Telescope Eyepiece Astronomy
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Orion Video Capture Device
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DescriptionThe useful and immensely versatile Orion Video Capture Device makes it easy for you to view and capture video recordings on a laptop or PC. The Orion Video Capture Device attaches to your video camera, camcorder, DVD player, DVR, VCR, or any device equipped with an RCA composite, component, or SVHS output, and allows you to view, record and capture footage from those devices for viewing on your laptop or PC. The easy to use and device features a USB 2.0 interface and has been designed for use with the Orion StarShoot Deep Space Video Camera and StarShoot Video Eyepiece, but it will work with any video equipment featuring an RCA composite, component, or SVHS output. Captured AVI or MPEG4 files can be used to further process images with astronomy software such as Registax. The Orion Video Capture device is also compatible with meteor detecting software such as UFOCapture and time lapse software such as HandyAVI. Also compatible with the Night Skies Network for broadcasting live images of the night sky over the internet. The Orion Video Capture Device includes software for capturing and converting to other formats. Includes RCA composite, SVHS, and component (Y, Pb, Pr/Y, Cb, Cr) video inputs for a wide versatility range. Use it to upload videos to YouTube and for transferring video files for your iPod, iPod Touch, iPad, AppleTV, PSP, PS3, XBOX, and mobile devices. Features
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Astronomy Help Please?
I have a decent telescope (nothing fancy, but it serves its purpose), and currently, I only have a 25 mm eyepiece, and a 700 mm focal length= 28 x magnification. I am expecting a 9 mm eyepiece this week.
However, tonight i tried looking at the Ring Nebula and the Dumbell Nebula in the summer triangle. Unfortunately, I couldn't seem to find them. I am quite frustrated right now, and basically what I want to know is how hard it is to find those types of nebulas using my current magnification, and if it will be any easier when I get my 9mm eyepiece. I am just an amateur astronomer (I'm a teenager), and I really want to learn more about astronomy. Are nebulae very dim, and hard to see?
Any deep sky object will be hard to see tonight with the moon nearing full, and if you live in an area with a lot of light pollution they will be hard to see any night. If you are at a darkish location without much moonlight those two nebulae should pop right out. But yes, some nebulae can be quite faint, such as the veil nebula in Cygnus. The 9mm eyepiece might help a bit since it will darken the background sky, but it will also darken the nebula a bit. It's give and take with higher power eyepieces, while you can get a closer look you will also get a fainter image. And when you are looking at a faint object, don't look right at it though your eyepiece, look off just to the side. The center of your eye is good at seeing detail but isn't too light sensitive, but the outer parts are far more sensitive to faint light.
You may want to get a 2x barlow lens, it doubles the power of whatever eyepiece you are using. You can get a good one for $30 or $40. Also, if you are having trouble finding things you might want to get a telrad reflex sight and some charts to go with it. The telrad make finding the ring nebula VERY easy.
Another thing you can do that will help you learn a ton and let try some fancier equipment is to join a local astronomy club
Here's a good site for learning about astronomy, it requires registration but it's free: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/
An article on averted vision: http://vegas.astronomynv.org/Tutorials/avertedvision.htm
A good barlow lens, and the one I use: http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=barlows/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=08711
The telrad: http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_telr1.htm
The charts I use with it: http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_spot.htm
A site to help you find a local club: http://www.astroleague.org/
A free program that is good for making your own star charts: http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
Another program, this one will give you a better idea of what you will see in the eyepiece: http://www.stellarium.org/
US $99.88
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Orion Video Capture Device
List Price: |
DescriptionThe useful and immensely versatile Orion Video Capture Device makes it easy for you to view and capture video recordings on a laptop or PC. The Orion Video Capture Device attaches to your video camera, camcorder, DVD player, DVR, VCR, or any device equipped with an RCA composite, component, or SVHS output, and allows you to view, record and capture footage from those devices for viewing on your laptop or PC. The easy to use and device features a USB 2.0 interface and has been designed for use with the Orion StarShoot Deep Space Video Camera and StarShoot Video Eyepiece, but it will work with any video equipment featuring an RCA composite, component, or SVHS output. Captured AVI or MPEG4 files can be used to further process images with astronomy software such as Registax. The Orion Video Capture device is also compatible with meteor detecting software such as UFOCapture and time lapse software such as HandyAVI. Also compatible with the Night Skies Network for broadcasting live images of the night sky over the internet. The Orion Video Capture Device includes software for capturing and converting to other formats. Includes RCA composite, SVHS, and component (Y, Pb, Pr/Y, Cb, Cr) video inputs for a wide versatility range. Use it to upload videos to YouTube and for transferring video files for your iPod, iPod Touch, iPad, AppleTV, PSP, PS3, XBOX, and mobile devices. 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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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 Orion‘s 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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Orion Apex 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Sale Price: $229.99 |
DescriptionWith a tube length of 11 inches, a 90mm (3.5") precision-polished fully multi-coated meniscus front lens, and solid uncompromising construction. the Apex 90 Compact Mak is a paragon of portability, optical excellence, and durability. Better still, it's one of the most versatile scopes we offer. The Apex 90 delivers bright, high-contrast images, and with a focal length of 1250mm (f/13.9) you also get a generous image scale. It features a built-in 1/4"-20 adapter plate that makes it easy to mount onto a standard photo tripod for viewing grand daytime vistas. Attach a 35mm camera to the scope's visual back (with a T-ring adapter sold separately) and use the whole assembly as powerful telephoto lens for astrophotography and terrestrial shooting. What more could you want? Includes a 25mm Plossl eyepiece, 6x20 finder scope, 45-deg correct-image diagonal, and fully padded carrying case. One-year limited warranty. Features
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Astronomy Hacks: Tips and Tools for Observing the Night Sky
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DescriptionWhy use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to:Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures. Features
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Starry Night Pro 5.0 Astronomy Software Win/Mac
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DescriptionPut more power and knowledge in your hands than even the world's most pre-eminent astronomers had just a few years ago with Starry Night Pro 5.0. Now you can see how the sky over your house looks right now, or use it to see how the sky will look tonight, tomorrow or far into the past or future. You can even change your position and see how the heavens appear from the other side of the earth, or from other planets. Escape the Milky Way. Pilot your own spaceship to explore 700 million light years of space. Select from dozens of deep sky databases for the celestial objects and galaxies you want to explore. Easily observe Mars in the field using data from the built-in Ephemeris Generator. Stunning views from a variety of celestial bodies are just a few clicks away; witness a total eclipse from the Moon, watch the Sun set from the surface of Mars, or even ride a comet. Starry Night Pro is also a valuable educational tool with more than 100 interactive, multimedia tours that reveal the fascinating science and history of stars. An elegant, easy-to-use interface lets you quickly tap into a new and improved suite of features. With Starry Night Pro, the only limits are your imagination. With access to 16 million stars and 1 million galaxies, an enhanced SkyCalendar, a built-in Ephemeris Generator, computerized telescope control, and advanced observation aids, this version of Starry Night Pro is packed with new features that make it a must-have upgrade. The SkyCalendar is now seamlessly integrated with the observation planner and logs so you can more easily plan and record your stargazing sessions and receive alerts about upcoming celestial events. High-precision satellite tracking makes it easy to identify orbiting objects while the built-in Ephemeris Generator lets you calculate the position of heavenly bodies at a time of your choosing. Meanwhile, high-resolution illustrations let you enjoy panaramic views of your favorite constellations. You can also choose horizon panoramas to simulate surface conditions on earth or other planets and moons. Lastly, a new joystick-supported spaceship mode lets you maneuver around the Universe freely and expansively. Use this tool to see the sky from any location in the universe up to 700 million light years away. Starry Night Pro is more than just a desktop tool for observing the heavens. You can control most computerized telescopes from popular manufacturers, allowing you to align your computer star maps with your telescope's viewfinder. You can even customize Starry Night's field-of-view indicators to match your telescope's eyepiece. A host of great activities await you when you have such powerful software at your fingertips. For instance, you could plan a night under the stars with the observational planner, track the sky with your telescope, and store comments and images on individual targets in Starry Night's observation log. And when the sun comes up, you can still enjoy the heavens by printing full sky (180-degree) star charts of any area in the sky. If you're looking for educational tools, Starry Night Pro delivers. Call up more than 100 multimedia tours to deepen your exploration and understanding of the universe. Enjoy high resolution exclusive constellation illustrations and images from the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes, as well as the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. You'll also get a library of imagery that lets you zoom in and explore the surface of Mars and Earth in unprecedented detail with new higher resolution surface maps. There's even a dictionary of common astronomy terms, plus a Record Holders database of astronomy trivia. And with an Internet connection you can direct Starry Night to send you automatic updates about new discoveries and orbital data of satellites, comets and asteroids. Starry Night Pro 5.0 is an amazing tool for anyone with a fascination for space. It's as close as you can get to owning your own planetarium! It's user-friendly enough for the backyard stargazer but powerful enough for a serious astronomy student. View the stars from your exact location on Earth or any other planet. Explore a database with millions of celestial objects -- all available to you, for exploring the mysteries and wonders of the universe. Travel through 200,000 years in minutes -- find out how the universe will look far in the future Features
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Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter
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DescriptionCelestron and ;s SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high performance binoculars ideal for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use - especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the special demands of extended astronomical or terrestrial viewing sessions. The 15x70 version is one of the most popular models in the series. It offers serious large aperture light gathering in an affordable and reasonably lightweight configuration. Binoculars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes these days, and an even wider range of prices. It's easy to spend less than $100 or more than $500 for what may appear to be, at least outwardly, comparable models. While they may look the same, they are probably quite different on the inside. Recently, the binocular market has seen a flood of giant binoculars at prices that were unheard of just a few years ago. In general, giant binoculars are defined as those that magnify the view 10 times or more and have 70-mm or larger front (objective) lenses. It used to be that the least expensive giant binoculars cost in excess of $150, even $200. All that changed not long ago, when the bottom fell out of the price cellar. Now, several companies import giant binoculars that sell for half that, or less. Celestron's 15x70 SkyMaster binoculars are one of the leaders in the low-price giant binocular arena. They certainly sound good on paper. The SkyMasters include multicoated optics and BaK-4 internal prisms, two features that promise brighter, better images, and key points to look for when judging a pair of binoculars. They also come with an adapter for attaching them to a photo tripod, which is a must to use them to their fullest, and a soft carrying case. But just because they are cheap doesn't always mean they are worth the price. Would it be better to save up for a more expensive pair? To find the answer, I had an opportunity recently to judge the SkyMasters against a pair of Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX binoculars , one of the finest pairs of giant binoculars sold today. Like the SkyMasters, the Fujinons feature BaK-4 prisms, but also have fully multicoated optics. As a general rule, superior coatings mean superior image sharpness and contrast. But then, that should be expected, given that the Fujinons cost many times more than the Celestrons. While the Fujinons were clearly the better performer, the Celestron SkyMasters held up admirably. Image brightness, quality, and contrast were all remarkable considering their bargain price. Although images were a little soft across the outer 25% of the Celestron's field, the overall view was impressive nonetheless. Some inexpensive binoculars have very sloppy focusing, causing the eyepieces to tilt and shift. Not so with the SkyMasters. I found that their center-focusing mechanism worked smoothly, with no apparently backlash or wobble. Eye relief (the distance you hold your eyes away from the eyepieces to see the full field) is stated to be 18 mm, a good distance for higher power binoculars and an important consideration if you must wear glasses when viewing. The SkyMasters are also light enough to support by hand for short periods of time, although buyers would be well advised to mount them on a sturdy photo tripod. The bottom line is, if you are considering a pair of giant binoculars, whether for bird watching, stargazing, or another recreational use, and have a limited budget, Celestron's giant 15x70 SkyMasters represent an excellent value. --Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch Pros: Exceptional value for the price Light enough to support by hand BaK-4 prisms Multicoated optics Cons: Outer 25% of the field is soft and a little blurry Requires a tripod to use for extended periods Features
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Bushnell PowerView 20x50 Super High-Powered Surveillance Binoculars
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DescriptionThe Bushnell(r) Powerview(r) Series of binoculars offers you compact, streamlined designs for bright, crisp views of wherever you're exploring. Bushnell PowerView binoculars offer the best of both worlds, combining contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. This particular PowerView binocular offers a 20x magnification--among the most powerful in its class--and a 50mm objective diameter. The multicoated optics, meanwhile, guarantee superior light transmission and brightness, helping you see just about any target, whether you're searching for birds or trying to get a better view of the football field. And users will love the patented InstaFocus focusing system, which holds your subject in sharp focus with a touch of the fingertip. Additional features include a porro prism system, a nonslip rubber armor housing that absorbs shock while providing a firm grip, a neck strap, and 9mm of eye relief. Specifications: Magnification: 20x Objective lens diameter: 50mm Size class: Standard Focus system: InstaFocus Prism system: Porro Prism glass: BK-7 Lens coating: Multi Field of view @ 1,000 yards: 170 feet Close focus distance: 45 feet Exit pupil: 2.5mm Eye relief: 9mm Eyecups: Fold down Waterproof/fogproof: No Adapts to tripod: Yes Weight: 30 ounces Warranty: Limited lifetime Features
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BARSKA 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod And Carrying Case
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DescriptionThere's an amazing show to be seen in the night sky and this Barska travel telescope is a great tool. You get a totally portable 300x telescope with a 70mm objective lens and a tabletop tripod. You also get a copy of the highly popular Deep Sky software, which includes a searchable database of over 10,000 celestial objects and a What's Up Wizard that delivers a list of what is visible at the observer's location. The telescope is a precision optical instrument that is perfect for the aspiring astronomer on the go. Includes the telescope, finder scope, eyepieces, software and a carry case. An ideal entry-level telescope for amateur astronomers, the Barska Starwatcher 300-power telescope brings you closer than ever to the stars and planets. The refractor telescope is equipped with such features as coated glass optics for enhanced image brightness, interchangeable eyepieces with 3x Barlow lenses for increased viewing power, and smooth-functioning mounts. For good measure, Barska added a beginner's version of the highly popular Deepsky Astronomy software, which is packed with a searchable database of more than 10,000 objects, including nebulae, star clusters, double stars, variable stars, and other types. Simply load it on your PC and begin your journey to the stars and planets. Bundled with a sturdy adjustable tripod and a soft carrying case, the telescope carries Barska's limited lifetime warranty. Specifications Max power: 300x Focal length: 400mm Finder scope: 5x24 Draw tube: 1.25 inches Eyepiece 1: SR4 Eyepiece 2: K20 Diagonal: 45 degrees Warranty: Limited lifetime About Barska Barska is a worldwide sport optics company with strong brand recognition within the optics industry, with corporate offices in La Verne, California, and warehouses and distribution centers in La Verne and Shanghai, China. Barska offers an extensive line of precision sport optics products, such as binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, and telescopes. The product range has been designed and built with the latest optical technology, allowing users to enjoy all their favorite leisure time outdoor activities, including bird watching, outdoor observation, hunting, fishing, stargazing, concerts, and sporting events. The Barska 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod and Carrying Case is an ideal telescope for the aspiring amateur astronomer. Ideal for students or those interested in learning more about the night sky, the 70mm objective lens can zoom up to 300x power. Use one of the interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x power Barlow lens for increased viewing capability. A pan-head mount and tripod is included with the telescope along with a handy carrying case. Take this portable telescope outdoors at night and the stars will open up before your eyes. Features
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Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope
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DescriptionTE3)CELESTRON ASTROMASTER 70AZ SCOPE Features
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