computerized telescopes for astronomy
computerized telescopes for astronomy
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iOptron LiveStar Mini Planetarium for Telescopes
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DescriptionWith the LiveStarTM Mini Planetarium from iOptron you and your family can experience the excitement of going to a planetarium right from inside your own home! The LiveStarTM Mini Planetarium projects the night sky right onto the ceiling and walls allowing you to explore the stars indoors. You'll be able to see the stars and constellations - even see the Milky Way. Plus, the planetarium rotates to mimic the motion of the night sky! Simple to set up and use - it provides a fun way to learn about astronomy. Fun for the home or classroom! Features
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Should I buy a computerized telescope?
I'm buying a telescope soon. There are two versions of the telescope - a computer and one normal. Both are 8-inch reflectors. I am relatively new to astronomy and telescopes. I feel it would use the computerized telescope much, much more than the other because I live not know the sky well and do not want to go outside at night because of work and other concerns. The computer is about $ 170 more than the other and I'm really sure which one to buy. I really stressing. Any advice would be appreciated. PS: I am a college student with free tuition, so have few money worries, such as mortgages and such, but $ 170 is about how much money I make in 2 weeks on the job, and the total cost of the telescope ($ 400-600) would be about 1.5 months of work for me. So this is a major investment for me.
The way it was put to me when I asked that question, years is this - Are you in the game, or death? " If your only going to sweep the sky and see what you can see, get the "regular" scope. If you want to hunt very soft, lint weak, or have no time (or patience) to learn the sky, having a computer field. I have a "goto" (Computer) scope. 95% of what I do (find weak diffuse guided astrophotography, concealment) its great. I do not go to observe all what I like both, which should have a database that does the hard work. The disadvantage is that it costs more, requires a power supply, laptop or similar, to external control computer and phone (optional).
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iOptron LiveStar Mini Planetarium for Telescopes
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DescriptionWith the LiveStarTM Mini Planetarium from iOptron you and your family can experience the excitement of going to a planetarium right from inside your own home! The LiveStarTM Mini Planetarium projects the night sky right onto the ceiling and walls allowing you to explore the stars indoors. You'll be able to see the stars and constellations - even see the Milky Way. Plus, the planetarium rotates to mimic the motion of the night sky! Simple to set up and use - it provides a fun way to learn about astronomy. Fun for the home or classroom! Features
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Orion IntelliScope to PC RS-232 Connector Cable
Sale Price: $13.99 |
DescriptionThis cable connects the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator to a serial port on your personal computer, allowing the use of astronomy software such as Starry Night Pro or TheSky6 Professional Edition to control the IntelliScope. Features
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Celestron Accessory Kit
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DescriptionCelestron Accessory Kit Features
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Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope
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DescriptionTE1) CELESTRON NEXSTAR 4SE TELESCOPE Amazon.com Review Celestron’s NexStar 4 SE is the smallest and most portable telescope in Celestron’s NexStar SE series. Using a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, the NexStar 4 SE puts the magnifying power of a four foot long telescope into an optical tube only 13 inches long. MoonThe NexStar 4 SE features computerized finding and tracking of nearly 40,000 celestial objects, no-tool setup is easy, and planetarium software for your PC is included. Jupiter The NexStar 4 SE delivers great views of the Moon, the planets, and bright deep space objects. The standard equipment 25mm E-Lux plossl eyepiece gives a magnification of 53X, enough to see the Lunar disk, Saturn’s rings and the major cloud bands on Jupiter. It’s easy to add optional eyepieces to zoom in for more detail. Using a 12.5mm X-Cel eyepiece for 106X magnification I can see several cloud bands on Jupiter and I can even pick out the small dark shadow as one of Jupiter’s moons passes in front of the planet. On a good night I can push the magnification up to 230X with a 6mm plossl eyepiece while viewing the Moon and planets. The NexStar 4 SE package also includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and the NexStar hand held computer controller. I don’t need star charts or a GPS reciever to operate this telescope. Celestron’s patented SkyAlign procedure is easy to use, and experienced users will like the two-star align and solar-system align options because they are even quicker to set up. The steel tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a solid base for the NexStar 4 SE. Vibration is not a problem, even while focusing at high power. The computerized tracking is also very good, easily keeping planets in the field of a high power eyepiece. The disadvantage of a computerized scope, of course, is battery consumption. I find that rechargeable NiMH batteries work very well in the NexStar 4SE; a set of batteries lasts all evening and I don’t need to worry about electrical cords getting tangled in the dark. The NexStar 4 SE is a great portable telescope, just right for visual observing or for taking short exposure pictures of the Moon and planets. It’s only fair to warn you that a small telescope has its drawbacks, however; there are thousands of objects in the NexStar database that are simply too dim to see with a four inch telescope. --Jeff Phillips Venus Pros: Small, portable and affordable Very good optics Easy computerized tracking Cons: Rechargeable batteries not included Small size limits deep space viewing Features
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Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
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DescriptionThe Celestron® NexStar® SLT Series 130 SLT reflector telescope showcases a computerized hand control and a 4000+ object database. With a touch of a button you can select the object catalog, change the slew speed, view fascinating information about an oject, or simply know if a desired object is visible in the sky. It comes equipped with a sturdy steel tripod, a StarPointer® finderscope, software, and more. Celestrons computerized NexStar 130 SLT adds affordable "Go-To" technology to a compact Newtonian reflector telescope. By using mirrors instead of lenses, the Newtonian optics of the NexStar 130 SLT produce an image nearly five times brighter than the NexStar 60 SLT refractor telescope. The package includes everything except the batteries, and features easy no-tool setup, two good eyepieces, and even includes a student version of "The Sky" planetarium software. The Newtonian design of the NexStar 130 SLT is optimized to produce bright images over a wide field of view. When I use an optional 32mm Plossl eyepiece, the famous Double Cluster in Perseus looks like a display of celestial fireworks with streamers of stars trailing across the 2 degree field of view. The standard equipment 25mm eyepiece magnifies the image about 26 times, with a wide field of view just right for viewing deep space objects like star clusters or the Orion Nebula. The included 9mm eyepiece (72x magnification) offers great views of the Lunar disk and globular star clusters like M13. And when I add a 2x Barlow lens to the 9mm eyepiece for a total magnification of 144x, I can easily see cloud bands on the planet Jupiter and pick up detail in Saturns rings. The NexStar 130 SLT also features Celestrons patented SkyAlign technology. With SkyAlign I don't need a star chart or a compass to align the telescope, I just enter the date and time then point the telescope at three bright stars. SkyAlign tells me the star names, and allows the telescope to find over 4,000 stars, planets, and galaxies by just pushing a button. The accurate tracking makes it easy to get high power views of the planets, and allowed me to take some great pictures using a Celestron NexImage webcam. I also like the "Two-Star align" and "Solar System align" modes because I can often get the NexStar system up and running while older scopes are still waiting for their alignment stars to appear in he twilight. Reflector telescopes offer more light gathering power per dollar than any other design, but that value is balanced by the fact that the mirrors may need to be aligned or "collimated" occasionally. Using Celestrons Collimation Eyepiece I had no trouble fine tuning the optical alignment, and I was rewarded with sharp views of Lunar craters even when I pushed the magnification up to the theoretical limit of 300x. The other drawback of a computerized telescope, of course, is battery consumption. An optional PowerTank battery is a handy way to power the NexStar 130 SLT, and I like to keep the tripod legs short and observe while seated because this gives me a solid and comfortable view. --Jeff Phillips Pros: Wide field views Computerized go-to tracking Light and portable Cons: Short battery life Sensitive to vibration Suggested Options: Celestron Accessory Kit Celestron PowerTank battery Celestron Collimation Eyepiece Features
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Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Sale Price: $99.99 |
DescriptionIf you're looking for an affordable entry-level telescope for that beginning astronomy enthusiast, our SpaceProbe 3 Altaz is the perfect choice. Great for all-around stargazing, this highly portable, uncomplicated scope is just the right size and weight for the entire family, and just the right price for parents. This is a quality telescope, with a 3" (76mm) glass primary mirror mounted in a sturdy Neptune Blue Metallic aluminum tube. The rack-and-pinion focuser accepts standard 1.25" eyepieces. Two Explorer II eyepieces, a low-power 25mm (28x) and a high-power 10mm (70x), are included. An EZ Finder II finder scope mounted on the tube helps zero-in on the sky target. The altazimuth mount is lightweight and easy to use. To aim it, simply move it up or down or left or right. An adjustable, aluminum tripod with accessory tray is also included. One-year limited warranty. Orion's surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two very good Explorer II eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), an adjustable altazimuth tripod, a good red-dot finder, a student edition of "The Sky" planetarium program, and a well written manual. The package even includes the tools you'll need to assemble the telescope and align the optics. The Spaceprobe 3 is a Newtonian reflector. That means it uses mirrors instead of lenses. Newtonians are primarily used for astronomy because the images are upside-down. Orion includes a collimation tool and good directions for aligning the mirrors. The reward for aligning the mirrors is seen in images that snap into sharp focus. My Spaceprobe 3 arrived properly aligned right out of the box. With its Explorer II eyepieces, this telescope consistently delivers fine views. Using the 25mm eyepiece (28x magnification) the Pleiades cluster is simply wonderful, showing dozens of stars. From a rural location with a dark sky, the Orion Nebula is a big ghostly glow, and when I zoom in with the 10mm eyepiece, the Trapezium resolves into four tiny pinpoints. The double star Gamma Andromeda becomes two beads of light, one gold, the other one pale blue. Moon and planet images are crisp, with none of the false color I see in low cost refractors. When I look at the Moon I see mountains and terraced walls inside the larger craters. With the 10mm eyepiece (about 70x), Saturn's rings are sharply separated from the planet, and I can even pick out the planet's shadow on the rings. The Altazimuth mount included with this telescope is light and easy to use; it may be the best choice for a young astronomer. If you want motorized tracking of the stars and planets, Orion's Spaceprobe 3 EQ is available with an equatorial mount, and Celestron sells essentially the same optical system with the computerized NexStar 76GT. -Jeff Phillips Pros: Best in class optical performance Two good Explorer II eyepieces Complete accessory package Cons: Small 76mm aperture Upside-down terrestrial images Features
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TwinStar Black 6" iOptron Computer Controlled Reflector Telescope
Sale Price: $459.99 |
DescriptionThis telescope is perfect for backyard astronomy enthusiasts or older children with space on the brain. Simply align the telescope with the North Star, choose the object you want to see on the handheld controller and the computerized mount does the rest. With a large 150mm (6 inch) primary mirror and a 1400mm focal length, this large reflector telescope is the high magnification instrument for planetary and deep space astronomy. You can observe fabulous nebulae, galaxies, binary star systems and most of the famed deep-space Messier objects. Of course, with this telescope, you can see outstanding detail when viewing the moon and you can see the Rings of Saturn and the Moons of Jupiter. Did we mention that all you have to do to see a new object is push a button? The iOptron SmartStar-E Alt-Azimuth Mount, a.k.a. The Cube, is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit. In addition, there are no "dead spots" -- so you can point your telescope anywhere above the horizon, whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount comes standard with AC connection, but also accepts 8 AA cell batteries for use at home or in the field (Batteries sold separately). The revolutionary GoToNova computerized control system is by far the most technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today. With a database of 5,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, not to mention the planets, you'll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button. The GoToNova Controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has a larger LCD screen with more lines of content compared with the competition. With the easy-to-use hand controller you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to go. Features
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Meade ETX70AT Telescope w/882 Tripod and Software
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DescriptionThe Meade ETX-70AT brings home technology that would seem far-fetched even in speculative future-fiction. Experience push-button astronomy as high-resolution Meade optics, combined with the incredible Autostar controller take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond. Even novice stargazers can locate and explore planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, galaxies, and other deep space objects, all with astonishing clarity and resolution RS-232 serial interface for software Tripod Included The ETX70AT is my favorite of all the low-cost computerized telescopes, because of its compact body and also because it is so easy to use. The ETX70AT package includes everything a beginner needs to get started (except batteries). So what can you see, exactly, with this little telescope? It will show you craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. Take it with you to dark country skies and the little ETX70AT will even show you galaxies and reveal the Milky Way as a brilliant river of stars. I found the low power views with the included MA25mm eyepiece, about 14X magnification, to be sharper from edge to edge than my 15X70 binoculars. Wide-field, low-power views allow you to take in the full picture of bright star clusters like the Pleiades. The Pleiades are known as the Seven Sisters because sharp eyed people can often see seven or eight stars with the naked eye, and though I've only ever been able to make out six, with the ETX70 on a good clear night, I counted 77 stars! The low power view of a rising moon, one day past full, was simply beautiful--the lunar rays splashed out of the major impact crater Tycho sharply etched against the Maria (the lunar seas). Higher magnification with the MA9mm eyepiece did begin to reveal the optical defects that short focus achromatic refractors always show. The moon was rimmed by a bright green glow, and the craters were no longer quite as sharp. When I turned my gaze to Saturn, I could plainly see the rings and Saturn's moon Titan, using either the MA9mm (39X) or my own SP6.4mm eyepiece (55X), but the image was not as sharp as it would have been in a classic style long focus refractor. The Autostar controller makes it easy to find more than 1400 celestial objects. The Autostar computer included with the ETX70AT is simply amazing. Plug in the Autostar and the batteries, point the tube North and level, and the Autostar's easy alignment routine will pick two alignment stars and help you find them. You will still need a guide book, like Nightwatch by Terrence Dickinson, to introduce you to the bright stars by name, but this is about the only detail Meade left out of the ETX70AT package. Take Autostar's guided tour of "tonight's best," and you'll soon be looking at galaxies and star clusters. Yes, you really can see galaxies with a little telescope like this. All you need are dark skies and knowing where to look. And Autostar takes care of the "knowing where to look" part. Once the telescope is aligned, bring up M31 on the menu and press "GO TO." You'll find yourself looking at the Andromeda Galaxy, two million light years away. Even from a dark location in the country you'll see why amateur astronomers refer to galaxies as "faint fuzzies." This view of faint and fuzzy galaxies is very much the way they looked to comet hunter Charles Messier who first discovered these so called "M" objects. A surprising number of people with bigger telescopes also own one of these little ETX refractors. There's no doubt about it, a compact, computerized telescope that actually finds things for you is just plain cool. --Jeff Phillips Pros: It's easy to find objects with the Autostar computer Wide field views Cons: Planet views could be better Let Meade high-resolution optics and revolutionary Autostar capability take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond. Now even the most novice amateur astronomer can locate and explore the planets, galaxies, and nebulae, as well as star clusters, asteroids, and comets, all at the push of a button. The Meade ETX-70AT Astro Telescope brings the full range of celestial images to your eye with astonishing levels of clarity, resolution, and definition. Refractors This is a refractor telescope. Refractors (also known as a dioptrics) capture light with a lens at the front of a long tube and send it to an eyepiece at the other end. They look, in other words, just like what most people think of when they hear the word "telescope." Refractors offer--potentially, at least--the cleanest images of any telescope design. They are simple and reliable (the sealed tube is maintenance-free), and are good for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide All of the major planets except Pluto are easily observable through the ETX-70AT. Study Saturn and its ring system; the primary cloud belts of Jupiter as well as its four major satellites; the Moonlike phases of Mercury and Venus; prominent features on Mars; the starlike images of the distant planets Uranus and Neptune. The Moon stands out in stark, almost three-dimensional detail - craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. In our galaxy the telescope displays hundreds of nebulae, star clusters, double and multiple stars, and variable stars - plus dozens of external galaxies in all their variations of form and structure. Terrestrial Observing The Meade ETX-70AT also makes an excellent land-view instrument for the birdwatcher, the naturalist, or for the home with a view. Image quality and resolution typically far exceed levels normally expected of terrestrial telescopes. Terrestrial observers quickly appreciate the advantages afforded by the Autostar hand controller. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance, using one of nine selectable speeds. Optical System The ETX-70AT includes a multi-coated, achromatic objective lens of exclusive Meade design and manufactured of Grade-A crown and flint optical glass components. The lens yields razor-sharp images of astronomical and terrestrial subjects. In the optical design of ETX-70AT, light enters from the right through a 2-element objective lens and travels to a focus at the focal plane. Field stops internal to the optical tube prevent off-axis light from reaching the focal plane, thereby enhancing image contrast. The Autostar Hand Controller makes it easy The included Autostar controller permits the automatic location of over 1400 celestial objects: Solar System Planets 8 Moon 1 Asteroids 26 Comets 15 Constellation 88 Deep-Sky Named Objects 66 Galaxies 74 Diffuse Nebulae 31 Planetary Nebulae 19 Quasars 11 Caldwell Objects 109 Messier Objects 110 Stars Named Stars 79 Double Stars 395 Variable Stars 189 SAO Stars 200 Earth Satellites 50 Autostar Hand Controller For all of their advanced imaging capabilities, portability, ease of use, and contemporary cosmetic design, Meade ETX telescopes are above all uniquely defined by the revolutionary Autostar hand controller. It's easy to use: just enter the object you wish to observe on to the Autostar display, press GO TO, and watch as the telescope moves rapidly in seconds to place the object in the telescope's field of view. One observing session validates the prediction made by Sky & Telescope that "The ETX/Autostar concept will go down as the greatest happening in amateur astronomy yet." Objects stored in the Autostar's database include the entire range of celestial phenomena and are designed to keep the active observer busy for many a starlit evening. The above database listing has been specifically chosen as suitable for observing with the ETX-70AT and provides an excellent introduction to the diversity of astronomical objects visible through the telescope. In addition to its object-locating capabilities Autostar permits pushbutton centering of objects within the telescopic field at any of nine selectable speeds. Once Autostar locates an object, it directs the telescope automatically to track the object across the sky, compensating fully and precisely for the effects of the Earth's axial rotation. Ultraportable Easy to carry to any observing location, whether a distant mountaintop or your own back yard, the Meade ETX-70AT telescope brings the excitement of astronomy to users of any age. Just place the telescope on any flat surface (or use the standard-equipment field tripod), do a quick, easy alignment of the telescope's computer to the sky, and start observing. Six internal (user-supplied) AA-batteries power the ETX-70AT for about 20 hours. Features 1. Eyepiece 2. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 3. 90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 4. Optical Tube - The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece. 5. Movable Objective Lens Cell - This component contains the telescope's lenses. The focus knob moves the cell for precise image focus. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the vertical lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the vertical lock clockwise (to a "firm feel" only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for Autostar operation. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope's objective lens (5, Fig. 1) in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT telescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 17 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the horizontal lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the horizontal lock clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, but engages the horizontal motor drive for Autostar operation. 10. Computer Control Panel A. Handbox (HBX) Port for the Autostar coil cord. B. LED - The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to the Autostar handbox and to the telescope's motor drive. C. ON/OFF Switch - Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON or OFF. D. Auxiliary (AUX) Port - Provides connection for current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade AstroFinder Software with Cable Connector Kit, which allows you to control your ETX from a PC. 11. Base Housing - Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface, such as a tabletop or optional tripod. 12. Holes for Optional Tripod (not shown, on the bottom plate). 13. Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle. 14. and 15. Cellback containing Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knob - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. 16. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional #64ST T-Adapter or attach the #933 Erecting Prism for correctly oriented images through the eyepiece. 17. Declination (Dec) Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 18. Autostar with attached coil cord. 19. Dust Cap. 20. Battery Compartment. Features
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How to Use a Computerized Telescope: Practical Amateur Astronomy Volume 1
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DescriptionHow to Use a Computerized Telescope describes how to get a computerized telescope up-and-running, and how to embark on a program of observation. Michael Covington explains in detail how the sky moves, how a telescope tracks it, and how to get the most out of any computerized telescope. Packed full of practical advice and tips for troubleshooting, his book gives detailed instructions for three popular telescopes: the Meade® LX200, Celestron^DCC NexStar 5 and 8, and Meade® Autostar^DTM (ETX and LX90). Michael A. Covington is an associate research scientist at the University of Georgia. He is a computational linguist trained in the computer processing of human language and the computer modeling of human logical reasoning, and a widely recognized expert on the Prolog programming language. He is the author of nine books including Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms, Seventh Edition (Barron's, 2000), Astrophotography for the Amateur (Cambridge, 1999), PROLOG Programming in Depth (Simon & Schuster, 1996), Cambridge Eclipse Photography Guide (1993), and Syntactic Theory in the High Middle Ages (Cambridge, 1985). A senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Covington is a Contributing Editor to, and former "Q&A" columnist of, Poptronics magazine. |
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Go-To Telescopes Under Suburban Skies (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)
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DescriptionGo-To Telescopes Under Suburban Skies is the first book specifically written for amateur astronomers who own, or who are about to purchase, a computer-controlled âgo-toâ telescope. The advantage of the âgo-toâ capability is enormous â the telescope can be aimed at any object in the sky with great speed and accuracy â which is why these instruments are so popular. Making the realistic assumption that the observer is using a relatively small telescope and is observing from a backyard in a suburban area, this book provides literally hundreds more targets beyond those offered by the built-in ânightly toursâ that feature on the telescopeâs computer tours. And instead of wasting many pages on maps and coordinates, it leads the computer to locate the targets, and so has room to suggest many more fascinating deep-sky objects and provide detailed observing lists and information about what's being viewed. |
computerized telescopes for astronomy
