|
|
 |
|
Exploring the wonders of the universe from my backyard.
|
|
|
For years now, I've been an amateur astronomy, looking up at the skies on clear nights at planets, star clusters, nebula,
and distance galaxies. Astronomy is an easy hobby to get into - a simple set of binoculars will show some of the larger star
clusters, the Milky Way, and the Moon all very nicely - but it is not the easiest hobby to master. With patience, good equipment,
and accurate star charts, one can navigate the "sea" of the heavens, finding countless treasures: far off galaxies, star
clusters scattered like jewels upon black velvet, nebula that glow like pale clouds from afar, planets that show phases, weather
patterns, and their own moons.
These days, astronomy is easier than ever to enter. The quality of entry level telescopes that are bought from reliable
sources is higher than ever before, and the prices are quite reasonable. The internet has made it very easy to get accurate
reviews on astronomical equipment, and computer software allows an astronomer to learn maps of the night sky like never before.
The only catch is that skyglow from wasted light in suburbs and large cities has dimmed the view of the stars, but even a
good set of binoculars can go a long way to cutting past the skyglow and seeing the universe beyond.
|
|
|
Here are some astronomical links of interest:
Cloudy Nights Reviews and Forums: The best place on the internet to get accurate reviews of all kinds of astronomical equipment. The messageboards
are also home to many friendly astronomers, creating a world-spanning community.
Orion Telescopes and Binoculars: Orion specializes in entry to mid-level astronomical equipment, but unlike many companies that sell "newbie" gear,
Orion's equipment is of excellent quality. They also have some of the best customer service in the industry. Orion's main
claims to fame are: some of the best basic Dobsonian reflectors in the market, a nice selection of refractors and maks, and
a good variety of introductory telescopes and accessories.
Celestron International: Creators of the Schmidt Cassegrain telescope (SCT), Celestron offers an excellent line of Schmidt Cassegrains in
multiple configurations: German equatorial mounted (on a standard or heavy-duty mount), single-arm mounted for maximum portability,
and double-arm fork mounted for extra stability. They also have a fine line of other German equatorially mounted telescopes,
as well as some nice Dobsonian reflectors and starter scopes. I had a Celestron Classic 8" SCT for over 10 years. Aside from
the non-ergonomic finderscope, it was a great instrument, and modern instruments have better finderscopes and have computerized
object locators as well, making it much easier to find objects in the night sky.
Meade Instruments: Meade also sells fine Schmidt Cassegrains in two fork-mounted versions, and their 8" model is available on a German
equatorial mount. Meade's most famous beginners instruments are the ETX series of very portable, computerized Maks. These
little instruments are quite popular since they are good for newcomers to the hobby and are rather portable. At the other
end of the scale, Meade sells the RCX400 line of modified Ritchey Cretian telescopes. These scopes appear similar to
other Cassegrain designs, but the differences in the optical design exist to create a superb imaging platform. Note that
these scopes also have an astounding level of computerization and electronics in them - even the focusing is done electronically!
Televue Optics: Makers of the best eyepieces in the world (and some very nice refractors as well). While Pentax comes close (and
is preferred by some) and Meade's new Series 5000 eyepieces are also close competition, Televue has had many years to build
up the technical know-how to produce eyepieces of astounding quality with equally amazing fields of view, edge sharpness,
and even eye-relief. One doesn't need a premium eyepiece to enjoy astronomy - a decent $50 Plossl eyepiece will usually work
well enough - but an astronomy who has never experienced a premium eyepiece is really missing out. Sadly, once one experiences
such an eyepiece, out comes the credit card, and wallets tend to get lighter! They really are THAT GOOD!
International Dark Sky Association: Fighting the battle against light pollution - the illumination of the night sky through wasteful lighting practices. Reducing
light pollution not only benefits astronomers, but it also conserves a good deal of energy and reduces the negative impact
of "perpetual twilight" upon plants and animals (humans included!)
-------------------------------------------
Note that this only begins to scratch the surface of the world of astronomical websites and equipment. There are companies
that sell Dobsonian reflectors that can be as large as a car (Obsession, Starmaster, T-scopes, etc.), others that sell telescopes
that can cram a large amount of aperture into incredibly small spaces (Starbuckets, UTI, etc.), and still others that sell
refractors that are of such quality that people will gladly wait a few months to a few years to get them (Astrophysics, etc.)
The world of astronomical equipment sometimes seems as large as the universe itself, but never forget that all it really
takes to get started is a decent set of binoculars, some understanding of the constellations, and a clear night.
Clear skies!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|