ago. This will allow observers to see the rings in good
detail.
FILTERS
FOR SATURN
Here's some
filters which are useful for Saturn Rings:
Wratten #11
- Yellow/Green
Wratten #47
- Violet
Wratten #21
-
PHILIPS
ToUcam UPDATE - ASTRONOMY WEB
Pro 840kCCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE
FOR ASTRONOMY
OR JUST A
GREAT WEB
$230AUD$ or
$140US$
We have
received the new 840k ToUcams. The new model has the same chip as the
740k. The body has been changed and the software has been updated.
There is also a tripod thread.
The Philips ToUcam Pro 840k PCVC840K digital camera/CCD Camera can be mounted
onto a telescope to produce brilliant images on your PC of celestrial objects
and more. The camera has the ability of
seeing in low light, without snowing, making it excellent for astronomy.
Adaptors,
Filters and Accessories are also available.
Updated
information on the ToUcam 840k can be seen on our web site:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm
ASTRONOMY
2004 BOOK (14TH EDITION)
Astronomy
2004 is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
$16AUD$
*No price
increase for 8 years*
NEW
PRICE LISTS WEB SITE
We've
featured a number of suppliers with up-to-date prices. Also, there are
telescope parts and secondhand:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pricelists.htm
Until the
Celestron Pricelist is completed, please contact us for prices.
HYPERED
FILM
Hypered
Film is standard 35mm Film that has been sensitized to record the dim images of
galaxies and nebulae with less exposure time. The sensitizing
process includes a vacuum degas purge followed by a bake in a mixture of
nitrogen and hydrogen. Please call for more details and pricing.
SKY
MAP PRO SOFTWARE V9/V10 - SPECIAL!
The new
SkyMap Pro V10 is now available. We are currently waiting shipment and we
confirm the price in the next Newsletter or please call. There is one
full version of the V9 left for $100AUD$ or $72US$. There is also
one V9 update left for $50AUD$ or $36US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
2X
BARLOW / CAMERA ADAPTOR / FILTER HOLDER - SPECIAL!
$70AUD$ or
$44US$
In stock are
these marvelous 1.25" diameter adaptors. They are able to do a
number of things. Firstly, its a achromatic 2x Barlow. Secondly,
its a camera adaptor, which is threaded, and only the T Mount is needed to
suit your brand of camera. Photos can then be taken through a telescope
at higher magnification without using an eyepiece. Thirdly, the Barlow's
lens can be removed by unscrewing for true focal projection
photography. Fourthly, with the Barlow's lens removed, filters can be screwed
in. - Crikey!
WHAT
FILTERS ARE YOU USING?
Terry Moon
of the South Australian Astronomical Society has completed testing various
filters with some interesting results. Is your #23 Filter really a #23 or
is it closer to somethng else? The outcome of his extensive tests will
produce the correct filter for the application for which is was purchased
for. If you are interested in the results, let me know, and once testing
is finished, we can forward a summary of the conclusions. We will also
place the results on our web site.
One of the
results obtained is the Wratten #56 appears to match the Johnson
V-band and can be used with CCDs for accurately measuring stellar
magnitudess the Wratten #56 filters.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
102mm
diameter, F/11.8 Refractors on Equatorial Mount $650 - SPECIAL!
- Our full
range of telescopes are all currently discounted - of course!
EYEPIECE
DEAL - SPECIAL!
The
Telescopes and Astronomy Eyepiece Deal was first initiated in February when the
last of Celestron Eyepiece Deals had been sold and no more were on the
horizon. Many people were left wanting similar deals. The major
difference between our Deal and Celestron's Deal is you don't have to buy a
telescope to receive the Deal.
We have now
updated the eyepieces. The Deal no longer contains the eyepiece
filters. We have reduced the price.
The Deal
consists of 6 eyepieces. There are a number to choose from since most
people already have a mixture of 10mm, 15mm or 25mm
which are standard with most telescopes nowdays.
6 Eyepieces
- Plossls. The rubber eyecup can be removed to attach a digital
camera.
$180AUD$ or
$114US$ plus postage.
There are a
number of eyepiece focal lengths to pick from:
4mm
6.5mm
10mm
12.5mm
15mm
20mm
25mm
30mm
40mm
To work
out the magnification of an eyepiece:
Divide the
telescope focal length by the eyepiece focal length.
BINOCULARS
- SPECIAL!
25x100mm
Binoculars $650AUD$ or $340US$ or £264
OXYGEN
III FILTERS
Oxygen III Filters
are well reknown for their excellent views of diffuse and planetary
nebulae. Enhance your deep sky viewing with the latest in multi-layer
coating technology. Over three years in development, the filters transmit
desired wave-lengths in a very steep slope vs. gentle transition slopes in
competitive brands. This means better contrast and overall performance.
All coatings are fully protected within two glass layers.
$160AUD$
BLACK
NIGHT BINOVIEWERS
Harry
Sieberts Black Night Binoviewers have recieved great reviews and are
affordable. There are different packages available. Please enquire
for a new perspective on the Universe. You can see and read about the
Black Night Binoviewers on Harry's site:
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/SiebertOptics-blacknightbinoviewers.html
MOON
PHASE MAPS
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover
sheet illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$15AUD$ or
$10US$
WANTED
TO SELL
NEXSTAR
8 PLUS ACCESSORIES
- 2 years old
- Nexstar
Plossl 10mm, 25mm, 40mm
- 10mm
Plossl illuminated cross hair.
- Orion lens
case, dew hood
- Skymap
pro software, serial cable adapter
- 12V
motorcycle battery
- Camera
piggyback mount
- Reference
books
- Other
extras
-
Telescope/tripod in original shipping boxes.
NEXSTAR
5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
12v Gel
Cell
Factory
Tripod
Meade
Nebula Filter
Meade
Variable Polarising Filter
Solar
Filter
Meade Super
Plossl 40mm
Celestron
Plossl 25mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 18mm
Meade
Illuminated Reticle 12mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 7.5mm
Celestron
Star Diagonal
Vixen Erect
Image Diagonal
Manual
MEADE
10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS:
The
10" F10 LX200 bought just before the new GPS model came out for around
$7000AUD. It also comes with the bunch of eyepieces and a JMI focuser and
an Orion dew shield. Also, a F3.3 and a F6.3 reducer and wedge, together
with cig power supply and a few other things. It would be a great buy for
someone wanting the lot in one package. Spent around $8-9000AUD.
SBIG
CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:
SBIG ST7E
CCD camera is one of the more sensitive NABG type (non antiblooming) and is
around 2-3 years old now with parallel not USB. It can be upgraded easily
however. SBIG AO7 (adaptive optics mirror guider). The AO7 is great
for auto guiding if using the ST7E. The camera and AO7. Original
cost $9000.
CELESTRON
CI700
Celestron
CI700 (Losmandy G11 clone but better) and Advanced Astro Master encoders
(computer link etc). All the items are in great shape and work
flawlessly, also they are excellent quality. Original cost $6500.
VIXEN
CUSTOM 90M (
- Accessories
ToUcam
740k
Secondhand
ToUcam complete with software.
$100AUD$ or
$70US$
10"
HOMEMADE DOBSONIAN
10"
HOMEMADE DOBSONIAN
WANTED
TO BUY
-
Declination correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
-
Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
Polarex 60mm 900mm F/15 Refractor complete with wooden box.
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
8/10/12" Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade Magellan
1 Unit
- Old
Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia, eyepiece interchangable binoculars
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
2003 NO.24
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for August and September due to the Mars event.
A number of
emails sent and received have not been getting through. All inquiries are
answered. Re-contact us if you don't get an answer. During the Mars
event we took up to 2 weeks to answer some queries. If you require a
faster response, please call.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- NEW
COMPLETED MIRRORS AVAILABLE
- TELESCOPE
CONSTRUCTION WEBSITE
- PHILIPS ToUcam UPDATE- ASTRONOMY WEB
- ASTRONOMY
2004 BOOK
- NEW PRICE
LISTS WEB SITE
- DECENT
MOUNTS FOR ACCURATE TRACKING (FROM LAST NEWSLETTER)
- VIXEN GP-DX
- SKYWATCHER EQ5 - SPECIAL!
- SKYWATCHER HDEQ5MNT
- SKYWATCHER EQ6
- CELESTRON CG5
- CELESTRON CG5 COMPUTERISED MOUNT
- CELESTRON CGE COMPUTERISED MOUNT
- VIXEN'S
NEW SPHINX MOUNTS AND STAR BOOK
- NEW VIXEN
ACCESSORY COMPATABILITY CHART
- SKY MAP
PRO SOFTWARE V9 - SPECIAL!
- ENCODERS
FOR TELESCOPES
- 2X BARLOW
/ CAMERA ADAPTOR / FILTER HOLDER - SPECIAL!
- EXTRA
COUNTER WEIGHTS
- GREEN
LASER POINTERS
- WHAT
FILTERS ARE YOU USING?
- SURVEYOR
TRIPODS
- STILL
LOOKING FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- STILL
LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- DO YOU
HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
-
TELESCOPES - SPECIAL!
- EYEPIECE DEAL - SPECIAL!
-
FOCUSERS
- BINOCULARS - SPECIAL!
- THE NIGHT SKIES 2004 CALENDAR FROM THE AAO
- EYEPIECE CARRY CASE
- MOON PHASE MAPS
-
DAILY MOON WALL CHARTS (OUT THEY GO!)
- WANTED TO
SELL
- NEXSTAR 5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
-
MEADE 10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS
-
SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER
-
CELESTRON CI700
- WANTED TO
BUY
- Declination correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
- Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
-
90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
-
Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
-
Meade Magellan 1 Unit
- Old Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
NEW
COMPLETED MIRRORS AVAILABLE- SPECIAL!
Here is a
small list of new completed mirrors currently available:
304mm
(12") BK7 F/5 $650
250mm
(10") Pyrex F/5 $490
200mm
(8") BK7 F/6 $320
153mm
(6") BK7 F7.8 $200
Mirrors are
1/8 wave surface accuracy
Coating is
Al + SiO2
Strehl
ratio is better than 0.8
All sizes
above are available in the following materials:
Pyrex -
most expensive
BK7
Sodalime -
least expensive
Please call
or email for a particular size, focal ratio or material.
TELESCOPE
CONSTRUCTION WEBSITE
Building
your own telescope from our supplied parts has many advantages:
1) Allows
the builder to choose standard or high performance parts.
2) The
telescope can be made to a particular budget.
3) Allows
the builder to make the parts he or she wants to and buy the rest.
4) The
eyepieces can be choosen to suit the telescope and user.
5) Allows
the builder to design the telescope according to the proper specifications.
6) Allows
the builder to choose a mount which is properly suited to the application.
7)
Depending on parts used, there is a cost saving.
Telescopes and
Astronomy's Telescope Construction web site hasn't been updated properly since
Mars had taken over our lives. We will hope to complete the site within
the next 2 weeks or by the time this Newsletter arrives. The site already
contains much information and pricing:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm
PHILIPS
ToUcam UPDATE - ASTRONOMY WEB
Pro 840kCCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE
FOR
ASTRONOMY OR JUST A
GREAT WEB
$230AUD$ or
$140US$
We are
anxiously waiting for the shipment of the new 840k model. The new model
has the same chip as the 740k. The body has been changed and the software
has been updated.
The Philips ToUcam Pro 840k PCVC840K digital camera/CCD Camera can be mounted
onto a telescope to produce
images on your PC of celestrial objects and more. The camera has the
ability of
seeing in low light, without snowing, making it excellent for astronomy.
The ToUcam
is featured in the June 2003 issue of 'Sky & Telescope' magazine and
also the English 'Astronomy Now' magazine:
Sky and
Telescope Magazine:
Astronomy
Now
Adaptors to
fit 1.25" telescope focusers are also available for $28AUD$ or $17US$.
Adaptors which are threaded for for filters are $35AUD$ or $20US$.
IR Filters are available in standard and high quality - please inquire.
5m
Extension cables are available for $24AUD$ or $14US$. This extends the
total cable length
to 7.7m. Please contact us for longer lengths.
Information
and technical data can be seen on Philips ToUcam 840k web page:
http://www.philips.be/Assets/Downloadablefile/LF_840-2368.pdf
Here are a
couple of websites from
amateur astronomers using the ToUcam:
http://members.cox.net/roeckelein_aap/toucam.html
http://members.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:
http://www.astrosurf.com/cadra/images.html
ASTRONOMY
2004 BOOK (14TH EDITION)
Astronomy
2004 is an Australian publication suitable for whole of
For more
information see it on our web page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm
$16AUD$
*No price
increase for 8 years*
NEW
PRICE LISTS WEB SITE
We've
featured a number of suppliers with up-to-date prices. Also, there are
telescope parts and secondhand:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pricelists.htm
DECENT
MOUNTS FOR ACCURATE TRACKING (FROM LAST NEWSLETTER)
We've had a
huge reponse to this article posted in the last Newsletter, so we've repeated
it for those who are new or missed it.
Having a
decent mount for accurate tracking is becoming more popular as they become more
affordable. Accurate mounts are used for a number of things including
computer guided telescopes, accurate encoder locating (see below)
and astrophotography. Of course, you only get what you pay for,
although with right know how, many mounts can be improved to greatly increase
their accuracy. Once these mounts are improved the Vixen SkySensor 2000
PC can be attached.
VIXEN
GP-DX
$1420AUD$ or
$824US$
One of the
best mounts available is the Vixen GP-DX. The mount comes as the 'mount
head only' with a tripod or pier needed to complete it. Included with the
mount head is slow motion controls, polar alignment scope, bubble level and
built in illuminator. The GP-DX can have a dual axis drive added.
The mount can handle upto 10kg easily. Vixen SkySensor can be attached to
the GP-DX (see below).
SKYWATCHER
EQ5
$499AUD$ or
$313US$ - SPECIAL!
There are a
few copies of the Vixen GP-DX mounts available. The EQ5 comes complete
with tripod. It can have single or double axis motor drive
attached. Standard features of the EQ5 include a built-in holder for
polar scope, a latitude adjuster with micrometer scale, an azimuth
polar-alignment adjuster, slow-motion tracking controls, and a bubble
level. The EQ5 can be greatly improved and the best way to do this is to
follow the guidelines set out by AstroBoy at his site:
Once the
EQ5 has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below) will work
accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight on).
SKYWATCHER
HDEQ5MNT
$1099AUD$
or $656US$
This is the
heavy-duty version of the EQ5 mount and is a smaller version of the sturdy EQ6
mount. It is able to handle around 12kg. (up to 10" reflector) The
HDEQ5MNT includes dual axis drive, built-in polarscope for both North and
Southern Hemisphere use, large R.A. and DEC. locking clamps and retractable
counterweight shaft and counterweight. The tripod has 1.5"-diameter
steel legs.
Once again,
when the HDEQ5MNT has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below)
will work accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight
on).
SKYWATCHER
EQ6
$1485AUD$ or $936US$
This is the
largest and heaviest mount. This mount can handle a 12.5" Reflector or
similar (up to 18kg). Features include built-in polarscope for both North
and Southern Hemisphere use, large R.A. and DEC. locking clamps, dual axis
drive, and retractable counterweight shaft and counterweight. The field
tripod has adjustable height, incorporating 2"-diameter steel tripod
legs.
Same again,
once the EQ6 has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below) will
work accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight
on). Further information about the SkySensor and the EQ6 can be seen on
this site:
http://www.iteastronomy.com//products/accessories/overview.php?p=EQ-6+MOUNT
CELESTRON CG5
$1042AUD$
or $616US$
The
Celestron CG5 is basically the same as the EQ5. The CG5 has the Polar
Alignment tool as an optional extra. AstroBoy gives the CG5 a full going
over on his site:
Same again,
once the CG5 has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below)
will work accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight
on).
Call or
email for further information.
CELESTRON
CG5 COMPUTERISED MOUNT
$1599AUD$
or $962US$
This is the
same mount as the CG5 with computerised GOTO and object database.
Celestron has all the specifications on the following page:
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c8sgt.htm
CELESTRON
CGE COMPUTERISED MOUNT
$7640AUD$
or $4500US$
This is
Celestron's top of the line mount. I haven't seen one personally yet,
although, going by the reviews it is a very good mount indeed. The
largest telescope Celestron place on it is the 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain which
weighs 20kg (45 pounds). This doesn't include any extra accessories which
could be an extra 2kg. The best way to see the specifications is to go
straight to Celestron's web page:
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/cge_index.htm
Any
additional information can be obtained from us.
VIXEN'S
NEW SPHINX MOUNTS AND STAR BOOK
Vixen now
has available its new SX and SXW Mounts. These mounts have been
engineered with the latest innovations like using the motor drives as the
counter balance instead of weights. Most of the telescopes Vixen produce
are available on the new mounts.
The new
Vixen Star Book is a GoTo Controller with a planetarium screen for locating
objects.
Information
on the new Sphinx Mounts and Star Book can be seen on the following pages:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen114.htm
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen115.htm
Vixen's web
site:
NEW
VIXEN ACCESSORY COMPATABILITY CHART
Due to the
new Vixen models, a new accessory compatability chart has been released:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen116.htm
Telescopes
and Astronomy's Vixen Home Page:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen103.htm
SKY
MAP PRO SOFTWARE V9 - SPECIAL!
The full
version is $125AUD$ or $78US$. Current owners of the software can update
their version for $80AUD$ or $48US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
ENCODERS
FOR TELESCOPES (FROM LAST NEWSLETTER)
$540AUD$ or
$328US$
Complete
Encoders Kits available for Dobsonian and Equatorial Mounts. The Encoder
Kits include the following:
- 8192 step
encoders
- modular
connector
- enough
cable for big Dobs
- Discovery
Display. The Discovery Display is the same as the JMI's NGC MAX or Celestron's
Advanced Astro Master.
JMI's NGC
MAX
http://jimsmobile.com/guide_search.htm
Celestron's
Advanced Astro Master
http://www.celestron.com/access/comp.htm
The
Discovery Display includes R.A./Dec. display, timer, polar alignment help,
Identify mode, RS-232 computer interface and a 12,046 object database.
The Discovery
Display database includes all 110 Messier objects in the Messier catalog
and all NGC objects in an NGC catalog. The IC catalog consists of all IC
objects which are not galaxies, galaxies which have a magnitude specified and
all remaining galaxies which have a size of 1.9 arc-minutes or more.
There are separate catalogs for 928 stars and 386 other non-stellar objects,
including 19 black hole candidates and quasars. An additional user
catalog includes 28 user-defined objects. A planet catalog is also
included.
2X
BARLOW / CAMERA ADAPTOR / FILTER HOLDER - SPECIAL!
$70AUD$ or
$44US$
In stock
are these marvelous 1.25" diameter adaptors. They are able to do a
number of things. Firstly, its a achromatic 2x Barlow. Secondly,
its a camera adaptor, which is threaded, and only the T Mount is needed to
suit your brand of camera. Photos can then be taken through a telescope
at higher magnification without using an eyepiece. Thirdly, the Barlow's
lens can be removed by unscrewing for true focal projection
photography. Fourthly, with the Barlow's lens removed, filters can be
screwed in. - Crikey!
EXTRA
COUNTER WEIGHTS
We have
additional shaft weights available in 1.9kg. The weights are 40mm thick
and 90mm wide (same as Vixen weights).
$40AUD$ or
$25US$ each.
GREEN
LASER POINTERS
Green Laser
Pointers are available in differrent powers up to 28mw.
Standard
Green Laser Pointers (<5mw output) are $160AUD$ or $99US$.
WHAT
FILTERS ARE YOU USING?
Terry Moon
of the South Australian Astronomical Society has been testing various filters
with some interesting results. Is your #23 really a #23 or is it closer
to somethng else? The outcome of his extensive tests will produce the
correct filter for the application for which is was purchased for. If you
are interested in the results, let me know, and once testing is finished, we
can forward a summary of the conclusions.
One of the
results obtained is the Wratten #56 appears to match the Johnson
V-band and can be used with CCDs for accurately measuring stellar
magnitudess the Wratten #56 filters.
SURVEYOR
TRIPODS
We've found
the biggest, sturdiest Surveyor Tripods available. The smaller of
the two handles up to 20kg and is priced at $250.
Secondly, the larger one handles up to 40kg for $480. These tripods
can be easily adapted to
STILL
LOOKING FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Australian Astronomical web site/page link
to place on our event page. We would like the site/page to
outline up and coming events to suit Australian skies. If you
would like a little more exposure, whether you are an astronomical society
or an individual, let us know your site address. There is no cost
involved.
STILL
LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Astronomical web site/page link for individual
countries to place on our event page. We would like the
site/page to outline up and coming events to suit each individual
country's skies. If you would like a little more exposure, whether
you are an astronomical society or an individual, let us know your site
address to represent your country. There is no cost involved.
DO
YOU HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
If you
would like your public viewing night listed on our events page please provide
your country, state and town where it is held along with an email address of
your contact. There is no cost involved.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
102mm
diameter, F/11.8 Refractors on Equatorial Mount $650 - SPECIAL!
- Our full
range of telescopes are all currently discounted - of course!
EYEPIECE
DEAL - SPECIAL!
The
Telescopes and Astronomy Eyepiece Deal was first initiated in February when the
last of Celestron Eyepiece Deals had been sold and no more were on the
horizon. Many people were left wanting similar deals. The major
difference between our Deal and Celestron's Deal is you don't have to buy a
telescope to receive the Deal.
We have now
updated the eyepieces. The Deal no longer contains the eyepiece
filters. We have reduced the price.
The Deal
consists of 6 eyepieces. There are a number to choose from since most
people already have a mixture of 10mm, 15mm or 25mm
which are standard with most telescopes nowdays.
6 Eyepieces
- Plossls. The rubber eyecup can be removed to attach a digital
camera.
$180AUD$ or
$114US$ plus postage.
There are a
number of eyepiece focal lengths to pick from:
4mm
6.5mm
10mm
12.5mm
15mm
20mm
25mm
30mm
40mm
To work
out the magnification of an eyepiece:
Divide the
telescope focal length by the eyepiece focal length.
FOCUSERS
32/50mm
(1.25"/2") Rack and Pinion Focusers to suit 6" and above $79.
BINOCULARS
- SPECIAL!
13x70mm
Binoculars $499AUD$ or $299US$
Coated, Dust
Caps, Carry Case and Table Top Tripod. A Full Size Tripod is
recommended for these size binoculars. Tripod prices start at $65AUD$ or
$42US$
THE
NIGHT SKIES 2004 CALENDAR FROM THE AAO
Now
available for $10AUD$ or $7US$
EYEPIECE
CARRY CASE
The foam
lined carry case fits 6 eyepieces or similar. The dimensions are 18cm x
14cm x 12cm. $20AUD$ or $13US$.
MOON
PHASE MAPS
Moon Phase
Maps consist of:
· 18
Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)
· Cover
sheet illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.
· Complete
index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.
All
supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes040.htm
$15AUD$ or
$10US$
DAILY
MOON WALL CHARTS (OUT THEY GO!)
These wall
charts show the Moon for every day of the year.
$3AUD$ or
$2US$
WANTED
TO SELL
NEXSTAR
5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
12v Gel
Cell
Factory
Tripod
Meade
Nebula Filter
Meade
Variable Polarising Filter
Solar
Filter
Meade Super
Plossl 40mm
Celestron
Plossl 25mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 18mm
Meade
Illuminated Reticle 12mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 7.5mm
Celestron Star
Diagonal
Vixen Erect
Image Diagonal
Manual
I'm
surprised this telescope hasn't sold yet. Please inquire if you have any
interest.
MEADE
10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS:
The
10" F10 LX200 bought just before the new GPS model came out for around
$7000AUD. It also comes with the bunch of eyepieces and a JMI focuser and
an Orion dew shield. Also, a F3.3 and a F6.3 reducer and wedge,
together with cig power supply and a few other things. It would be a great buy
for someone wanting the lot in one package. Spent around $8-9000AUD.
SBIG
CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:
SBIG ST7E
CCD camera is one of the more sensitive NABG type (non antiblooming) and is
around 2-3 years old now with parallel not USB. It can be upgraded easily
however. SBIG AO7 (adaptive optics mirror guider). The AO7 is great
for auto guiding if using the ST7E. The camera and AO7. Original
cost $9000.
CELESTRON
CI700
Celestron
CI700 (Losmandy G11 clone but better) and Advanced Astro Master encoders
(computer link etc). All the items are in great shape and work
flawlessly, also they are excellent quality. Original cost $6500.
WANTED
TO BUY
-
Declination correction attachment (the mechanical part) for a Meade DS-10
-
Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
Polarex 60mm 900mm F/15 Refractor complete with wooden box.
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
8/10/12" Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade
Magellan 1 Unit
- Old Celestron
Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia, eyepiece interchangable binoculars
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
JULY NEWSLETTER
2003 NO.23
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There wasn't
a Newsletter for June.
Thanks to
those people with input to this month's Newsletter.
Our first
child, Dylan now gives me something else to do at night.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- WELL
WISHES - THANKYOU!
- MARS
AUGUST 26TH 2003
- STOPPING DOWN A TELESCOPE
- HIGH MAGNIFICATION EYEPIECES
- CARBON
FIBRE TUBING
- PHILIPS
ToUcam - ASTRONOMY WEB
- DECENT
MOUNTS FOR ACCURATE TRACKING
- VIXEN GP-DX
- SKYWATCHER EQ5
- SKYWATCHER HDEQ5MNT
- SKYWATCHER EQ6
- CELESTRON CG5
- CELESTRON CG5 COMPUTERISED MOUNT
- CELESTRON CGE COMPUTERISED MOUNT
- SKY MAP
PRO SOFTWARE V9
- ENCODERS
FOR TELESCOPES
- 2X BARLOW
/ CAMERA ADAPTOR / FILTER HOLDER
-
- TELESCOPE
MAKING BOOKS
- LUNAR MAP
PRO V1.5
- IR
FILTERS
- NEW WEB
PAGES FROM TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
- STOLEN
EQUIPMENT
- LOOKING
FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- LOOKING
FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- DO YOU
HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
-
TELESCOPES
- EYEPIECE DEAL
- FILTER KITS
- PENTAX MZ-60 SLR CAMERA KIT
- FOCUSERS
-
DAILY MOON WALL CHARTS (OUT THEY GO!)
- WANTED TO
SELL
- NEXSTAR 5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
- SHORT TUBE CATADIOPTRIC
- MEADE 1022
SPOTTING SCOPE
-
MEADE 10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS
-
SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER
-
CELESTRON CI700
- NIKON OPTIPHOT METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE
- WANTED TO
BUY
- Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
-
90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
-
Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
-
Meade Magellan 1 Unit
- Old Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
-
Vixen 125mm dia., interchangable eyepiece binoculars
WELL
WISHES - THANKYOU!
Thank you
for the well wishes on the birth of our first child Dylan. He is a
healthly, fat little boy! :-)
MARS
26TH AUGUST 2003
Mars is at
opposition on the 29th of August. Mars has not been so close to us for
thousands of years. Even the smallest of telescopes will be able to see
great detail on the planet's surface including its dark continental
patches (if it had oceans) and its growing and shrinking polar icecap as the planet's seasons
change.
One of the
best sites I've found on the Mars event is the Night Sky web site from the
Planetary
filters are available and are outlined in the Current Specials further down the
page.
HIGH
MAGNIFICATION EYEPIECES
For those
who haven't a high magnification eyepiece for the planets, and are on a budget,
we have 6.5mm Plossls for $45 plus postage. Divide the Focal Length of
your telescope by 6.5 to get the magnification obtained by this eyepiece.
Generally, the higher the magnification used, the better the quality of
eyepiece.
High
quality/high magnification eyepieces suitable for Mars, planets and Moon are
available from Celestron, Vixen, Harry Siebert, Pentax and Edmund
Scientific.
1.25"
Celestron X
Cel Series
2.3mm -
$195AUD$ or $117US$
5mm -
$195AUD$ or $117US$
8mm -
$195AUD$ or $117US$
Other Focal
lengths (magnifications available)
Celestron
Ultima Series
5mm -
$268AUD$ or $159US$
7.5mm -
$268AUD$ or $159US$
Other Focal
lengths (magnifications available)
Vixen
Please call
for current Vixen pricing or see our Vixen Price Guide:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen150.htm
Harry
Siebert
3.9mm -
$190AUD$ or $112US$
4.9mm -
$190AUD$ or $112US$
5.4mm -
$190AUD$ or $112US$
7mm -
$130AUD$ or $78US$
Other Focal
lengths (magnifications available)
Pentax XL
XL-7mm
Spotting Scope or Telescope $470AUD$ or $255US$
XL-10.5mm
Spotting Scope or Telescope $470AUD$ or $255US$
Other Focal
lengths (magnifications available)
STOPPING
DOWN A TELESCOPE
Increased clarity,
along with a longer focal ratio, decreased brightness and the ability to use
the best part of your mirror is some of the advantages of Stopping Down a
Telescope.
The
technique is particulary useful on larger reflecting and refracting telescopes
about 8" (reflecting) and 6" (refracting) and above.
Cut out a
cardboard or similar disk about the same diameter as your tube. This will
be placed over the end of the telescope (where the light goes in). From
the disk, cut holes in the places where only the mirror sees (no obstruction).
eg. between secondary mirror arms, around the secondary mirror, or even if your
focuser sticks in too far creating an obstruction. Keep the cornering of
the circles neat. Oblongs are ok. Each hole is now your mirror
without the obstruction of the secondary mirror, arms and maybe focuser which steal
resolution. Your new size mirror chnages the focal ratio of the
telescope to a longer one making it great for Moon, planets and Transits - as
long as the subject is bright enough for you now, smaller mirror. Using
circles in the disk makes it easier to work out your new focal ratio etc.
Circles also allow you to choose what part of the mirror is used by rotating
the disk.
CARBON
FIBRE TUBING
Carbon
Fibre Tubing is now available for telescope builders. Let us know your
requirements including length, diameter and wall thickness and we'll
quote. Don't forget your location if a shipping quote is needed.
PHILIPS
ToUcam ASTRONOMY WEB
Pro 740kCCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE
FOR
ASTRONOMY OR JUST A
GREAT WEB
$215AUD$ or
$115US$
CURRENTLY IN STOCK
The Philips ToUcam Pro 740k PCVC740K digital camera/CCD Camera can be mounted
onto a telescope to produce
images on your PC of celestrial objects and more. The camera has the
ability of
seeing in low light, without snowing, making it excellent for astronomy.
The ToUcam
is featured in the June 2003 issue of 'Sky & Telescope' magazine and
also the English 'Astronomy Now' magazine:
Sky and
Telescope Magazine:
Astronomy
Now
Adaptors to
fit 1.25" telescope focusers are also available for $28AUD$ or $17US$.
Adaptors which are threaded for for filters are $35AUD$ or $20US$.
Filters are better suited to larger telescopes (8" and larger) when
using the web cam. This depends on the brightness of the object.
5m
Extension cables are available for $24AUD$ or $14US$. This extends the
total cable length
to 7.7m. Please contact us for longer lengths.
Information
and technical data can be seen on Philips ToUcam web page:
http://www.pc-cameras.philips.com/manuals/english/win/pcvc720k40_730_740k/index.html
Here are a
couple of websites from
amateur astronomers using the ToUcam:
http://members.cox.net/roeckelein_aap/toucam.html
http://members.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:
http://www.astrosurf.com/cadra/images.html
DECENT
MOUNTS FOR ACCURATE TRACKING
Having a
decent mount for accurate tracking is becoming more popular as they become more
affordable. Accurate mounts are used for a number of things including
computer guided telescopes, accurate encoder locating (see below)
and astrophotography. Of course, you only get what you pay for,
although with right know how, many mounts can be improved to greatly increase
their accuracy. Once these mounts are improved the Vixen SkySensor 2000
PC can be attached.
VIXEN
GP-DX
$1420AUD$ or
$824US$
One of the
best mounts available is the Vixen GP-DX. The mount comes as the 'mount
head only' with a tripod or pier needed to complete it. Included with the
mount head is slow motion controls, polar alignment scope, bubble level and
built in illuminator. The GP-DX can have a dual axis drive added.
The mount can handle upto 10kg easily. Vixen SkySensor can be attached to
the GP-DX (see below).
SKYWATCHER
EQ5
$532AUD$ or
$314US$
There are a
few copies of the Vixen GP-DX mounts available. The EQ5 comes complete
with tripod. It can have single or double axis motor drive
attached. Standard features of the EQ5 include a built-in holder for
polar scope, a latitude adjuster with micrometer scale, an azimuth
polar-alignment adjuster, slow-motion tracking controls, and a bubble
level. The EQ5 can be greatly improved and the best way to do this is to
follow the guidelines set out by AstroBoy at his site:
Once the
EQ5 has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below) will work
accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight on).
SKYWATCHER
HDEQ5MNT
$1099AUD$
or $656US$
This is the
heavy-duty version of the EQ5 mount and is a smaller version of the sturdy EQ6
mount. It is able to handle around 12kg. (up to 10" reflector) The
HDEQ5MNT includes dual axis drive, built-in polarscope for both North and
Southern Hemisphere use, large R.A. and DEC. locking clamps and retractable
counterweight shaft and counterweight. The tripod has 1.5"-diameter
steel legs.
Once again,
when the HDEQ5MNT has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below)
will work accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight
on).
SKYWATCHER
EQ6
$1655AUD$ or $980US$
This is the
largest and heaviest mount. This mount can handle a 12.5" Reflector or
similar (up to 18kg). Features include built-in polarscope for both North
and Southern Hemisphere use, large R.A. and DEC. locking clamps, dual axis
drive, and retractable counterweight shaft and counterweight. The field
tripod has adjustable height, incorporating 2"-diameter steel tripod
legs.
Same again,
once the EQ6 has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below) will
work accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight
on). Further information about the SkySensor and the EQ6 can be seen on
this site:
http://www.iteastronomy.com//products/accessories/overview.php?p=EQ-6+MOUNT
CELESTRON CG5
$1042AUD$
or $616US$
The
Celestron CG5 is basically the same as the EQ5. The CG5 has the Polar
Alignment tool as an optional extra. AstroBoy gives the CG5 a full going
over on his site:
Same again,
once the CG5 has been improved, the Vixen SkySensor 2000 PC (see below)
will work accurately and can be attached without difficulty (bolts straight
on).
Call or
email for further information.
CELESTRON
CG5 COMPUTERISED MOUNT
$1599AUD$
or $962US$
This is the
same mount as the CG5 with computerised GOTO and object database.
Celestron has all the specifications on the following page:
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c8sgt.htm
CELESTRON
CGE COMPUTERISED MOUNT
$7640AUD$
or $4500US$
This is
Celestron's top of the line mount. I haven't seen one personally yet,
although, going by the reviews it is a very good mount indeed. The
largest telescope Celestron place on it is the 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain
which weighs 20kg (45 pounds). This doesn't include any extra accessories
which could be an extra 2kg. The best way to see the specifications is to
go straight to Celestron's web page:
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/cge_index.htm
Any
additional information can be obtained from us.
VIXEN
SKYSENSOR 2000 PC
$1948AUD$
or $1130US$
Probably
the best update to the GP-DX is encoders (see below) or the Vixen SkySensor
2000 PC. SkySensor enables the telescope to be attached to a PC to
use astronomical software (see below also). SkySensor has many
features including:
- high
speed search of objects
- 13,942
objects in data base plus 30 additional
- remote
auto centering
- periodic
error correction
- compatable
with any optical tube
- automatic
tracking of satellites
-
atmospheric correction
Vixen's web
site:
Telescopes
and Astronomy's Vixen Pages:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen103.htm
SKY
MAP PRO SOFTWARE V9
The full
version is $150AUD$ or $80US$. Current owners of the software can update
their version for $90AUD$ or $49US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
ENCODERS
FOR TELESCOPES
$540AUD$ or
$319US$
We now have
complete Encoders Kits available for Dobsonian and Equatorial Mounts. The
Encoder Kits include the following:
- 8192 step
encoders
- modular
connector
- enough
cable for big Dobs
- Discovery
Display. The Discovery Display is the same as the JMI's NGC MAX or
Celestron's Advanced Astro Master.
JMI's NGC
MAX
http://jimsmobile.com/guide_search.htm
Celestron's
Advanced Astro Master
http://www.celestron.com/access/comp.htm
The
Discovery Display includes R.A./Dec. display, timer, polar alignment help,
Identify mode, RS-232 computer interface and a 12,046 object database.
The Discovery
Display database includes all 110 Messier objects in the Messier catalog
and all NGC objects in an NGC catalog. The IC catalog consists of all IC
objects which are not galaxies, galaxies which have a magnitude specified and
all remaining galaxies which have a size of 1.9 arc-minutes or more.
There are separate catalogs for 928 stars and 386 other non-stellar objects, including
19 black hole candidates and quasars. An additional user catalog includes
28 user-defined objects. A planet catalog is also included.
2X
BARLOW / CAMERA ADAPTOR / FILTER HOLDER
$75AUD$ or
$45US$
Back in
stock are these marvelous 1.25" diameter adaptors. They are able to
do a number of things. Firstly, its a achromatic 2x Barlow.
Secondly, its a camera adaptor, which is threaded, and only the T Mount is
needed to suit your brand of camera. Photos can then be taken through a
telescope at higher magnification without using an eyepiece. Thirdly, the
Barlow's lens can be removed by unscrewing for true focal projection
photography. Fourthly, with the Barlow's lens removed, filters can be
screwed in. - Crikey!
NEWPORT
GLASS BULK SHIPMENT
We are
currently organising this year's bulk shipment of glass wear and mirrors from
Newport Glass. If your in Australia, Asia or New Zealand and are after
Pyrex Pregenerated Blanks, Thin Mirror Blanks, High Quality Mirrors and
diagonals at a good price let me know and I'll add you to the list.
Pre-payment is a must and orders must be in by the end of August. Call or
email for price quotes.
Who are
Newport Glass I hear you ask? Newport Glass are a manufacturer who
specialise in telescope glass and other similar items. Here is their web
site:
TELESCOPE
MAKING BOOKS
We now have
a wide range of Telescope Making Books. They can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes097.htm
We also
have our own notes for grinding and polishing a mirror. These are
$30AUS. They provide the instructions to the materials we sell and use.
LUNAR
MAP PRO V1.5
Lunar Map
Pro V1.5 is the most adavanced, high resolution lunar application ever
developed for Windows. Whether you are an armchair astronomer, beginner,
or advanced observer, Lunar Map Pro has a host of features which will enhance
and add to your knowledge of the Moon.
Lunar Map
Pro version 1.5 features:
• Highest-resolution image (raster) mapS
• World's first GIS lunar vector maps
• Maps flip and reverse to match your telescope view
• Simulated eyepiece field of view (FOV) maps
• Largest lunar feature database learn more
• Easy image organizing and observing note linkage
• Navigator Window for Easy Access to Map Features
• Customized printing to suit your personal needs
• The most flexible feature labeling available
• The most accurate feature measuring tool
The Lunar
Map Pro is available in 2 versions:
1) Lunar
Map Pro $150AUD$ or $80US$
2) Lunar
Map Pro Basic Edition $68AUD$ or $36US$
IR
FILTERS
$120AUD$ or
$70US$
Since
common light sources deliver light that has a very broad spectral output,
reaching beyond the visible, many visual and detector-based applications call
for a filter that is designed to pass only light within the visible spectrum.
For example, monochrome (black and white) cameras are often used with IR cutoff
filters to eliminate the effects of the presence of near infrared light
incident upon the detector.
IR Blocking
filters are 25mm diameter. It is a true dichroic filter and it is
MgF2 coated.
NEW
WEB PAGES FROM TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
CONSTRUCTING
YOUR OWN TELESCOPE
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm
DIGITAL,
VIDEO AND STANDARD CAMERA ADAPTERS
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes052.htm
PENTAX
PRODUCTS
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pentax087.htm
Pentax
currently have very good prices for high quality, large binoculars,
perfect for day or night viewing. All binoculars can be placed onto
tripods. We have tripods available for $89 which are 161cm high and are
171cm high once the binoculars are attached.
Pentax
16x60mm PCF WP Binoculars $483AUS or $225US$ plus postage. They can be
seen here:
http://www.pentax.com/products/binoculars/bino_overview.cfm?productid=65805
STOLEN
EQUIPMENT
SWEEDEN
Sometime in
the morning of the 22nd of December 2002 to the morning of the 23rd, a burglary
in the astronomical observatory belonging to the College of Kristianstad
(Sweden) occured. Could people please be on the lookout. The
telescope was a Meade LX 200 12 inch F 10 Schmidt-Cassegrain with hand control
unit and a "superwedge". The telescope was also equipped with a
Meade #929 2 inch Diagonal Prism and Meade's most advanced Illuminated Reticle
Eyepiece (with micrometric X-Y positioning). Also, the telescope was equipped
with Meade #1206 Electric Focuser.
AUSTRALIA
Stolen from
Hawks Nest, NSW (Newcastle area) on 25 February 2003, 4.5"
Vixen Reflector Telescope complete with tripod and various eyepieces, lid
of original shipping box, 'instruction manual' and original documentation.
Contact us
at Telescopes and Astronomy, if you have any information, and we'll send da
boys round!
LOOKING
FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Australian Astronomical web site/page link
to place on our event page. We would like the site/page to
outline up and coming events to suit Australian skies. If you
would like a little more exposure, whether you are an astronomical society
or an individual, let us know your site address.
LOOKING
FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Astronomical web site/page link for individual
countries to place on our event page. We would like the
site/page to outline up and coming events to suit each individual
country's skies. If you would like a little more exposure, whether
you are an astronomical society or an individual, let us know your site
address to represent your country.
DO
YOU HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
If you
would like your public viewing night listed on our events page please provide
your country, state and town where it is held along with an email address of
your contact.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
- Our full range
of telescopes are all currently discounted - of course!
- We are
putting together a number of 330mm (13") diamater F/4.6 Dobsonians in the
future. The optics will be high quality and you can choose the running
gear yourself. Interested parties please contact us for pricing
estimates.
EYEPIECE
DEAL
The
Telescopes and Astronomy Eyepiece Deal was first initiated in February when the
last of Celestron Eyepiece Deals had been sold and no more were on the
horizon. Many people were left wanting similar deals.
The Deal
consists of 6 eyepieces. There are a number to choose from since most
people already have a mixture of 10mm, 15mm and 25mm. These
are standard with most telescopes nowdays. Added to the deal is 4
Wratten Filters.
- 6
Eyepieces - Plossls. The removable rubber eyecup can be removed to
attach a digital camera.
- 4 Wratten
Filters
$210 plus
postage
There are a
number of eyepiece focal lengths to pick from.
To work
out the magnification of an eyepiece:
Divide the
telescope focal length by the eyepiece focal length.
Focal
lengths available:
4mm
6.5mm
10mm
12.5mm
15mm
20mm
30mm
40mm
FILTER
KITS
$75AUD$ or
$40US$
Filter
Sets: Red #23A, Green #58A, Blue #80A, Yellow #12
I've been
asked a few times which filters are best for what. Here's the info:
NO. 12 DEEP
YELLOW
Moon - Enhance lunar features.
Jupiter - Penetrates and darkens atmospheric current containing low hue blue
tones. Enhances orange and red features of the belts and zones.
Useful for studies of the polar regions.
Mars - Reduces the light from blue and green areas which darken the maria,
oases and canal markings while lightening the orangish desert regions.
Also sharpens the boundries of yellow dust clouds.
Netune - Improves detail in larger telescopes (11" and larger apertures).
Saturn - Penetrates and darkens the atmospheric currents containing low-hue
blue tones and enhances the orange and red features of bands and zones.
Uranus - Improves detail in larger telescopes (11" and larger apertures).
NO. 23A
LIGHT RED
Moon - Enhances lunar features.
Mars - Reduces the light from the blue and green areas which darkens the maria,
oases and canal markings while lightening the orangish desert regions.
Also sharpens the boundries of yellow dust clouds.
Mercury - Improves observation at twilight when the planet is low near the
horizon and in daylight it reduces the brightness of the blue sky to enhance
surface features.
Saturn - Useful for studying the bluer clouds and the polar regions.
Venus - For daylight observing it reduces the brightness of the blue sky.
Occasionally deformations of the terminator are visible.
Comets - Improves definition of comet dust trails.
Solar - When using Mylar Solar Filters, this filter will give you true colour
rendition.
NO. 80A
LIGHT BLUE
Moon - Greatly enhances lunar details under dark sky conditions.
Jupiter - Enhances the boundries between the reddish belts and adjacent bright
zones. Also useful on the Great Red Spot.
Mars - Very useful during the violet clearing. Helpful in the study of
surface features and polar caps.
Mercury - Improves observation of dusky surface markings at twilight when the
planet is low near the horizon.
Saturn - Enhances low-contrast details of dark shadings in upper Venusian
clouds.
Comets - Brings out the best definition in comet gas tails.
NO. 58A
GREEN
Moon - Enhances lunar features.
Jupiter - Increases the visibility of the Great Red Spot. Useful for
observing the low-contrast hues of blue and red that exist in the Jovian
atmosphere.
Mars - Excellent for increased contrast of Martian polar caps, low clouds and
yellowish dust storms.
Saturn - Enhances white features in the Saturian atmosphere.
Venus - Useful for Venusian cloud pattern studies.
Comets - Useful for brighter comets.
PENTAX
MZ-60 SLR CAMERA KIT
$495AUD$ or
$293US$
MZ-60QD /
SIGMA-105 UCS / CASE
An
established, reliable entry level auto focus SLR that offers full user control
or fully automatic shooting. The MZ-60 QD incorporates an extensive range
of automatic settings indicated by picture mode which allows the user to select
the setting best suited to the subject matter. The MZ-60 QD has a
built-in flash which automatically "pops" up when required and
auto bracketing function.
Features
consist of: Date back as standard, 2 segment metering, Picture modes
(Std, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night scene), Aperture-Priority
AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual, 1 fps built-in winder,
Auto-bracketing, Auto pop-up flash, AE memory lock, red-eye reduction, Bulb
setting, 30sec to 1/2000.
FOCUSERS
32/50mm
(1.25"/2") Rack and Pinion Focusers to suit 6" and above $79.
DAILY
MOON WALL CHARTS (OUT THEY GO!)
These wall
charts show the Moon for every day of the year.
$3AUD$ or
$2US$
WANTED
TO SELL
NEXSTAR
5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
12v Gel Cell
Factory
Tripod
Meade
Nebula Filter
Meade
Variable Polarising Filter
Solar
Filter
Meade Super
Plossl 40mm
Celestron
Plossl 25mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 18mm
Meade
Illuminated Reticle 12mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 7.5mm
Celestron
Star Diagonal
Vixen Erect
Image Diagonal
Manual
SHORT
TUBE CATADIOPTRIC
Made in Japan
153mm Diameter
Focal Length 1300mm
Equatorial Mount with Slow Motion Controls
Right Angle 8x50mm Finderscope
Eyepieces: 25mm Kellner, 12mm Kellner
Erecting Prism
Moon Filter
'T' Adapter
Accessory Tray
Sun Projection Screen
$1000AUD$ o.n.o.
MEADE
1022 SPOTTING SCOPE
4" Spotting
Scope and mount
'T' Adaptor, Tele-extender, 1" Erecting prism, 3x Telenag amplifier
1"
$400AUD$ o.n.o.
MEADE
10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS:
The
10" F10 LX200 bought just before the new GPS model came out for around
$7000AUD. It also comes with the bunch of eyepieces and a JMI focuser and
an Orion dew shield. Also, a F3.3 and a F6.3 reducer and wedge,
together with cig power supply and a few other things. It would be a great buy
for someone wanting the lot in one package. Spent around $8-9000AUD.
SBIG
CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:
SBIG ST7E
CCD camera is one of the more sensitive NABG type (non antiblooming) and is around
2-3 years old now with parallel not USB. It can be upgraded easily
however. SBIG AO7 (adaptive optics mirror guider). The AO7 is great
for auto guiding if using the ST7E. The camera and AO7. Original
cost $9000.
CELESTRON
CI700
Celestron
CI700 (Losmandy G11 clone but better) and Advanced Astro Master encoders
(computer link etc). All the items are in great shape and work
flawlessly, also they are excellent quality. Original cost $6500.
NIKON
OPTIPHOT METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE
Please call
for information.
WANTED
TO BUY
-
Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
Polarex 60mm 900mm F/15 Refractor complete with wooden box.
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
8/10/12" Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade
Magellan 1 Unit
-
Equatorial Mounts
- Old
Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
- Vixen
125mm dia, eyepiece interchangable binoculars
I think
that's enough for now!
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
MAY NEWSLETTER
2003 NO.22
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for March and April. We had a healthy baby boy on
Valentine's Day and named him Dylan.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- TRANSIT
OF MERCURY
- MARS
AUGUST 26TH 2003
- STOPPING DOWN A TELESCOPE
- HIGH MAGNIFICATION EYEPIECES
-
TASCO/OPTEX CORRECTION
-
SCOPETRONIX 2" MAXVIEW
- TELESCOPE
MAKING BOOKS
- LUNAR MAP
PRO V1.5
- NEW WEB
PAGES FROM TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
- CONSTRUCTING YOUR OWN TELESCOPE
- DIGITAL, VIDEO AND STANDARD CAMERA ADAPTERS
- PENTAX PRODUCTS
- SKY MAP
PRO SOFTWARE V9 NOW AVAILABLE
- STOLEN
EQUIPMENT
- LOOKING
FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- LOOKING
FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- DO YOU
HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
-
TELESCOPES
- EYEPIECE DEAL
- FOCUSERS
-
DAILY MOON WALL CHARTS
- WANTED TO
SELL
- NEXSTAR 5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
-
MEADE 10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS
-
SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER
-
CELESTRON CI700
- NIKON OPTIPHOT METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE
- WANTED TO
BUY
- Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
-
90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
-
Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
-
Meade Magellan 1 Unit
- Old Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
TRANSIT
OF MERCURY
The Transit
of Mercury will be on the 7th of May 2003 (this Wednesday!). The tiny dot
of Mercury will need around 60x magnification minimum to see the event. Precaution must be made when viewing the Sun at any
time. We have Solar Film and Baader Filters for those who
are quick enough and wish to observe the event. Otherwise, projecting the
image of the Sun onto a sheet of paper will show the event well. If you
need information on this, please let me know. A sheet for projecting the
Transit onto is available at this web site along with some information:
http://www.eso.org/outreach/eduoff/vt-2004/mt-2003/mt-intro.html
Allow to
have an unobstructed view of the western sky as the end of the transit will be
after the Sun sets.
Australian
Starting Times
Adelaide
CST 2.49 pm
Brisbane EST 3.19 pm
Canberra EST 3.19 pm
Darwin CST 2.48 pm
Hobart EST 3.19 pm
Melbourne EST 3.19 pm
Perth WST 1.19 pm
Sydney EST 3.14 pm
Here are
some Live Camera web sites:
http://www.eso.org/outreach/eduoff/vt-2004/mt-2003/mt-display.html
MARS
26TH AUGUST 2003
Mars is at
opposition on the 29th of August. Mars has not been so close to us for
thousands of years. Even the smallest of telescopes will be able to see great
detail on the planet's surface including its dark continental patches (if
it had oceans) and its growing and shrinking polar icecap as the
planet's seasons change.
HIGH
MAGNIFICATION EYEPIECES
For those
who haven't a high magnification eyepiece for the planets, and are on a budget,
we have 6.5mm Plossls for $45 plus postage. Divide the Focal Length of
your telescope by 6.5 to get the magnification obtained by this eyepiece.
STOPPING
DOWN A TELESCOPE
Increased resolution
along with a longer focal ratio, decreased brightness and the ability to use
the best part of your mirror is some of the advantages of Stopping Down a
Telescope.
The
technique is particulary useful on larger reflecting telescopes about 8"
and above.
Cut out a
cardboard or similar disk about the same diameter as your tube. This will
be placed over the end of the telescope (where the light goes in). From
the disk, cut holes in the places where only the mirror sees (no obstruction).
eg. between secondary mirror arms, around the secondary mirror, or even if your
focuser sticks in too far creating an obstruction. Keep the cornering of
the circles neat. Oblongs are ok. Each hole is now your mirror
without the obstruction of the secondary mirror, arms and maybe focuser which
steal resolution. Your new size mirror chnages the focal ratio of
the telescope to a longer one making it great for Moon, planets and Transits -
as long as the subject is bright enough for you now, smaller mirror.
Using circles in the disk makes it easier to work out your new focal ratio
etc. Circles also allow you to choose what part of the mirror is used by
rotating the disk.
TASCO/OPTEX CORRECTION
In the last
Newsletter I mentioned Tasco Australia no longer sell Optex
Products. This is not true. They are still the distributor.
SCOPETRONIX
2" MAXVIEW NOW AVAILABLE
The MaxView
replaces your existing eyepiece for telescope, spotting scope or
microscope. It has a thread allowing Cam Corders, Digital Cameras and SLR
Camera to to fit on using a single adaptor. The MaxView gives the widest
possible view. Many camera types have a very narrow field of view
when using standard eyepieces or the camera itself. They are not able to
get close enough to the lens of the eyepiece. This is called vignetting.
The MaxView
is available in 32mm (1.25") and now 50mm (2").
Please inquiry for current pricing.
TELESCOPE
MAKING BOOKS
We now have
a wide range of Telescope Making Books. They can be seen here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes097.htm
We also
have our own notes for grinding and polishing a mirror. These are
$30AUS. They provide the instructions to the materials we sell and use.
LUNAR
MAP PRO V1.5
Lunar Map
Pro V1.5 is the most adavanced, high resolution lunar application ever
developed for Windows. Whether you are an armchair astronomer, beginner,
or advanced observer, Lunar Map Pro has a host of features which will enhance
and add to your knowledge of the Moon.
Lunar Map
Pro version 1.5 features:
• Highest-resolution image (raster) mapS
• World's first GIS lunar vector maps
• Maps flip and reverse to match your telescope view
• Simulated eyepiece field of view (FOV) maps
• Largest lunar feature database learn more
• Easy image organizing and observing note linkage
• Navigator Window for Easy Access to Map Features
• Customized printing to suit your personal needs
• The most flexible feature labeling available
• The most accurate feature measuring tool
The Lunar
Map Pro is available in 2 versions:
1) Lunar
Map Pro $150AUD$ or $80US$
2) Lunar
Map Pro Basic Edition $68AUD$ or $36US$
NEW
WEB PAGES FROM TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
CONSTRUCTING
YOUR OWN TELESCOPE
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm
DIGITAL,
VIDEO AND STANDARD CAMERA ADAPTERS
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes052.htm
PENTAX
PRODUCTS
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pentax087.htm
Pentax
currently have very good prices for high quality, large binoculars,
perfect for day or night viewing. All binoculars can be placed onto
tripods. We have tripods available for $89 which are 161cm high and are
171cm high once the binoculars are attached.
Pentax
16x60mm PCF WP Binoculars $483AUS or $225US$ plus postage. They can be
seen here:
http://www.pentax.com/products/binoculars/bino_overview.cfm?productid=65805
SKY
MAP PRO SOFTWARE V9 NOW AVAILABLE
The full
version is $150AUD$ or $80US$. Current owners of the software can update
their version for $90AUD$ or $49US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
STOLEN
EQUIPMENT
SWEEDEN
Sometime in
the morning of the 22nd of December 2002 to the morning of the 23rd, a burglary
in the astronomical observatory belonging to the College of Kristianstad
(Sweden) occured. Could people please be on the lookout. The
telescope was a Meade LX 200 12 inch F 10 Schmidt-Cassegrain with hand control
unit and a "superwedge". The telescope was also equipped with a
Meade #929 2 inch Diagonal Prism and Meade's most advanced Illuminated Reticle
Eyepiece (with micrometric X-Y positioning). Also, the telescope was equipped
with Meade #1206 Electric Focuser.
AUSTRALIA
Stolen from
Hawks Nest, NSW (Newcastle area) on 25 February 2003, 4.5"
Vixen Reflector Telescope complete with tripod and various eyepieces, lid
of original shipping box, 'instruction manual' and original documentation.
Contact us
at Telescopes and Astronomy, if you have any information, and we'll send da
boys round!
LOOKING
FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Australian Astronomical web site/page link
to place on our event page. We would like the site/page to
outline up and coming events to suit Australian skies. If you
would like a little more exposure, whether you are an astronomical society or an
individual, let us know your site address.
LOOKING
FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Astronomical web site/page link for individual
countries to place on our event page. We would like the
site/page to outline up and coming events to suit each individual
country's skies. If you would like a little more exposure, whether
you are an astronomical society or an individual, let us know your site
address to represent your country.
DO
YOU HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
If you
would like your public viewing night listed on our events page please provide
your country, state and town where it is held along with an email address of
your contact.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
- Our full
range of telescopes are all currently discounted.
- More
Super Specials will be available hopefully by next month. These will
include:
6" & 8" Reflecting Telescopes on Equatorial Mounts.
Large Refractors on Equatorial Mounts
Highly portable, take anywhere telescopes.
Celestron Telescopes and Accessories
- We are
putting together a number of 330mm (13") diamater F/4.6 Dobsonians in the
future. The optics will be high quality and you can choose the running
gear yourself. Interested parties please contact us for pricing
estimates.
EYEPIECE
DEAL
The
Telescopes and Astronomy Eyepiece Deal was first initiated in February when the
last of Celestron Eyepiece Deals had been sold and no more were on the
horizon. Many people were left wanting similar deals.
The Deal
consists of 6 eyepieces. There are a number to choose from since most
people already have a mixture of 10mm, 15mm and 25mm. These
are standard with most telescopes nowdays. Added to the deal is 4
Wratten Filters in a foam lined Aluminium Case.
- 6
Eyepieces - Plossls. The removable rubber eyecup can be removed to
attach a digital camera.
- 4 Wratten
Filters
- Aluminium
Box
$220 plus
postage
There are a
number of eyepiece focal lengths to pick from.
To work
out the magnification of an eyepiece:
Divide the
telescope focal length by the eyepiece focal length.
Focal
lengths available:
4mm
6.5mm
10mm
12.5mm
15mm
20mm
30mm
40mm
Aluminium
Case is available while stocks last. Less $10 no aluminium case.
At this stage
most of the eyepieces are available except the 30mm and 40mm which will arrive
soon. The Filters are due to arrive soon as well. The Aluminium
Cases are fitted out.
FOCUSERS
32mm
(1.25") Rack and Pinion Focusers to suit 6" and above $79.
DAILY
MOON WALL CHARTS
These wall
charts show the Moon for every day of the year.
$8AUD$ or
$4US$
WANTED
TO SELL
NEXSTAR
5 PLUS ACCESSORIES
12v Gel
Cell
Factory
Tripod
Meade
Nebula Filter
Meade
Variable Polarising Filter
Solar
Filter
Meade Super
Plossl 40mm
Celestron
Plossl 25mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 18mm
Meade
Illuminated Reticle 12mm
Takahashi
Long Eye Relief 7.5mm
Celestron
Star Diagonal
Vixen Erect
Image Diagonal
Manual
MEADE
10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS:
The
10" F10 LX200 bought just before the new GPS model came out for around
$7000AUD. It also comes with the bunch of eyepieces and a JMI focuser and
an Orion dew shield. Also, a F3.3 and a F6.3 reducer and wedge,
together with cig power supply and a few other things. It would be a great buy
for someone wanting the lot in one package. Spent around $8-9000AUD.
SBIG
CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:
SBIG ST7E
CCD camera is one of the more sensitive NABG type (non antiblooming) and is
around 2-3 years old now with parallel not USB. It can be upgraded easily
however. SBIG AO7 (adaptive optics mirror guider). The AO7 is great
for auto guiding if using the ST7E. The camera and AO7. Original
cost $9000.
CELESTRON
CI700
Celestron
CI700 (Losmandy G11 clone but better) and Advanced Astro Master encoders
(computer link etc). All the items are in great shape and work
flawlessly, also they are excellent quality. Original cost $6500.
NIKON
OPTIPHOT METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE
Please call
for information.
WANTED
TO BUY
-
Secondhand Equatorial Mount to Suit 6" scope
-
Polarex 60mm 900mm F/15 Refractor complete with wooden box.
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade
Magellan 1 Unit
-
Equatorial Mounts
- Old
Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
2003 NO.21
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for January due to a new arrival, no not a big telescope, a
baby boy! (Cosmo...?)
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- MARS
AUGUST 26TH 2003
- TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE 2002
-
ECLIPSE REPLAY
- ASTRONOMY
2003 BOOK
- CCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE
- LUNAR MAP
PRO V1.5
- NEW WEB
PAGES FROM TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
- CONSTRUCTING YOUR OWN TELESCOPE
- DIGITAL, VIDEO AND STANDARD CAMERA ADAPTERS
- PENTAX PRODUCTS
- SKY MAP
PRO SOFTWARE V9 NOW AVAILABLE
- STOLEN
EQUIPMENT
- NEW AUSTRALIAN
CELESTRON DISTRIBUTOR
- LOOKING
FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- LOOKING
FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
- DO YOU
HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
- NASA'S
EARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISE
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPE MIRRORS
- MIRROR GRINDING AND POLISHING MATERIALS
- PENTAX MZ-M SLR CAMERA
-
TELESCOPES
- SAD LACK OF TELESCOPE SPECIALS
-
DAILY MOON WALL CHARTS
- VIXEN
PRICE LIST
- WANTED TO
SELL
-
MEADE 10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS
-
SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER
-
CELESTRON CI700
- NIKON OPTIPHOT METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE
- WANTED TO
BUY
-
6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
-
10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
-
90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
-
Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
-
Meade Magellan 2 Unit
-
Meade Magellan 1 Unit
-
Equatorial Mounts
- Old Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
MARS
26TH AUGUST 2003
Mars is at
opposition on the 29th of August. Mars has not been so close to us for
thousands of years. Even the smallest of telescopes will be able to see
great detail on the planet's surface including its dark continental
patches (if it had oceans) and its growing and shrinking polar icecap as the planet's seasons
change. The following will help you get the most from your telescope when
the time comes:
Since
Barlow eyepieces degrade the images slightly, we have a range of eyepieces from
Harry Siebert which allow higher magnification from shorter focal length
telescopes. These eyepieces include focal lengths 2.9, 3.4, 3.9, 4.4,
4.9, 5.4 and 5.9mm. They have 5 elements, coated, with 65
degrees field of view, and 7mm eye relief. If you haven't
seen Harry's web site, here it is:
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/
As a
general rule of thumb, the magnification capability of your telescope can be
worked out by the diameter of the main mirror (reflector) or objective lens
(refractor). The diameter is taken in millimeters and doubled.
eg. 150mm x 2 = 300x maximum magnification capability. Its important
to note that generally, magnification capability depends on the atmospheric
conditions present over head. It will be quite often your telescope will
not reach its capable maximum magnification due to:
- heat and
humidity in the air
- air
pollution
- light
pollution
on rare
nights your telescope will exceed the maximum.
Motor
drives keep the object, in this case planet Mars, in the center of the field of
view. Planets need to be magnified highly to make them large enough to
see their details. High magnification means a smaller field of view
(looking at less area of sky). A motor drive means the telescope doesn't need
to be repositioned all the time. When a telescope is repositioned,
it takes time to stop wobbling. By the time this is done, the
object has already moved from the center of the field of view (best
viewing). The art of planet watching means looking at the planet for long
periods of time and waiting for a clear patch in the atmosphere where best
seeing occurs. Its amazing how much detail can be observed in this way.
Here are
some tips for viewing planets:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes028.htm
This page
will help your overall viewing:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes026.htm
If you have
a smaller telescope, this site will help:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes025.htm
TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE 2002
ECLIPSE
REPLAY
To see a
replay of the Eclipse use this link:
http://www.csiro.au/helix/eclipse/
ASTRONOMY
2003 BOOK
The book
Astronomy 2003 is once again available for $16. Due to our support of the
excellent publication the price has not increased since 1995. Features of
the book include:
Information
on the Mars opposition for 2003.
Astronomy
2003 is an Australian publication suitable for all of Australia. It is
intended for anyone who has looked up and wondered, whether it be with the
unaided eye,
binoculars or a telescope. It is the 13th edition to give a tourist's
view of the sky
as a 'use anytime' reference with realistic views identifying the positions of
each object.
Also
including:
- A guide to best times to observe planets
- When to see Shooting stars (Meteor showers)
- Easy to read monthly rise/set charts
- Public observatories in Australia
- Astronomical societies in Australia
- Returning comets
- much, much more
CCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE $215AUS or $120US$
The Philips
ToUcam Pro CCD Camera can be mounted onto a telescope to produce images on your
PC of stars, Moon, planets and more. It's also one of the best PC cameras
available.
Philips
ToUcam Sites:
http://www.djcash.demon.co.uk/astro/webcam/webcam.htm
http://astronomy.rainbow-serpent.de/planets.htm
Modification
For Long Exposure:
http://astro.ai-software.com/toucam2.html
Reviews:
http://www.whatcamcorder.net/reviews/Cameras/Philips/PhilipsToUCam.shtml
LUNAR
MAP PRO V1.5
Lunar Map
Pro V1.5 is the most adavanced, high resolution lunar application ever
developed for Windows. Whether you are an armchair astronomer, beginner,
or advanced observer, Lunar Map Pro has a host of features which will enhance
and add to your knowledge of the Moon.
Lunar Map
Pro version 1.5 features:
• Highest-resolution image (raster) mapS
• World's first GIS lunar vector maps
• Maps flip and reverse to match your telescope view
• Simulated eyepiece field of view (FOV) maps
• Largest lunar feature database learn more
• Easy image organizing and observing note linkage
• Navigator Window for Easy Access to Map Features
• Customized printing to suit your personal needs
• The most flexible feature labeling available
• The most accurate feature measuring tool
The Lunar Map
Pro is available in 2 versions:
1) Lunar
Map Pro $150AUD$ or $80US$
2) Lunar
Map Pro Basic Edition $68AUD$ or $36US$
A free, one
month, demostration CD ROM is available for $10 postage throughout
Australia. Please call for postage outside Australia.
NEW
WEB PAGES FROM TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY
CONSTRUCTING
YOUR OWN TELESCOPE
Its our
endevour to help as many people as possible with constructing their own
telescope no matter what the type or size. The main advantages to this
is:
-
completing a better quality instrument than can bought commercially
- using
higher quality or standard quality parts to your requirements and budget
- saving
money
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm
DIGITAL,
VIDEO AND STANDARD CAMERA ADAPTERS
Whether its
a Camera, Digital Camera or CamCorder, ScopeTronix has the Adapter to fit all.
Your camera can be attached easily to a Telescope, Spotting Scope or
Microscope. A special product,
invented by ScopeTronix, is the MaxView 40 which gives a brilliant wide field
of view when used with an adapter. Telescopes
and Astronomy specialise in camera imaging through optics. Call or email
us for all the ScopeTronix
range and many other accessories for imaging.
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes052.htm
PENTAX
PRODUCTS
The full Pentax
range is now available at our low prices. In particular, is their range
of binoculars with larger aperture sizes ideal for astronomy. The full
range of binoculars, including specifications and descriptions can be seen
here:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/pentax087.htm
The
official Pentax site with all their products can be seen at:
Current
Pentax Special:
Pentax Binocular
PCF WP 16x60mm (16x magnification with 60mm front lenses)
$410AUD$ or
$225US$ See the binoculars here:
http://www.pentax.com/products/binoculars/bino_overview.cfm?productid=65805
SKY
MAP PRO SOFTWARE V9 NOW AVAILABLE
The full
version is $150AUD$ or $80US$. Current owners of the software can update
their version for $90AUD$ or $49US$.
All
information concerning SkyMap Pro can be seen here:
http://www.ttp.co.uk/abtskypro.htm
STOLEN
EQUIPMENT
Sometime in
the morning of the 22nd of December 2002 to the morning of the 23rd, a burglary
in the astronomical observatory belonging to the College of Kristianstad
(Sweden) occured. Could people please be on the lookout. The
telescope was a Meade LX 200 12 inch F 10 Schmidt-Cassegrain with hand control
unit and a "superwedge". The telescope was also equipped with a
Meade #929 2 inch Diagonal Prism and Meade's most advanced Illuminated Reticle
Eyepiece (with micrometric X-Y positioning). Also, the telescope was equipped
with Meade #1206 Electric Focuser.
Contact us
at Telescopes and Astronomy, if you have any information, and we'll send da
boys round!
NEW
AUSTRALIAN CELESTRON DISTRIBUTOR
A new
Celestron distributor in Australia has said it will provide lower prices and
higher stock availability. Celestron, along with Optex was dropped by Tasco
Sales in preference for Bushnell Products. Let us know if you require a
quote for Celestron or Bushnell product.
LOOKING
FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Australian Astronomical web site/page link
to place on our event page. We would like the site/page to
outline up and coming events to suit Australian skies. If you
would like a little more exposure, whether you are an astronomical society
or an individual, let us know your site address.
LOOKING
FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE
We are
currently looking for an Astronomical web site/page link for individual
countries to place on our event page. We would like the
site/page to outline up and coming events to suit each individual
country's skies. If you would like a little more exposure, whether
you are an astronomical society or an individual, let us know your site
address to represent your country.
DO
YOU HOLD PUBLIC VIEWING NIGHTS?
If you
would like your public viewing night listed on our events page please provide
your country, state and town where it is held along with an email address of
your contact.
NASA'S
EARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISE
Currently
available from NASA is their Earth Science Enterprise CD ROM. This is a
free educational CD ROM which explains in Multimedia the changes in the Earth's
environment by observing the atmosphere, oceans, land, ice and snow, and their
influence on weather and climate. The "Earth Systems Science"
blends together fields like meteerology, oceanography, geology and
biology. Topics and activities include: Ozone, Clouds, Volcanoes, El
Nino, Sea Level, Sea Ice and Deforestation. Also included with the CD ROM
is a 100 page Activity Supplement. Highly recommended educational tool.
If you
would like this free CD ROM please email: hannelore_parrish@sesda.com
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPE
MIRRORS
Ready
completed Primary Mirrors for telescope construction. Please inquire for Secondary
Mirrors as the sizes are different depending on tube diameter and focuser
height.
4.5"
f/8 Parabolic Mirror $110AUD$ or $60U$
6" f/8 Parabolic Mirror $175AUD$ or $97US$
8" f/6
Parabolic Mirror $252AUD$ or $139US$
10" f/5 Parabolic Mirror $459AUD$ or $252US$
MIRROR
GRINDING AND POLISHING MATERIALS
80 Grade
grinding powder per 8" mirror $2AUS
120 " " $2AUS
220 " " $3AUS
320 " " $4AUS
500 " " $6AUS
1000 " " $8AUS
1600 " " $8AUS
Cerium Oxide " $8AUS
Lap resin kit " $15AUS
PENTAX
MZ-M SLR CAMERA
The Pentax
MZ-M is a high quality camera for everyday use.
$480AUD$ or
$238US$
Here's a
good review site with specs:
http://www.jjmehta.com/products/pentaxmzm.html
SLR cameras
allow the shutter to stay open for the light to build up on the film for
astrophotography. The planets and Moon are easiest subjects for
photography. For the basics on astrophotography see our site:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.htm
DAILY
MOON WALL CHARTS
These wall
charts show the Moon for every day of the year.
$8AUD$ or
$4US$
BINOCULARS
Pentax Binocular
PCF WP 16x60mm (16x magnification with 60mm front lenses)
$410AUD$ or
$225US$ See the binoculars here:
http://www.pentax.com/products/binoculars/bino_overview.cfm?productid=65805
TELESCOPES
SAD
LACK OF TELESCOPES
There
aren't many telescope specials this month due mainly to Tasco
Sales change of suppliers and the new supplier of Celestron waiting
stock. Once this is sorted we should be back to normal!
BUSHNELL
VOYAGER 78-2010
Similar in
design to Edmund Scientific's AstroScan, the Voyager is the most portable
telescope available (that I know of). It uses a 4.5" Reflecting
mirror with a focal length of 500mm making it a F/4.4 focal ratio. It has
a 27mm (18x) and 5mm (100x) Plossls. The telescope is shaped
like a light globe. A shoulder strap is included so the the telescope can
be used standing up or you can sit cross legged with the telescope cradled
between your legs. Extra eyepieces can be purchased for various
magnifications and field of view.
$485AUD$ or
$263US$
BIRD-JONES
TELESCOPE
The
Bird-Jone design has been around for a while and is being used as a mass
produced telescope. The telescope is a 8" diameter
reflector with the design using a corrector lens in front of the
secondary mirror. The mount is a dual axis driven equatorial mount.
$1599AUD$
or $775US$
Please call
or email for more information.
DAILY
MOON WALL CHARTS
These wall
charts show the Moon for every day of the year.
$8AUD$ or
$4US$
VIXEN
PRICE LIST
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen150.htm
Please
contact us to verify prices and shipping.
WANTED
TO SELL
MEADE
10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS:
The
10" F10 LX200 bought just before the new GPS model came out for around
$7000AUD. It also comes with the bunch of eyepieces and a JMI focuser and
an Orion dew shield. Also, a F3.3 and a F6.3 reducer and wedge,
together with cig power supply and a few other things. It would be a great buy
for someone wanting the lot in one package. Spent around $8-9000AUD.
SBIG
CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:
SBIG ST7E
CCD camera is one of the more sensitive NABG type (non antiblooming) and is
around 2-3 years old now with parallel not USB. It can be upgraded easily
however. SBIG AO7 (adaptive optics mirror guider). The AO7 is great
for auto guiding if using the ST7E. The camera and AO7. Original
cost $9000.
CELESTRON
CI700
Celestron
CI700 (Losmandy G11 clone but better) and Advanced Astro Master encoders
(computer link etc). All the items are in great shape and work
flawlessly, also they are excellent quality. Original cost $6500.
NIKON
OPTIPHOT METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE
Please call
for information.
WANTED
TO BUY
- Polarex
114mm complete with wooden box.
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade
Magellan 1 Unit
-
Equatorial Mounts
- Old
Celestron Comet Catcher, orange color
- Astro
Physics 6" f/9 blue tube Starfire
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
2002 NO.20
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA
- ECLIPSE REPLAY
- ARE THE ECLIPSE GLASSES UNSAFE?
- QUOTES FROM ECLIPSE OBSERVERS
- SO WHAT'S
THE BIG EVENT OF 2003?
- ASTRONOMY
2003 NOW AVAILABLE
- SKY &
TELESCOPE DRUM TELESCOPE
- DIGITAL
CAMERAS FOR THE NIGHT SKY
- TELESCOPES
& ASTRONOMY NO. 4 TELESCOPE
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES
-
MICROSCOPE
- EYEPIECES
- CELESTRON EYEPIECE
DEAL
- 2" EYEPIECES
- AAO CALENDAR
- DAILY MOON WALL CHARTS
- VIXEN PRICE
LIST
- WANTED TO
SELL
- MEADE 10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS
- SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER
- CELESTRON CI700
- WANTED TO
BUY
- 6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
- 10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
- 90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
- Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade Magellan 1 Unit
- Equatorial Mounts
TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA
ECLIPSE
REPLAY
To see a
replay of the Eclipse use this link:
http://www.csiro.au/helix/eclipse/
ARE
THE ECLIPSE GLASSES UNSAFE?
A lot of
controversy was given to the safety of Eclipse Glasses by the media.
Unfortuneatley, due to this misinformation, many people did not see the eclipse
with the glasses as the Moon partially covered the Sun and also, many were
afraid to view the eclipse while it was in totality with their bare eyes which
is completely safe. In 1997, action was taken by individuals to lobby the
German government to certify the glasses before the eclipse which occured
in their part of the world in 1999. The lobbying was successful and
resulted in 17 million glasses being sold in Germany alone.
For anyone who
is still confused by the various reports circulating please visit the web site
below. There is no better authority to give guidance to safe eclipse
viewing:
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/SEhelp/safety2.html
QUOTES
FROM ECLIPSE OBSERVERS
"Bloody
flys!"
"Bloody
clouds!"
"It
went all windy then went still"
"Is
this it?", then totality, "Wow!!!"
"Everything
looks eerie!"
"I've
got two shadows!"
2 mins to
go, "Have you got any eclipse glasses left?"
"We
saw the Moon's shadow coming towards us!"
"When's
the next one?" (next year in Antartica)
"I'm
sunburnt!"
SO
WHAT'S THE BIG EVENT OF 2003?
Mars at
opposition on the 29th of August. Mars has not been so close to us for
thousands of years. Even the smallest of telescopes will be able to see
detail on the planet's surface including its dark continental patches (if
it had oceans) and its growing and shrinking polar icecap as the
planet's seasons change.
ASTRONOMY
2003 NOW AVAILABLE
The book
Astronomy 2003 is once again available for $16. Due to our support of the
excellent publication the price has not increased since 1995. Features of
the book include:
Information
on the Mars opposition for 2003.
Astronomy
2003 is an Australian publication suitable for all of Australia. It is
intended for anyone who has looked up and wondered, whether it be with the
unaided eye,
binoculars or a telescope. It is the 13th edition to give a tourist's
view of the sky
as a 'use anytime' reference with realistic views identifying the positions of
each object.
Also
including:
- A guide to best times to observe planets
- When to see Shooting stars (Meteor showers)
- Easy to read monthly rise/set charts
- Public observatories in Australia
- Astronomical societies in Australia
- Returning comets
- much, much more
SKY
& TELESCOPE DRUM TELESCOPE
As featured
in Sky & Telescope, the Drum Telescope is a compact refractor using 3 reflecting
mirrors between the objective and the eyepiece. Anyone who wishes to
build one of these popular amateur telescopes can obtain the parts from us.
DIGITAL
CAMERAS FOR THE NIGHT SKY
The largest
problem taking pictures of the night sky objects has always been gathering
enough light. Night sky objects such as the Moon and planets have always
been easy targets since they are the brightest objects. Bright objects
keep exposures short and since the objects are always moving, due to the Earth
rotation, tracking the object is kept to a minimum.
Many of
today's digital cameras have the ability to gather low light and the models are
getting better and better all the time. Adaptors are available for all
digital camera makes and models.
TELESCOPES
& ASTRONOMY NO. 4 TELESCOPE
This is the
fourth of the telescopes made by us at Telescopes & Astronomy
200mm
(8") Dobsonian F/6.7
Finderscope
Rack &
Pinion Focuser
2x
Eyepieces Harry Siebert 32mm (1.25") dia. 21mm (64x) 7mm (191x)mm
wide angle
Features:
Light
weight
Telrad
Finderscope
Low
Secondary Obstruction (Good for Planets)
$750AUS
CURRENT
SPECIALS (All specials apply if still in stock)
TELESCOPES
OP450
4.5"
(114mm) Reflector Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$350AUS or
$195US$
OP500
6"
(153mm) Reflector Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$660AUS or
$369US$
6"
(153mm) Reflector Dobsonian Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$480AUS or
$266US$
8"
(200mm) Reflector Dobsonian Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$650AUS or
$345US$
10"
(254mm) Reflector Dobsonian Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$999AUS or
$515US$
R70EQ
70mm Refractor Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Eyepieces
Motor drive
$240AUS or
$133SU$
4.5"
(114mm) Reflector Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Eyepieces
Motor Drive
$399AUS or
$221US$
6"
(150mm) Reflector Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Eyepieces
Motor drive
$599AUS or
$332US$
CELESTRON
TELESCOPES
21067 FIRSTSCOPE
60EQ 60mm REFRACTOR $230AUD or $125US$
21086 FIRSTSCOPE 80EQ 80mm REFRACTOR $399AUD or $220US$
21016 C102HD 4" REFRACTOR ON EQ MNT $720AUD or $399US$
21017 CR 150 HD 6" REFRACTOR ON EQ MNT $1499AUD or $830US$
11029 C5 SPOTTER SCHMIDT CASSEGRAIN 5" $1330AUD or $735US$
11051 G5 WITH DRIVE 5" SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN $1750AUD or $970US$
11023 G8 8" SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN $2330AUD or $1290US$
11015 CELESTAR 8 - 8" SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN $2780AUD or $1510US$
11037 G9.25 - 9.25" SCMIDT-CASSEGRAIN $3299AUD or $1820US$
"GOTO"
COMPUTER TELESCOPES
11041
NEXSTAR 4" MAKSUTOV "GO-TO" $1150AUD or $635US$
11021 NEW - NEXSTAR 8i SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN $3399AUD or $1890US$
The above
Celestron telescopes can be seen on the Celestron web site:
http://www.celestron.com/telescop.htm
SKYWATCHER
TELESCOPES
SW300 90mm REFRACTOR EQ2 MOUNT $440UAD or $240US$
SW1000 102mm REFRACTOR EQ3 MOUNT $799AUD or $440US$
SW380 120mm REFRACTOR EQ5 MOUNT $1099AUD or $599US$
SW600 200mm REFLECTOR EQ5 MOUNT $1099AUD or $599US$
SW252 250mm REFLECTOR EQ6 INC.DRIVES $2699AUD or $1489US$
SW580 150mm DOBSONIAN $44AUD or $240US$
SW680 200mm DOBSONIAN $590AUD or $318US$
SW880 250mm DOBSONIAN $960AUD or $525US$
SkyWatcher
telescopes can be seen at this web site:
http://www.islandeyepiece.com/telescopes.htm
EYEPIECES
CELESTRON
EYEPIECE DEAL
We are
still taking orders for the next shipment of the Celestron Eyepiece Deal.
It includes:
4, 6, 9,
13, 32mm, 2x Barlow (Plossls)
6 Coloured
Filters
1 Moon
Filter
Aluminium
Case
$199AUS or
$110US$
Valued
at over $1000AUS or $550US$
2"
EYEPIECES
Finally
inexpensive 2" diameter eyepieces. The views through these 2",
wide field, low magnification eyepeices is awesome:
42mm
$145AUS or $80US$
35mm $118AUS or $65US$
28mm $95AUS or $50US$
CALENDAR
The AAO
(Anglo-Australian Observatory) has its new calendar out for 2003 called
"Heavens Above".
$15AUS or
$8US$
DAILY
MOON WALL CHARTS
These wall
charts show the Moon for every day of the year.
$10AUS or
$5US$
VIXEN
PRICE LIST
We now have
a Vixen Price List available at:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen150.htm
Please
contact us to verify prices and shipping.
FOR
SALE
MEADE
10" LX200 WITH EXTRAS:
The 10"
F10 LX200 bought just before the new GPS model came out for around $7000AUD.
It also comes with the bunch of eyepieces and a JMI focuser and an Orion
dew shield. Also, a F3.3 and a F6.3 reducer and wedge, together with
cig power supply and a few other things. It would be a great buy for someone
wanting the lot in one package. Spent around $8-9000AUD.
SBIG
CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:
SBIG ST7E
CCD camera is one of the more sensitive NABG type (non antiblooming) and is around
2-3 years old now with parallel not USB. It can be upgraded easily
however. SBIG AO7 (adaptive optics mirror guider). The AO7 is great
for auto guiding if using the ST7E. The camera and AO7. Original
cost $9000.
CELESTRON
CI700
Celestron
CI700 (Losmandy G11 clone but better) and Advanced Astro Master encoders
(computer link etc). All the items are in great shape and work
flawlessly, also they are excellent quality. Original cost $6500.
WANTED
TO BUY
- Polarex
114mm complete with wooden box.
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade
Magellan 1 Unit
-
Equatorial Mounts
Please call
or email for further information.
Regards,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
2002 NO.18
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let us
know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you receive
this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for September. You may receive more than one copy of
the Newsletter due to a new computer system.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA WEB PAGE
- ECLIPSE ITEMS
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES
- BINOCULARS
- SPOTTING SCOPES
- MICROSCOPE
- EYEPIECES
- LOW PROFILE PHASE 4 2" FOCUSER
- CCD CAMERA
- CAMERAS
- AAO CALENDAR
- VIXEN
PRICE LIST
- MAKING A
TELESCOPE
- WANTED TO
BUY
- 6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
- 10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
- 90mm or 102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
- Meade Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade Magellan 1 Unit
- Equatorial Mounts
TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA WEB PAGE
For
information, links and sales:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/eclipse152.htm
ECLIPSE
ITEMS
Solar
eclipse Viewing Glasses
$5AUD or
$2.75US$
Black
polymer solar film $45/sq.ft
Baader Film
is also available. Please inquire for pricing and quantities.
Telescope
Filters
60mm
Telescopes $65AUS
70-90mm
Telescopes $92AUS
114-120mm
Telescopes $99AUS
130mm
Telescopes $112AUS
150-158mm
Telescopes $135AUS
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
OP450
4.5"
(114mm) Reflector Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$350AUS or
$195US$
OP500
6"
(153mm) Reflector Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$660AUS or $369US$
6"
(153mm) Reflector Dobsonian Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$480AUS or
$266US$
8"
(200mm) Reflector Dobsonian Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$650AUS or
$345US$
10"
(254mm) Reflector Dobsonian Mount
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$999AUS or
$515US$
R60AZ
60mm Refractor Alt-Azimuth Mount
Finderscope
3 Eyepieces
Blue,
Magenta, Yellow, White
$149AUS or
$82US$
R70EQ
70mm Refractor Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Eyepieces
Motor drive
$240AUS or
$133SU$
4"
(100mm) Refractor Equatorial Mount
Findrscope
2 Eyepieces
Motor Drive
$399AUS or
$221US$
6"
(150mm) Refractor Equatorial Mount
Finderscope
2 Eyepieces
Motor drive
$599AUS or
$332US$
BINOCULARS
Futura
10x50mm "Really
good quality for the price".
- High Tech
- Grooved
rubber grips
- Two tone
grey rubber
-
Multi-coated
- 15 Layers
Rubicon
- Long eye
relief
- Tripod
adaptable
- Field of
View is 92 meters at 1000 meters
$149AUS or
$75US$
Large
Range of Compact Binoculars on special.
SPOTTING
SCOPES
SW80
80mm diameter
- Full size
tripod with Slow motion controls
- 2
Eyepieces
- 45 Degree
eyepiece
$395AUS or
$205US$
SW102
102mm diameter
- Full size
tripod with Slow motion controls
- 2
Eyepieces
- 45 Degree
eyepiece
$499AUS or
$260US$
MICROSCOPE
Secondhand
Nikon Stereo Microscope
Variable
Magnification 10x to 40x (10x Lens)
Completely
Overhauled
$900AUS or
$506US$
EYEPIECES
Celestron
Super Deal
4, 6, 9,
13, 32mm, 2x Barlow (Ultimas)
6 Coloured
Filters
1 Moon
Filter
Aluminium
Case
$199AUS or
$110US$
Valued
at over $1000AUS or $550US$
ASTROSYSTEMS
LOW PROFILE PHASE 4, 2" FOCUSER
$270AUS or
$150US$
Please
email or call for a description and specifications.
CCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE $180AUS or $95US$
The Philips
ToUcam Pro CCD Camera can be mounted onto a telescope to produce images on your
PC of stars, Moon, planets and more. It's also one of the best PC cameras
available. Here are a couple of websites from amateur astronomers using
the ToUcam:
http://members.cox.net/roeckelein_aap/toucam.html
http://members.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are two
more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:
http://www.astrosurf.com/cadra/images.html
CAMERAS
A large
range of Yashica cameras are currently on special:
Yashica
Compact Coolkits
The CoolKit
packages includes:
35mm AF
Camera
Esky
Mini tripod
Film
Battery
Straps and
Case
"Ideal
Christmas present!"
Yashica
Zoomate Range
Yashica
Digital Compact Cameras
FineCam-S3
3.0
Megapixel, 2x Zoom.
FineCam-S3x
3.2
Megapixel, 3x Zoom.
FineCam-S4
4.0
Megapixel, 3x Zoom.
Please
inquire for pricing and details.
CALENDAR
The AAO
(Anglo-Australian Observatory) has its new calendar out for 2003 called
"Heavens Above".
$15AUS or
$8US$
VIXEN
PRICE LIST
We now have
a Vixen Price List available at:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen150.htm
Please contact
us to verify prices and shipping.
MAKING
A TELESCOPE
To respond
to the demand of people who wish to make their own telescope, without buying a
kit, we are constructing a new page with all the necessary information.
This will provide builders with different alternatives to completing the
project with their own budget in mind. Information provided includes
making a telescope with completed mirrors or making the mirror yourself:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm
WANTED
TO BUY
- 6mm
Radian Eyepiece
- 10.5mm
Pentax Eyepiece
- 90mm or
102mm Flourite Vixens
- Good
Quality 10" Homemade Dobsonian
- Meade
Magellan 2 Unit
- Meade
Magellan 1 Unit
- Equatorial
Mounts
For further
information please call or email.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
2002 NO.17
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
There
wasn't a Newsletter for August.
IN
THIS ISSUE:
- GRINDING
AND POLISHING A MIRROR
- TOTAL SOLAR
ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA WEB PAGE
- ECLIPSE ITEMS
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES
- BINOCULARS
- SPOTTING SCOPES
- WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO MOUNT?
- LOW PROFILE PHASE 4 2" FOCUSER
- CCD CAMERA
- CAMERAS
- RESULT OF
USING EMAIL RECEIPTS
- WANTED TO
BUY
- 6mm RADIAN EYEPIECE
- 10.5mm PENTAX EYEPIECE
GRINDING
AND POLISHING A MIRROR
Here are
some resources for grinding and polishing your own telescope mirror. For
anybody who has wondered how they are made or for someone after hints and tips.
Making a mirror yourself is very time consuming, especially if its large
mirror, but the cost savings are also large. All materials and components for
building your own telescope are available from us:
A faster
way to grind mirrors:
http://www.aao.gov.au/local/www/sl/dumps.html
Mirror
making:
http://mypage.uniserve.ca/~victorp/
http://users.uniserve.com/~victorp/mirror.htm
http://www.newportglass.com/share.htm
http://www.scopereviews.com/make1.html
Ronchi
(ron-key) test program:
http://hometown.aol.com/RonWin20/
Extra Large
and thin:
http://members.aol.com/_ht_b/DATSCOPE/30inchTRO.html
http://www.efn.org/~mbartels/tm/largthin.html
Telescope
Making Web Ring:
http://www.starastronomy.org/TelescopeMaking/WebRing/
FAQ's
(frequently asked questions)
http://home.attbi.com/~dcass/atmfaq/atm-faq.htm
Humungus
Mirror!:
TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA WEB PAGE
For
information, links and sales:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/eclipse152.htm
ECLIPSE
ITEMS
Solar
eclipse Viewing Glasses
$5AUD or
$2.75US$
Black
polymer solar film $45/sq.ft
Telescope
Filters
60mm
Telescopes $65AUS
70-90mm
Telescopes $92AUS
114-120mm
Telescopes $99AUS
130mm
Telescopes $112AUS
150-158mm
Telescopes $135AUS
H-Alpha
Filters
H-Alpha filters
allow prominence activity to be seen at the limb of the Sun and flares are also
visible on the surface. They also see Sun spots and surface granulation which
can be seen with Solar Film Filters. Contact us about more information about
H-Alpha filters. Prices start around $1400AUD or $790US$
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
6"
(153mm) Dobsonian
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$470AUS or
$250US$
8"
(200mm) Dobsonian
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$650AUS or
$345US$
10"
(254mm) Dobsonian
Finderscope
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
$999AUS or
$515US$
Nexstar
4
- 4"
(102mm) diameter Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Computer
database
-
Astrophotography
$1199AUS or
$630US$
http://www.celestron.com/nx4gen.htm
Celestron
C102 HD Refractor
- 102mm
diameter F/5 focal ratio
$899AUS or
$475US$
http://www.celestron.com/c102.htm
Celestron
CR150HD Refractor
- 150mm
diameter F/8 focal ratio
$2065AUS or
$1999US$ plus shipping
http://www.celestron.com/cr150.htm
SkyWatcher
102mm Refractor Land Telescope
Full size
Tripod
Alt-azimuth
mount
$515AUS or
$260US$
BINOCULARS
Futura
10x50mm "Really
good quality for the price".
- High Tech
- Grooved
rubber grips
- Two tone
grey rubber
-
Multi-coated
- 15 Layers
Rubicon
- Long eye
relief
- Tripod
adaptable
- Field of
View is 92 meters at 1000 meters
$149AUS or
$75US$
Large
Range of Compact Binoculars on special.
SPOTTING
SCOPES
SW80
80mm diameter
- Full size
tripod with Slow motion controls
- 2
Eyepieces
- 45 Degree
eyepiece
$395AUS or
$205US$
SW102
102mm diameter
- Full size
tripod with Slow motion controls
- 2
Eyepieces
- 45 Degree
eyepiece
$499AUS or
$260US$
WHAT
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MOUNT?
Available
in October, is the Sky Watcher EQ6 mount complete with dual axis motor drives.
The EQ6 is the mount for which the new Sky Watcher 10" Newtonian reflector
will be placed on. The EQ6 will be ideal for any size optical tube 10" and
under, providing a stable mount for astrophotography.
Sky
Watcher 10" on EQ6 mount $2599. (see above)
EQ6 mount
only complete $1530.
ASTROSYSTEMS
LOW PROFILE PHASE 4, 2" FOCUSER
$270AUS or
$150US$
Please
email or call for a description and specifications.
CCD
CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE $180AUS or $95US$
The Philips
ToUcam Pro CCD Camera can be mounted onto a telescope to produce images on your
PC of stars, Moon, planets and more. It's also one of the best PC cameras
available. Here are a couple of websites from amateur astronomers using
the ToUcam:
http://members.cox.net/roeckelein_aap/toucam.html
http://members.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are
two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:
http://www.astrosurf.com/cadra/images.html
CAMERAS
A large
range of Yashica cameras ae currently on special:
Yashica
Compact Coolkits
The CoolKit
packages includes:
35mm AF
Camera
Esky
Mini tripod
Film
Battery
Straps and
Case
"Ideal
Christmas present!"
Yashica
Zoomate Range
Yashica
Digital Compact Cameras
FineCam-S3
3.0
Megapixel, 2x Zoom.
FineCam-S3x
3.2
Megapixel, 3x Zoom.
FineCam-S4
4.0
Megapixel, 3x Zoom.
Please
inquire for pricing and details.
RESULTS
OF USING EMAIL RECEIPTS
Telescopes and
Astronomy have been using email receipts for the past 3 months. The results
show only half receipts are sent back to us. The receipt trial was due to
customers not hearing back from us.
Using the
various ways of checking to see if emails arrive at their destination has shown
only a 92% success rate. This result is by no means conclusive.
WANTED
TO BUY
6mm RADIAN
EYEPIECE
10.5mm
PENTAX EYEPIECE
For further
information please call or email.
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
Cheapest Prices - Best Advice
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
JULY NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.16
OUR WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/
Please let us know if you no not wish to be
on our Newsletter mailing list or if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- BULK
SHIPPMENT
- TOTAL
SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA WEB PAGE
- ECLIPSE ITEMS
- CURRENT
SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES
- 10" REFLECTOR ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
- 6" REFLECTOR ON DOBSONIAN MOUNT
- 8" REFLECTOR ON DOBSONIAN MOUNT
- TELESCOPE ACCESSORIES
- MAKING YOUR TELESCOPE A GOTO
- T-C 16MM VIDEO CAMERA ADAPTOR
- TELRADS
- PENTAX EYEPIECES
- CCD CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE
- 8X50MM FINDERSCOPES
- OTHER ACCESSORIES
- TRIPOD FOR CAMERA, CAMCORDER, SPOTTING SCOPE OR BINOCULAR
- MICROSCOPES
- HOBBY & ELECTRONICS MICROSCOPE
-
ALUMINISING A 25" MIRROR
- COSMOLOGY
PAGE
- WANTED TO
BUY
- POLAREX/UNITRON SCOPES OR PARTS
- ELECTRONIC 12" REFLECTOR
- 22" OR SIMILAR REFLECTOR
- 102MM ED/FL REFRACTOR
- 8" - 10" CASSEGRAIN TUBE ASSEMBLY
- PENTAX 10MM EYEPIECE
BULK SHIPMENT
BLANKETY
BLANKS... TOOLS AND MIRRORS
The bulk shipment
will be ordered around late July, early August.
A bulk
shipment of completed mirrors, blanks and tools is being organised and any
interested parties please let me know soon. There are a number of reasons for
this shipment:
- high
demand
- recent
rise in the Aussie dollar making imports cheaper
- better
quality blanks and tools
-
specialised blanks and tools
- cheaper
prices
- larger
sizes with correct thickness ratio
-
pre-generated curves to the correct focal ratio
- replace
current mirror with a high quality one
All
interested parties let me know what they need and I will get back to them with
specifications and a price quote. People who are currently on the bulk shipment
list will receive a new, lower, price quote.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE AUSTRALIA
WEB PAGE
For
information, links and sales:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/eclipse152.htm
ECLIPSE ITEMS
Solar
eclipse Viewing Glasses
$5AUD or
$2.50US$
Black polymer
solar film $45/sq.ft
Telescope
filters
60mm
Telescopes $65AUS
70-90mm
Telescopes $92AUS
114-120mm
Telescopes $99AUS
130mm
Telescopes $112AUS
150-158mm
Telescopes $135AUS
H-Alpha
Filters
H-Alpha filters
allow prominence activity to be seen at the limb of the Sun and flares are also
visible on the surface. They also see Sun spots and surface granulation which
can be seen with Solar Film Filters. Contact us about more information about
H-Alpha filters. Prices start around $1400AUD or $790US$
Please
inquire for other eclipse or solar viewing items.
CURRENT SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
10" ON
EQUATORIAL MOUNT
A new
10" on equatorial mount has been brought out by Sky Watcher. It has a
built in dual axis drive on its EQ6 Equatorial mount. It is currently priced at
$2599 or $1315US$
For more
information please contact us.
6"
REFLECTOR ON DOBSONIAN MOUNT
SW580
6" (153mm) diameter reflecting telescope
Dobsonian
mount
Focal Ratio
is F/7.8
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
Finderscope
$530AUD or
270US$
8"
REFLECTOR ON DOBSONIAN MOUNT
SW680
8" (200mm) diameter reflecting telescope
Dobsonian
mount
Focal Ratio
is F/6
2 Plossl
Eyepieces
Finderscope
$710AUD or
365US$
TELESCOPE ACCESSORIES
MAKING YOUR
TELESCOPE A GOTO
Turn your
telescope into a "GO TO". Contact us about your telescope
specifications to see if its viable.
T-C 16MM
VIDEO CAMERA ADAPTOR
This
valuable adapter converts video cameras, (or 16mm film cameras) with removable
lenses from the standard "C-mount" thread, to the larger T-thread
used in still cameras. Thus, any of these cameras can be converted for use with
a telescope.
Please note
that some film and video cameras use standard still camera lenses, and
therefore use a normal T-Adapter and T-Ring. Check your camera’s instruction
manual for more detailed information or contact me.
$62AUD or
$33US$
TELRADS
The Telrad
is used instead of a finderscope. There are many advantages:
- a very
wide field of view
- image is
not upside down
- aligned
by three Knobs on the back
- portable
to other scopes
Uses a
bull's eye projected onto the back ground sky
$99AUD or
$56US$
PENTAX
EYEPIECES
Pentax
eyepieces are well regarded as being excellent for telescope use:
1.25"
diameter
XL7mm $ 405AUD or 208US$
XL 10.5mm $405AUD or 208US$
XL-14mm $405AUD or 208US$
XL-21mm $405AUD or 208US$
XL-28mm $375AUD or 193US$
8-24 mm $600AUD or 310US$
Eyepeices have threaded inner barrel for filters and adaptors.
CCD CAMERA
PLUS SOFTWARE
The Philips
ToUcam Pro CCD Camera which can be mounted onto a telescope to produce images
on your PC of stars Moon and planets and more. Here are a couple of websites
from amateur astronomers using the ToUcam:
http://members.cox.net/roeckelein_aap/toucam.html
http://members.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are
two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:
http://www.astrosurf.com/cadra/images.html
The Philips
ToUcam Pro is $180AUS
8X50MM
FINDERSCOPE
Last chance
to grab an 8x50mm finderscope for $125AUD or 65US$
OTHER
ACCESSORIES
TRIPOD FOR
CAMERA, CAMCORDER, SPOTTING SCOPE OR BINOCULAR
The T560
Tripod is ideal for steady viewing with cameras, camcorders, spotting scopes or
binoculars. The height of the tripod extends to 161cm or 171cm with the
binocular attachment. It uses a 3 way pan head with level bubble and quick
release platform. A hook is provided to hang extra weight for more stability.
$80AUD OR
42US$
MICROSCOPES
HOBBY &
ELECTRONICS MICROSCOPE
The ST50 is
a precision, professional microscope and is designed for
Electronics,
Hobbyists and anybody that has to do fine intricate work but
requires room for tools or their hands. The arm extends 25cm with maximum
height of 20cm. The stereo head extends 10cm past the front of the base.
The whole stereo head assembly rotates 360 degrees to give even more room.
Standard equipment are 10x wide field eyepieces, 2x objective and a built in
illuminator.
$450AUD or
$232US$
ALUMINISING A 25"
MIRROR
Please
contact me if you can aluminise a 25" mirror.
COSMOLOGY PAGE
This is the
most popular linked web page on our site. It outlines some history of
cosmology, the information used to prove the Big Bang theory and a number of
equations associated:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes039.
WANTED TO BUY
POLAREX/UNITRON
SCOPES OR PARTS
We have
collector who is keen on Polarex or Unitron scopes, parts and accessories. Let
us know if you have any you wish to sell.
ELECTRONIC
12" REFLECTOR
2x large
reflecting telescopes with electronics. He would prefer secondhand and they
need to be around 12".
22" OR
SIMILAR REFLECTOR
I also have
someone interested in a reflecting telescope around the 22" mark. He is in
the United States of America and so would prefer the telescope to come from
there to save shipping costs of one of these monsters!
Any
interested parties please send me an email.
102MM ED/FL
REFRACTOR
Someone is
seeking a 102mm ED or FL Refractor.
8" -
10" CASSEGRAIN TUBE ASSEMBLY
Meade or
Celestron.
PENTAX 10MM
EYEPIECE
Seeking a
1.25" Pentax XL 10mm eyepiece
Clear
Skies,
Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
Cheapest Prices - Best Advice
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com
TELESCOPES
AND ASTRONOMY
MAY
NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.14
OUR
WEB SITE:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
Please let
us know if you no not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list or if you
receive this Newsletter by mistake.
Welcome to
the May Newsletter. There wasn't a Newsletter for March and April.
Please call
or email for any conversions to other currencies. For US$ the exchange rate is
currently 0.535. Multiply Australian Dollars by 0.535.
IN THIS ISSUE:
-
DOWN TIME
-
NEW VIXEN WEB SITES
-
ECLIPSE & SOLAR OBSERVING EQUIPMENT
-
INEXPENSIVE COLLIMATION TOOL
-
COLLIMATION
-
SOME MAJOR POINTS ABOUT TELESCOPES
-
SECONDARY MIRROR HOLDERS & MIRROR CELLS
-
CURRENT SPECIALS
- TELESCOPES
- REFLECORS ON EQUATORIAL MOUNTS
- REFLECTORS ON DOBSONIAN MOUNTS
- REFRACTORS ON EQUATORIAL MOUNTS
- TERRESTRIAL REFRACTOR TELESCOPES
- TELESCOPE ACCESSORIES
- EYEPIECES
- CAMERA ADAPTOR
- RACK & PINION FOCUSER
- BINOCULARS
- BINOCULAR, TRIPOD & ADAPTOR
- NIGHT VISION
- SPOTTING SCOPES
- POSTERS
- SKYMAP PRO
-
SUPPLIER WEB SITES
- TELESCOPES
- BINOCULARS
- MICROSCOPES
- CAMERAS
-
POLAREX/UNITRON SCOPES OR PARTS
DOWN
TIME
Our web
site was down over Easter for a total of 11 days thanks to Telstra Australia
deleting the files and being unable to find them. Doh!
NEW
VIXEN WEB SITES
There are 2
new Vixen web sites with extra information for their range of optics. Vixen
manufacture:
Telescopes
Binoculars
Spotting
Scopes
Microscopes
Magnifiers
Amphibious
Scopes
Bore Scopes
Compasses
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen103.htm
http://www.vixen-global.com/index.html
ECLIPSE
& SOLAR OBSERVING EQUIPMENT
There is a
range of observation equipment and visual aids for the Solar Eclipse which can
be viewed from Ceduna and Woomera (best spots) in South Australia in December.
Items include:
- Handheld
solar eclipse observation glasses
- Sun
diagonal prisms (25.4mm) using Sun Glass
- Binocular
Sun filters (2x 60-80mm filters)
Solar
filters available for Tasco, Celestron, Vixen, and Optex telescopes. These
filters may well fit any brand of telescope - let us know the outside diameter
of your telescope.
Celestron's
Mylar filters produce a cool, pale blue colour due to the aluminium coating. A
more true colour image can be produced by using the appropriate correction
filter #21 or #23A.
Mylar
Sheeting is available for $20/sq ft.
SUN FILTERS
#1060 Mylar
Sun Filter to suit 60mm Telescopes $65AUS
#1062 Mylar
Sun Filter to suit 70-90mm Telescopes $92AUS
#1061 Mylar
Sun Filter to suit 114-120mm Telescopes $99AUS
#1059 Mylar
Sun Filter to suit 130mm Telescopes $112AUS
#1065 Mylar
Sun Filter to suit 150-158mm Telescopes $135AUS
INEXPENSIVE
COLLIMATION TOOL
Celestron
Part No. 94183 $25AUShttp://www.celestron.com/access/general.htm
COLLIMATION
It's hard
to know if the collimation (alignment of the mirrors) of your reflecting
telescope is accurate. There are screws or adjustments knobs on the secondary
(diagonal) mirror as well as the primary (main) mirror. The way to tell, if the
alignment is accurate, is by looking through the eyepiece holder without the
eyepiece in it. Firstly, the secondary mirror will be visable with a reflection
of your eye in it. Your eye's reflection inside the secondary should be
centered, if not it means the secondary mirror is out of alignment. Secondly,
the primary mirror's reflection will be visable surrounding the secondary
mirror. The secondary mirror and your eye's reflection should be central to the
primary mirror's reflection, if not the primary mirror is out of alignment. The
alignment of both mirrors affect each other. Its best to adjust the secondary
before the primary. There are some points to keep in mind:
Why Does It
Go Out Of Alignment?
- The long
journey from the factory can move or vibrate the mirrors.
- Taking
the telescope out to a dark site can move the mirrors.
- Bumping
the telescope against something can sometimes do it.
- The joy
of knob turning for children (and some adults) can mysteriously move the
alignment.
Focal Ratio
- The
shorter the focal ratio, eg. under F/6, the harder collimation is to do
accurately.
- The
shorter the focal ratio the more important it is for it to be accurate.
Experience
- Attempting
to adjust the collimation of your telescope if you haven't done it before can
turn into total frustration for many hours.
The Main
Problem
- Looking
at the image of the reflections through the focuser without the eyepiece isn't
that accurate. Moving your head slightly to one side shows a different
alignment. How do you know if your head/eye is central looking through the
focuser? This is important to align the mirror accurately?
Solution
- Using a collimation
sighting tool cures this problem. The sighting tool is an eyepiece which fits
into the telescopes focuser. It has cross hairs so you accurately line up the
reflected images.
Other
Points
- If your
telescope is too long for you to adjust the primary mirror while looking at the
image through the focuser try and get somone to do the adjusments while you
look at the results or visa versa.
- One way
to see if your adjustment is accurate is to do a "star test". Look at
a star with the telescope. Make sure it is not a double or multiple star. Using
a high magnification eyepiece, put the focus right out until you can see the
same image as you do when looking through the focuser without the eyepiece to
do the adjustment. The image should have the secondary central to the primary
and the outside border of the primary should be perfectly round.
- Adjusting
the collimation of your telescope will put the finderscope out of alignment.
- If you
take your telescope out to a dark spot for the best viewing, you would want the
telescope to perform to the best of its ability. Checking the collimation
before it gets dark could be a bonus.
SOME
MAJOR POINTS ABOUT TELESCOPES
- The
larger the telescope - The higher the magnification, resolution and light
gathering power.
- You can
increase the size of your telescope simply by using it in a darker location
(away from light pollution).
- How
portable is a larger telescope?
- Different
eyepieces are used to great effect on favourite types of objects.
- There are
short/fat telescopes, and there are long/skinny telescopes. The short/fat
telescopes are better for seeing wide objects whereas long/skinny telescopes
are better for seeing details on the planets. The short/fat type are better to
use a camera on and are more portable.
- The
ability to find the objects, which are good to view, is the biggest reason why
people don't use their telescopes as often. Now days there are computer
programs which simulates the night sky. This means the user needs only to print
out the area of sky, where the object is, and take it outside to their
telescope as a reference. The other way of locating objects is using a book. If
you live in Australia we suggest Astronomy 2002, otherwise, a book designed for
your location makes it easier to find new objects.
SECONDARY MIRROR
HOLDERS & MIRROR CELLS
Please call
for fully adjustable primary mirror cells and secondary mirror spiders and
holders.
CURRENT
SPECIALS
TELESCOPES
REFLECTORS
ON EQUATORIAL MOUNT
A151 114mm
Reflector, F/8, Equatorial Mount, Slo-Mo Controls $439AUS
A150 114mm
Reflector, F/8, Equatorial Mount, Slo-Mo Controls, Motor Drive $560AUS
N150 150mm
Reflector, F/5, Equatorial Mount, Slo-Mo Controls $829AUS
N200 200mm
Reflector, F/4.5, Equatorial Mount, Slo-Mo Controls $1030AUS
45-114675
4.5" (114mm) Tasco Galaxsee Reflector
Equatorial
Mount
Focal Ratio
- F/8 (long tube)
Finderscope
3 Eyepieces
32mm diameter
"SkyWatch"
CD ROM
$499AUS
http://www.tascosales.com/productlist.asp?familylineID=50&producttypeID=4&producttypeNAME=TELESCOPES
11053
NEXSTAR 11 GPS (Completely Computerised Automatic)
279mm
(11") Diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain
Focal Ratio
F/10
Heavy Duty
Base with Rubber Feet
Hand
Control for Go-To Tracking with over 18,000 Object Memory
RS-232 Port
to Communicate with a PC
12 month
warranty
$6380AUS
11037
CELESTRON G9.25
235mm
(9.25") Diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain
Focal Ratio
F/10
German
Equatorial Mount
6x30mm
Finderscope
26mm (90x)
Plossl Eyepiece
31.7mm
Visual Back
5 Year
warranty
$3180AUS
REFLECTORS
ON DOBSONIAN MOUNT
D6 150mm
Reflector
Focal Ratio
- F/8
Dobsonian
Mount
$620AUS
D8 200mm
Reflector
Focal Ratio
- F/6
Dobsonian
Mount
$730AUS
Star
Watcher SW880 10" (254mm) Reflector
Dobsonian
Mount
$1080AUS
SW680
8" (200mm) Reflector
Dobsonian
Mount
Focal Ratio
- F/5
8x50mm
Finderscope
2 Plossl
32mm diameter Eyepieces (10mm & 20mm)
$780AUS
REFRACTORS
ON EQUATORIAL MOUNTS
R90 SES
90mm Portable Refractor
Focal Ratio
- F/6
Equatorial
Mount
Slo-Mo
Controls
Carry Bag
Full size
Tripod and also Table Tripod
$599AUS
SW380
4.7" (120mm) Refractor
Equatorial
Mount
Focal Ratio
-F/8
2 Plossl
32mm diameter Eyepieces (10mm & 20mm)
$990AUS
STAR
WATCHER 90mm (3.5") Refractor
Equatorial
Mount
$630AUS
ST-80400CT
"GO TO" 80mm (3.1") Refractor
Computer
Guided Telescopes
$595AUS
http://www.tascosales.com/productlist.asp?familylineID=49&producttypeID=4&producttypeNAME=TELESCOPES
ST-60400CT
"GO TO" 60mm (2.4") Refractor
Computer
Guided Telescopes
$450AUS
http://www.tascosales.com/productlist.asp?familylineID=49&producttypeID=4&producttypeNAME=TELESCOPES
TERRESTRIAL
REFRACTOR TELESCOPES
46-060675
60mm (2.4") Refractor
$260AUS
http://www.tascosales.com/productlist.asp?familylineID=50&producttypeID=4&producttypeNAME=TELESCOPES
40-060578
Aluminova 60mm (2.4") Refractor
Champagne
coloured
$160AUS
http://www.tascosales.com/productlist.asp?familylineID=51&producttypeID=4&producttypeNAME=TELESCOPES
ST-60700
60mm (2.4") Refractor
Alt-azimuth
Mount
Focal Ratio
- F/12
2 Eyepieces
1.25" diameter (10mm & 20mm)
Erecting
Eyepiece
$210AUS
http://www.tascosales.com/productlist.asp?familylineID=49&producttypeID=4&producttypeNAME=TELESCOPES
SPOTTING
SCOPES
OP15-4560
Optex 60mm (2.4") 15x to 45x Zoom
Straight
Eyepiece
No tripod
$330AUS
OP20-6080
Optex 80mm (3.1") 20x to 60x Zoom
Straight
Eyepiece
No tripod
$430AUS
SW80 80mm
(3.1")
20x
magnification. Interchangable eyepieces
45 degree
eyepieces
$560AUS
TELESCOPES
ACCESSORIES
EYEPIECES
9mm Kellner
1.25" $50AUS
25mm
Kellner 1.25" $50AUS
ADAPTORS
Camera
Adaptor 1.25" $40AUS
RACK AND PINION
FOCUSER
smooth and
economical 1¼" rack and pinion focuser for Newtonian telescopes. The
focuser glides easily and provides 2" of focus travel. An adapter is
included to allow use with .96" eyepieces as well as 1¼" eyepieces
$78AUS
BINOCULARS
STANDARD
BINOCULARS
Compact
4x30 Binoculars. These 4x30 binoculars are ideal for indoors or out. Barrels
measure 3-1/2" long and each binocular comes with a neck strap, center
wheel focus, hinged barrels, lens polishing cloth and comfortable rubber eye
cups. The Velcro closure carrying case has a belt loop on the back.
$30AUS
All these
binoculars are high quality.
10840WA
World Class 8x40mm
$245AUS
10750WA
World Class 7x50mm
$240AUS
261042 Rare
Bird 10x42mm
$225AUS
26840 Rare
Bird 8x40mm
$218AUS
BINOCULAR,
TRIPOD & ADAPTOR
2023
10x50mm
Large
binoculars for locating objects first before using your telescope
T560 Tripod
3 way pan head, 170cm high
Binocular
to Tripod adaptor
$180AUS
NIGHT
VISION
Think only
cats and owls can see in the dark? With the Night Vision Monocular. At only
6-3/4" it is lightweight and easy to carry. 2x magnification with powerful
integrated illuminator. Range is 1m to infinity. Ergonomically designed to fit
snugly in the palm of the hand. Carrying case is smaller than a standard travel
shaving kit. Rubber eye cup. Uses 2AA batteries. Always protect scope from
direct sunlight to prevent damage.
$650AUS
POSTERS
The
majority of posters are on special for May $10.
SUPPLIER WEB SITES
The best
way to view our products is to go straight to the source. Here are some of our
manufacturer's and suppliers web sites:
TELESCOPES
Vixen
Telescopes, Binoculars, Microscopes, Magnifiers
www.vixen-global.com/index.html
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen103.htm
Tasco
Telescopes, Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, Microscopes
Optex
Telescopes
http://www.tasco.com.au/telescopes-catalogue.htm
Siebert
Optical Eyepieces
http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/
Celestron
Telescopes
SkyMap
Software
Brass
Telescopes
JMI Telescopes
and Modified Accessories
Kendrick
Telescope Accessories
http://www.kendrick-ai.com/dewremover.html
Quasar Publishing
Books and Planispheres
http://www.quasarastronomy.com.au/default.htm
Redfern
Optical Electronics
http://www.redfernintegrated.com.au/
StarLab
Planetariums and Sunspotter Projector
http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/E/V/MELBO/0080/59/14/
Anssen
Technologies Mounting Systems
http://www.triode.net.au/~anssen/
Astrovisuals
Books and Posters
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~astrovis/
AstroSystems
Large Dobsonian Telescope Kits
BINOCULARS
Vixen
Telescopes, Binoculars, Microscopes, Magnifiers
www.vixen-global.com/index.html
Tasco
Telescopes, Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, Microscopes
MICROSCOPES
Vixen
Telescopes, Binoculars, Microscopes, Magnifiers
www.vixen-global.com/index.html
Tasco Telescopes,
Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, Microscopes
Olympus
Microscopes
www.olympusamerica.com/innards/i_microscopes.asp?s=13&p=18
Nova
Instruments Microscopes
www.novainstruments.com/index.php
Carton
Microscopes and Optics
http://www.carton-opt.co.jp/english.html
Labovision
Microscopes
CAMERAS
Yashica
Cameras
http://www.yashica.com/site.html
POLAREX/UNITRON
SCOPES OR PARTS
We have
collector who is keen on Polarex or Unitron scopes, parts and accessories. Let
us know if you have any you wish to sell.
That's
probably enough for now! :-)
Regards,
Matthew
Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
Cheapest Prices - Best Advice
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com