barlow telescope
New Galaxy Discovered!
Before I get all you amateur astronomers reaching for your telescopes and directing them towards the heavens I must point out that I'm not referring to the interstellar kind of Galaxy but the exciting new Ford Galaxy. I apologise for any confusion I may have caused but to me the discovery of a vehicle that finally suits our family's needs is the cause for much celebration.
You see for years now we have shoehorned ourselves into all manner of estate cars and small MPV's often resulting in miserable journeys that involve everybody being cramped and arguing with each other. Family holidays should normally be a pleasurable experience for all but all too often ours seem to descend into petty bickering with each other and the dog usually joins in for good measure.
We finally arrive at our destination tired and hoarse from all the shouting and with the windows steamed up because my kids insist on the interior temperature to be more akin to a portable sauna. Sometimes I long for one of those Perspex screens that taxis have that I could just slide across to drown out the endless chorus of "I'm bored" or "Are we there yet?."
Then there's all the stuff you have to take with you, I vaguely remember in my younger single days I could go away for a week with nothing more than a spare pair of underpants and a toothbrush and could always jettison the pants if required. Nowadays it seems we have to transport every conceivable modern day luxury with us and frankly might as well just hook the house up to the back of the car and drag it with us down the motorway.
There have been a few times recently when I have lost the plot and said to my kids that I'm going to go to the builder's merchant and buy a few bags of sand and empty them in the living room so we can just pretend we are on the beach.
I am pleased to report that this is all behind us now as we are the proud owners of a new Ford Galaxy. I had driven a Galaxy a few years ago when my friend organised a stag party and in his wisdom turned up in a 2.3 petrol engine model much to our consternation as we had to drive it all the way to Amsterdam. Suffice to say that after satisfying the copious thirst for fuel this thing had there was very little left in the kitty for our drinking activities and certainly nothing left to fund a night in the arms of one of those nice ladies in the window which we had planned for him.
Despite that I do recall the Ghia model which we had was luxuriously appointed with leather and wood although it did remind me somewhat of a gentleman's drawing room. I decided to opt for the Zetec model which is well equipped but has a more high-tech feel to the interior.
There was just a question of where to make my purchase. These days there is a bewildering array of different places to visit from the traditional franchised dealers to car supermarkets and such like. After spending what felt like a lifetime on the internet I finally opted for Ford Deals Direct. They purchase from Ford and by cutting out the middleman are able to offer big discounts on new Ford cars. We saved a few thousand on the new list price which is great as the money we saved will go towards next years' holiday to Wales. I can hardly wait as we now have dual zone air conditioning and a DVD system not to mention acres of space and room for seven. I might even have room for two pairs of pants!
About the Author
The Ford Galaxy has proven to be a fantastic success for Ford and is one of the most popular MPV's on the market. Jon Barlow talks about the Galaxy which can be found at
Ford Deals Direct
Opinion on this telescope for an amateur?
My boyfriend has wanted a telescope for a while. I purchased this on an impulse buy and am wondering if it's worth the money.....
Galileo 700mm x 60mm Astro/Terrestrial Refractor Telescope
Three Removable Eyepieces:
6mm = 117x/351x
12.5mm=56x/168x
20mm=35x/105x
Also has a 3x Barlow lens. And the Galileo Triology CD Rom Set which includes the Galileo Planetarium,Instructional Telescope Video, and Britannica Touch the Sky - Touch the Universe.
And has the Mars Eye Electronic Locator which uses the red dot to find things.
I paid 89.99 plus tax. Worth it or can I find something better for my money? I'm willing to spend up to $150 and this said it was normally $149 and was on sale.
Thanks so much!
That would be an OK telescope for the price. But it wil be dissapointing. It is an OK beginers scope but for 50 or 60 more you could get a better Reflector (note: not a refractor). What you have would be OK for viewing the planets and the Moon. To really get your moneys worth I would suggest getting better eye pieces. But these would cost quite a bit ($30-$130 or more) so I would just get another telescope.
If you want to view stars and nebulae and galaxies I would go for a Reflector. The bigger the aperature (the diameter) the better, and more expensive. I would say that what you got is OK but not great.
If your boyfriend finds he likes astronomy and wants something a bit better but not break the bank then I would suggest geting a Meade ETX-125 ($500 on Ebay) or ETX-90. They have an auto guide (they follow the stars) and a computer that lets you select what you want to see from a menu and it just goes there (some set up required). And a bunch of other stuff.
If he wants the good stuff I would suggest the Meade LX90GPS or the LX200R. These are big and expensive but very nice!
I think what you got was OK for your boyfriend to try and find out if he likes it. But a relector would have been better and not much more expensive. Look on ebay for a reflector. You should beable to find a basic one for 150-200.
I would suggest that if your boyfriend wants bigger telescope to do research on what would be best.
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 Magnacraft SPTEL4 35X 350X Power Telescope Genuine Glass Optics Barlow Lens  US $103.45
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Barlow Tyrie 2EQLS07 Equinox Lazy Suzan
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Barlow Tyrie 2EQLS10 Equinox Lazy Suzan
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Televue 2x Big Barlow 2 inch
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DescriptionProperly designed Barlows do wonderful things. First, they amplify power while retaining the eyepiece's eye-relief. Second, they slow the telescope's f/#, which improves eyepiece sharpness. Third, the designer can introduce compensations for eyepiece aberrations.Tele Vue's 2" 2x BIG Barlow, 1 1/4" 2x and 3x Barlows were envisioned as magnification windows. Multi-coated high index glasses assure optimum aberration correction, exceptional contrast and virtually no light loss. Tele Vue Barlows achieve their design goals even when tested by the fastest scopes. They even improve our competitor's eyepieces and telescopes!For eyeglass wearers, the Big Barlow is perfect for doubling the power while retaining the eye-relief of 2" Tele Vue eyepieces such as the 55mm Plossl, 35mm and 27mm Panoptics (requires use of Panoptics Barlow Interface) and 20mm Nagler Type 2.Our design approach includes mechanical conveniences. The Barlows are parfocal with our eyepieces and the BIG Barlow includes a parfocal 2" - 1 1/4" adapter. The BIG Barlow is threaded for 48mm filters and has a captive lock-screw. Both 1 1/4" Barlows are threaded for 1 1/4" filters.Barlows do more than just increase magnification; they also retain eye relief (or in the case of long focal length eyepieces, actually INCREASE eye relief). A high quality Barlow must be properly designed and manufactured in order to avoid compromising a telescope's color correction and spherical aberration corr |
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Celestron Accessory Kit
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DescriptionCelestron Accessory Kit Features
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Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter
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DescriptionCelestron Telescope Astrophotography T-Adapter - 1-1/4in Universal 93625 Features
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Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope
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DescriptionIn 1609, world-renowned Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei, introduced an elementary telescope to the growing astronomy community, which sparked interest into the mysterious night sky for centuries to come. Four centuries later, in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, Celestron offers the portable FirstScope Telescope. The FirstScope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and many of history's most notable astronomers and scientists by displaying their names around the optical tube. Honoring the contributions of these men and women, who brought us one step closer to understanding the universe around us. The FirstScope is a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy. This quality Dobsonian style telescope features a 76mm aperture reflector optical tube. FirstScope is an ideal entry-level astronomical telescope. It is very easy to observe with; you simply navigate the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of the desired object, making the viewing experience a snap! The compact design makes it easy enough to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. FirstScope is also stylish enough to be a decorative fixture on your bookshelf or desk. Features
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Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
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DescriptionOrion’s Observer 70 EQ combines the solid optical performance of a classic achromatic refractor with a German style equatorial mount. The Observer 70 features very good optics and 36 percent more light gathering power than 60mm beginner scopes. The complete accessory package includes high and low power eyepieces, a 90 degree star diagonal, a red-dot finder, illustrated instructions, and Orionâs Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software. The Observer 70 EQ features very good optical performance. Achromatic refractors have a two piece objective lens, the second lens element compensates for “chromatic aberration”, the false color or blue fringes seen in low cost telescopes. In daylight tests I see very little blue fringing with the standard equipment 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification), and none at all with the 25mm eyepiece (28X). Stars and planets show up very nicely with the Observer 70. The quadruple star in the Orion Nebula known as the Trapezium is cleanly split into four components with the 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification). When I combine the 10mm eyepiece with a 2X Barlow lens for 140X magnification, I’m treated to lovely views of Saturn’s rings and the little orange disk of Mars. My view of the Moon is delightfully crisp and clear; the 25mm eyepiece nicely frames the Lunar disk, and using the 10mm eyepiece I can easily see mountain peaks and terraced walls inside the crater Copernicus. The Observer 70 EQ also features an aluminum tripod and an EQ-1 equatorial mount. The equatorial mount is a little more complicated to balance and align than the Observer 70 AZ , but the reward is better slow motion control and tracking at magnifications over 100X. Simply point the equatorial axis at Polaris, the North Star, and the telescope tracks celestial objects by turning one slow motion knob. This makes it much easier to use a high power eyepiece while viewing the Moon and Planets. The “EZ Finder II” works by shining a red LED on a small window; just look through the window and line up the red spot with your target. This works OK for bright objects like the Moon and planets but not so well for finding galaxies and deep space objects. Orion’s Observer 70 EQ is simply a very good entry level telescope for a student or family. The good quality 70mm optics produce an image that is significantly sharper and brighter than 60mm beginner scopes, and the package includes a solid mount, two good eyepieces, and fully illustrated instructions. --Jeff Phillips Pros: Reliable refractor design Good views of the Moon and planets Complete accessory package Starry Night software included Cons: Finder only works for bright objects This tried-and-true refractor goes the extra distance in introducing the novice to the wonders of the night sky. The Observer 70 features a 70mm fully anti-reflection coated achromatic objective lens, which provides 36% more light-gathering ability than a 60mm. Its 700mm focal length (f/10) will show you the stark beauty of the lunar surface, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's atmospheric belts, or the billowy clouds of the Orion Nebula. The included EQ-1 equatorial mount comes equipped with dual slow-motion controls for manual star tracking and adjustable aluminum tripod. Includes an EZ Finder II finder scope to help you zero in on your celestial targets, two eyepieces - 25mm (1.25") and 10mm (1.25") - and 90-deg star diagonal. One year limited warranty. Features
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Citiwell National Geographic Kids 375X Power Telescope with Tripod
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DescriptionThe Citiwell NG50500 National Geographic 50MM-500MM Telescope is a full Size Refractor Telescope, rests on a Full Height, Adjustable Aluminum Tripod. The Citiwell NG50500 National Geographic 50MM-500MM Telescope includes 3 Eyepieces and a 3X Barlow Lens Delivering magnification up to 375X. 90 Degree Diagonal Eyepiece provides Right Side Up Viewing and 6x25 Finder Scope Makes Aiming at Far away Objects Easy. 50MM Diameter Glass Lens and a 500MM Focal Length make and Impressive Family Telescope that can be enjoyed by users Of All Ages. Order the Citiwell NG50500 National Geographic 50MM-500MM Telescope today! Features
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Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector
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DescriptionThe Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector is a Newtonian reflector telescope packaged with a sturdy equatorial mount, two Explorer II eyepieces, a 6x30 finder scope, and Orionâs Starry Night Special Edition software. Invented by Sir Isaac Newton, reflector telescopes provide more light gathering power per dollar than any other telescope design. With 130mm (5.1 inches) of aperture, the SpaceProbe 130 produces images that are twice as bright as 90mm telescopes and more than four times brighter than 60mm beginner scopes. The Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector with its Explorer II eyepieces serves up bright, clear images of the Moon, the planets, and even deep space objects like star clusters and galaxies. The 25mm eyepiece magnifies the image by 36 times; when I look at the Pleiades or Seven Sisters cluster at 36X the SpaceProbe 130 shows me a bright open cluster with dozens of point-like stars filling the field of view. When I use the 10mm eyepiece (90X magnification) the lunar disk fills the field of view and the rings of Saturn are plainly resolved. And when I use an optional Ultima 2X Barlow with the 10mm eyepiece for 180X magnification I can see the cloud bands of Jupiter and pick out individual stars in bright globular clusters like M13. The EQ2 equatorial mount included with the Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector comes partially assembled, but it shouldn’t take long to set up. The trick to using an equatorial mount is to point the polar axis at Polaris, the North Star. Once the mount is aligned and balanced, the telescope tracks stars and planets at high power with just a turn of one slow motion knob. You can even add an optional motor drive for hands free tracking. The Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a simply a great value. The Explorer II eyepieces deliver bright sharp images of the Moon, the planets and the stars, and the EQ2 mount can be motorized for hands free tracking. --Jeff Phillips Pros: More than 4 times brighter than 60mm scopes Includes two eyepieces and a 6x30 finder Solid equatorial mount and aluminum tripod Starry Night software and SkyTheatre DVD included Ships to the U.S. including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector Telescope An affordable but very capable telescope130mm aperture and 900mm focal length for great all-around viewing performanceIncludes sturdy tripod and equatorial mount for hands-free celestial trackingIncludes two eyepieces, finder scope, focuser, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy softOne-year limited warranty A lot of folks shopping for their first telescope tell us that they have always had a fascination with the stars. They've been wanting to get a telescope for a long time, they say. We understand very well the lure of the night sky. It has intrigued mankind for millennia with its beauty and mysteriousness. And still does. So it's only natural to want to know more about it, to get a closer look. If you share this fascination, and are ready finally to spring for that telescope, then consider the affordable but very capable Orion SpaceProbe 130mm EQ Reflector Telescope. Sporting the classic long-tube Newtonian design, the Orion SpaceProbe 130mm provides great all-around viewing performance. One minute you can be studying lunar crater formations at high power; the next, the ethereal glow of a nebular star factory. A few minutes later, the ringed visage of Saturn. All served in crisp detail by way of the SpaceProbe's light-gathering 130mm (5.1") primary mirror of 900mm focal length (f/6.9). The mirror lies at the base of the rolled-steel optical tube, which is outfitted with a smooth rack-and-pinion focuser. It accepts 1.25" telescope eyepieces, including the two fully coated Explorer II telescope eyepieces that come standard with the Orion SpaceProbe 130mm: a 25mm for low-power viewing at 36x and a 10mm for higher-power looks at 90x. Also standard is a 6x30 achromatic finder scope to help home in on celestial targets. The mount is our sturdy EQ-2 equatorial model, with adjustable aluminum legs and accessory tray. Slow-motion controls allow fine Features
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Power Acoustik CCD-3 Night Vision Infrarred Color Camera
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Description12 IR LEDS FOR NIGHT VIEWINGPIVOTING STAND FOR ANGLED INSTALLATIONSNIGHT ILLUMINATIONDIN CONNECTION1/4" SHARP CCD COLOR CAMERA0.1 LOW LUX LIGHT LENSREVERSED IMAGERESOLUTION: 510 X 380RCA VIDEO OUTPUTUPC : 709483019836Shipping Dimensions : 3.50in X 2.75in X 2.00inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.45 Features
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