TELESCOPES &amp; ASTRONOMY NEWSLETTERS

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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 November 2007's Newsletter, which was the previous one. Past Newsletters can be seen here:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORIES

- NEW "LEGAL" 1MW GREEN LASER POINTER

- BLUE & WATERPROOF LASER POINTERS NOW AVAILABLE

- WINDOWS VISTA AND THE TOUCAM

- 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 POD Bay. In a two step molding process, an additional 15 lbs (7 Kilos) of virgin black polyethylene is melded to the inside of the outer POD Bay wall, forming one wall lined in black.

This extra weight creates an even stronger, thicker walled POD Bay, providing extremely high Infrared radiation protection. Hi IR protection means the POD Bay will stay cooler in temperatures over 100 F.

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 Adelaide to Brisbane of $1100 for the Standard POD and $1300 for the XL-3 Pod.

You can of course pick up the Pod yourself.

NEW ZEALAND BUYERS

New Zealand buyers need to supply the same details above. A separate way of supply and delivery needs to be completed. I will let you know the options soon. The price list in AUD$ remains the same at this stage. We are considering a number of delivery options for New Zealand which will keep the prices to a minimum. I believe this would be best done once the PODs arrive here, and we can see what we have to work with.

New Zealand buyers please note - the payment options below are for Australia only. I will forward the NZ payment options on request.

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 USA! Usually 5-6 weeks at sea, then I pass them through customs etc.

A shipping container needs to be filled before shipment.

NEW "LEGAL" 1MW GREEN LASER POINTER

Most states in Australia have updated, adapted or legislated new laws for owning a Green Laser Pointer. The laws basically state, a 1mW (milli-watts) or less power output is legal. Greater than 1mW, in most states, requires permission from the Commissioner of Police - call your local Police Firearms Dept. You may need to have a good reason to own a laser greater than 1mW. South Australia (my state) still has no procedures in applying for permission for the more powerful than 1mW Lasers. There is a new system for classifying the lasers and their outputs. Most people are aware of the older system as showing the Class II Laser (<1mW) & Class III (>5mW) Lasers.

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 Australia) to be available for astronomy. Ensuring the quality, and modifying the make up of the laser, has improved the brightness of the beam. This Laser will be best serving astronomers who use them as FinderScopes, as well as pointing out objects to someone next to you.

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 VISTA AND THE TOUCAM

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 Australia. They are still producing very high quality items. New products have been added to their range, and the pricing is very good. Vixen's web site is very informative and includes their new product releases.

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

Making a Refractor Telescope

http://www.willbell.com/TM/refractor-telescope.htm

$60AUD

The Schupmann Telescope

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
AUSTRALIA
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 Australia FAX: 08 8381 3588

International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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 July's Newsletter, which was the previous one. Past Newsletters can be seen here:

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 Novosibirsk web site has been hijacked and currently contains a virus. Please avoid! Hopefully already fixed.

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 (Victoria, Australia) between the 9th and 12th of November. Nhill is situated along the Dukes/Western Highways, near the border of South Australia and Victoria. It is a very dark viewing site, perfect for viewing the night sky. Achtung!: Booking is essential. Only camping sites are left. Catering is now booked out. It is still feasible to live, with the town of Nhill nearby.

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:

www.vicsouth.com

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 Australia. Both comet positions and information can be seen on Michael Mattiazzo's Comet web site:

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 China now. They include all the software, technical support etc.

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:

Produced locally, the Side By Side setup is made up of a Heavy Duty DoveTail Plate to suit Celestron, Vixen, Skywatcher, Losmandy, Novosibirsk and other popular Mounts, and 2 separate detachable Side by Side Mounting Plates. Plates are made from high grade aluminium and black anodised.

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 New Zealand buyers.

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 Adelaide to Brisbane of $1100 for the Standard POD and $1300 for the XL-3 Pod.

The shipping from the US has worked out to be more expensive than first thought. So if you have the price list I sent out a few months ago, disregard it.

www.skyshedpod.com

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

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 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 intended to give a tourist's view of the sky as a 'use anytime' reference with realistic views identifying the positions of each object. It is also the easiest reference to use to find a planet's position in the night sky. The 2008 Edition contains extra pages on special events and deep sky objects.

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 USA. Their designs include Binocular Mounts, Collimators, Collimation Knob and Light Bridge Counter Weights. The Binocular Mount and Light Bridge Counter Weights look particularly interesting. Here is their web site:

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.

Some of his most popular products include.:

Celestron Nexstar Telescopes;

Meade Lightbridge 10” and 12” primary and secondary collimation knobs;

Losmandy GM-8 and G-11 Mount no tools Tripod and Elevation Lock Knobs;

Bob's Website:

http://www.bobsknobs.com/

ASTRONOMIK FILTERS

I promised a number of customers Astronomik Filters for which Astronomik in Germany were willing to supply. The filters were to be around half the price of other retailers. One of the retailers had a cry to Astronomik and now Astronomik will not supply to us. I apologise to those people whom I promised these filters. Hopefully Astronomik will change their minds in the future, and we can supply competitive pricing. There has been some testing, and Astronomik certainly are very good quality items. We have since gone with Baader Planetarium, which have an excellent reputation for fine filters and match any of the filters in the Astronomik range.

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

Coronado

Rigel Systems

Modern Astronomy

Astro Engineering (UK)

Seymour Solar Optical

Bob's Knobs

GSO - Guan Sheng Optical

Vixen

SkyWatcher

Philips Electronics

Novosibirsk - Russian Telescopes

Philip's Publishing

Willmann-Bell Publishers

Regards,

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
O'HALLORAN HILL SA 5158
AUSTRALIA
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 Australia FAX: 08 8381 3588

International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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:

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 Australia and New Zealand, although the greatest views will be in New Zealand and Eastern Australia. Central Australia will get a good view, and Perth will only see the final stages.

EST

7.52pm - Total Eclipse begins

8:35pm - Full Eclipse

9.22pm - Total Eclipse ends

For observers in Adelaide (like me), head towards Broken Hill for the best view, away from city lights.

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 Norwegian Sea. In 2009, there is the Total Eclipse in the north western Pacific. Information, including itinerary and reservations are avialable from Mayhugh Travel:

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 (Australia)

http://www.bom.gov.au/

Siding Spring Observatory - NOAA Weather Satellite Service (Australia)

http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~map/weather/

Local Stargazers Weather - Adelaide, South Australia

http://users.picknowl.com.au/~stargazer/wm918data.htm

Excellent Weather Site (World)

http://www.wunderground.com/

Earth and Space Dedicated Weather Site (World and beyond!)

http://www.spaceweather.com

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.

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

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.

- 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.

- 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

$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 Australia FAX: 08 8381 3588

International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- SUPERB NEW 8" F/6 HAND MADE MIRROR FOR SALE

- EYEPIECE T MOUNT ADAPTOR

- 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 MOUNT HEADS FOR TRACKING OR PHOTOGRAPHY

- 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 SALE

Average Maximum Wave Front Error 1/23.6

Average Strehl Ratio 0.983

Test sheets available.

EYEPIECE T MOUNT ADAPTOR

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:

http://www.lymax.com/info.php

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.

Some of his most popular products include:

Celestron Nexstar Telescopes;

Meade Lightbridge 10” and 12” primary and secondary collimation knobs;

Losmandy GM-8 and G-11 Mount no tools Tripod and Elevation Lock Knobs;

Please inquire for pricing.

Bob's Website:

http://www.bobsknobs.com/

ASTRONOMY 2007 BOOK - INVALUABLE GUIDE TO THE NIGHT SKY

Astronomy 2007 is an Australian publication suitable for the whole 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 intended to give a tourist's view of the night sky as a "use anytime" reference with realistic views identifying the positions of each object. It is also the easiest reference to use to find a planet's position in the night sky. The 2007 edition contains extra pages on special events and deep sky objects.

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 MOUNT HEADS FOR TRACKING OR PHOTOGRAPHY

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:

http://www.rigelsys.com/

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.

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.

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
AUSTRALIA
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 Australia FAX: 08 8381 3588

International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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:

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 APO REFRACTOR OTA

- 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 MOUNT HEADS FOR TRACKING OR PHOTOGRAPHY

- 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 CAM

- 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

- CORONADO PST - $800AUD

- 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 Australia. This has resulted in a very sturdy design in construction and smooth movement. The telescopes have been available to the Australian public for a number of years.

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 APO REFRACTOR OTA

HiOptic is one of China military optical producers. They have a number of large refractors available. One of the standout Optical Tube Assemblies is their 200mm F/12 APO Refractor. The Lens is an Air-Spaced Apochromat and is mainly produced by hand. The Assembly uses a number of focus points to allow the attachment of various accessories and imaging devices. Contact us for more information or visit the following web page.:

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 MOUNT HEADS FOR TRACKING OR PHOTOGRAPHY

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 USA to capture this event as it gives valuable information to astronomers about Pluto including:

- 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 Tasmania or New Zealand.
- 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 Adelaide where they used a borrowed 30" diameter reflector from one of our local Astronomical Society members. The team was equipped with lots of mega buck equipment for capturing the event. Meanwhile, a couple of intrepid Astronomical Society of South Australia members, decided to have a go themselves using the society's 20" Reflector and a Meade LPI Camera. Obtaining the images was particularly difficult as the full Moon was right next to Pluto! After much preparation, and a failed laptop keyboard resulting in a dash back to town, 2 hrs drive away, several images were captured and results examined. Initial results from the 20" Reflector and Meade LPI showed an atmosphere around Pluto! This showed how easily contributions to space science can be made with simple equipment. Although the telescope was quite large, it was not necessary.

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

http://www.rigelsys.com/

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 CAM

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 USA and world. Telescopes and Astronomy are able to quote pricing for their range of mirrors.:

http://www.GalaxyOptics.com

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 Australia, only through us. There are many features to the latest version. These include:

- 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.

CORONADO PST - $800AUD:

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
AUSTRALIA
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 Australia FAX: 08 8381 3588

International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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:

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:

- Coronado PST $800AUD

- 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

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 Apo on Porta Mount $1355AUD$ or $985US$ or £580

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 Australia who had made up new Worm Gears for the SkyWatcher EQ6. If that person could reveal himself, it would be appreciated. :-)

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.:

http://www.discovery-telescopes.com/accessories.html

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 Adelaide. The intention is to thrush it, modify it, and sell it down the track. Contact me for more info.

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.:

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.:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes_astronomy_maps_binoculars_microscopes_product_by_picture.htm

SOUTH PACIFIC STAR PARTY

We will be attending the South Pacific Star Party this year in the Blue Mountains. It's on between the 29th of March and 2nd of April. The star party is held by the Astro Society of New South Wales and is Australia's biggest. If you're interested in going, or just want to know more, here's the link.:

http://www.asnsw.com/spsp/

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
AUSTRALIA
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 Australia FAX: 08 8381 3588

International FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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:

There are mainly specials for Christmas in this issue.

IN THIS ISSUE:

- LAST CHANCE FOR NOVOSIBIRSK RUSSIAN ORDER

- LAPTOPS FROM $400AUD

- 21" COMPUTER MONITORS $100AUD

- 12v DC BATTERIES $15AUD

- POWER TANK BATTERY $115AUD

- 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 CORONADO FILTERS

- 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 NOVOSIBIRSK RUSSIAN ORDER

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 Novosibirsk web site:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm

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 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 intended to give a tourist's view of the sky as a 'use anytime' reference with realistic views identifying the positions of each object. It is also the easiest reference to use to find a planet's position in the night sky. The 2006 Edition contains extra pages on special events and deep sky objects.

For more information see it on our web page:

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 BATTERY $115AUD

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 CORONADO FILTERS

“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, MALTA tabletop mount, CEMAX series eyepieces, and SolarMax 40 for double stacking and narrowing the bandpass. To add a SolarMax 40 you will require the T-Max 40 for attaching the unit directly to the PST.

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:

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
AUSTRALIA
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/astronomy129.htm

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:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE VicSouth STAR PARTY

- 10th PLANET OF SOLAR SYSTEM

- PST - PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $800AUD & OTHER CORONADO FILTERS

- 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 MISSION

- ASTRONOMY 2006 BOOK (16th EDITION) $18AUD

- ToUcam

- ToUcam AND CORONADO PST

- ToUcam 900 LATEST INFORMATION

- ToUcam IMAGES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION & SPACE SHUTTLE

- NEW & UPDATED PRICELISTS

- CORONADO FILTERS

- RUSSIAN TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS (NOVOSIBRISK)

- SECONDHAND TELESCOPES & ACCESSORIES

- CELESTRON

- BUSHNELL

- TASCO

- VIXEN

- SKYWATCHER

- PRICELISTS CURRENTLY BEING COMPLETED

- Pentax

- Astro Engineering

- StarLight Express

- Guang Sheng Optics

- Newport Glass

- Adirondack Stella Video

- 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 (NOVOSIBIRSK) CURRENT PRICELIST

- ASTROPHOGRAPHY WITH A DOBSONIAN!

- NIGHTSKY CEILINGS

- STAR CHARTS - $16AUD

- KYOCERA YASHICA EZ 5030 DIGITAL CAMERA $325AUD or $240US or £135

- SOLAR TELESCOPE FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

- 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 South Australia and Victoria. It is a very dark viewing site, perfect for viewing the night sky. Achtung!: Booking is essential. Only camping sites are left. Catering is now booked out. It is still feasible to live, with the town of Nhill nearby.

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 10^th planet has made all previous astrological predictions inaccurate. Not only has the 10^th 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 10^th 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 10^th planet discovery team, says the term planet is simply not a scientific word, it is a cultural word.

PST - PERSONAL SOLAR TELESCOPE $800AUD & OTHER CORONADO FILTERS

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:

Modbury Heights High School Observatory on Friday November 11th from 8.15pm

Stockport Observatory on Saturday November 12th from 8.15pm

Westminster High School Viewing Night December 10th from 8.15pm

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 MISSION

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

For more information see it on our web page:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm

ToUcams

ToUcam AND CORONADO PST

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:

telescopes@adam.com.au

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

CORONADO FILTERS:

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

- Newport Glass

- Adirondack Stella Video

- 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 (NOVOSIBIRSK) CURRENT PRICELIST

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://www.dcviews.com/press/Yashica-EZ-5030.htm

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

SOLAR TELESCOPE FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

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:

http://www.solarscope.com/

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 Australia, only through us. There are many features to the latest version. These include:

- 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.

- 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:

http://www.riti.com/

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 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
AUSTRALIA
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/astronomy129.htm

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:

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 SALE!

- KYOCERA YASHICA EZ 5030 DIGITAL CAMERA $325AUD or $240US or £135

- MINOX (GERMANY) DC 8111 DIGITAL CAMERA $620AUD or $465US or £258

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 New Zealand where it will be near overhead.

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.

http://www.photomeeting.de/astromeeting/_index.htm

Contact Nightsky Ceilings

0438 054 968

(08) 8386 0150

AN ASTRONOMY WEBSITE FOR VIEWING EXCELLENT IMAGES:

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

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)

http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/EQ6SkyScan.html

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:

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 SALE!

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 LV 20mm Eyepiece $130

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 (GERMANY) DC 8111 DIGITAL CAMERA $620AUD or $465US or £258

- 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
AUSTRALIA
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/astronomy129.htm

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:

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... NEW ZEALAND!?

- 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 BOX $120AUD or $93US or £50

- 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:

Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America, Alaska, Eastern Siberia and Antarctica. Check the following web site for location times:

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 Melbourne and central Western Australia.

Perth observers will see Jupiter reappear 20mins after the Moon rises.

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://www.astro-engineering.com/

Contact Nightsky Ceilings

0438 054 968

(08) 8386 0150

PARTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM ASTRO-ENGINEERING

Astro Engineering is a United Kingdom company who specialise in astronomical parts. The workmanship is excellent, and the range is absolutely enormous. Parts for Meade, Celestron... I'm not going to go on, have a look yourself. Let me know if you'd like a quote. Most part are even going to be in stock!:

STONE HENGE IS MOVING... PLEASE FORWARD ALL MAIL TO... NEW ZEALAND!?

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

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

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 France, the SolarScope allows safe observation and measurements (including rotation speeds) of the Sun. The Standard Model projects an image about 80mm (3.1") in diameter inside the cardboard hood, while the larger Education Model delivers a 115mm image. Both will reveal sunspots, thanks in part to glass optics mounted in quality molded-plastic and machined aluminium assemblies. The company's multilanguage web site includes lots of information, as well as free downloadable activities specifically developed for schools and educatiors.

Standard Model $125

Education Model $175

www.solarscope.com

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 Japan, not China. If someone is starting out, this is the affordable gift which will allow the observer to see more than 5 planets and the Moon! I have seen these advertised for $649AUD!!!! You must be kidding. $280AUD or $218US or £117

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

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 BOX $120AUD or $93US or £50

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:

http://www.starrynight.com/

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
AUSTRALIA
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/astronomy129.htm

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:

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

- AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TELESCOPE FORUM

- 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 (AUSTRALIA) FROM SIDING SPRING

- 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 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 intended to give a tourist's view of the sky as a 'use anytime' reference with realistic views identifying the positions of each object. It is also the easiest reference to use to find a planet's position in the night sky. The 2005 Edition contains extra pages on special events and deep sky objects.

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 University of South Australia Planetarium.

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.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TELESCOPE FORUM

Mike Salway has produced a telescope/astronomy web site and forum for Australia and New Zealand. Many visitors from all over the world are discovering his informative web site as well. Following on the popularity of such sites as CloudyNights.com, Mike has been receiving a large number of hits and gaining a large number of forum members and visitors. Other sections of the website allow keen astrophotographers to see and display images. Australia and New Zealand has access to its own products, pricing and of course its own skies, which makes the reviews and forum an ideal place to find out much needed information for local observers:

http://www.iceinspace.com

BAADER FRINGE KILLERS

Baader Planetarium, a Denmark based company, has been offering the Fringe-Killer for around about a year. Basically it is a minus-violet filter of the highest quality. Minus-violet filters are in high demand due to the popularity of short focal ratio, achromatic refractors. Achromatic refractors, suffer from "chromatic aberration" or false color. This show up as a violet halo around bright objects, particularly planets, bright stars and the Moon. The halo is caused by the fact that not all the wavelengths of light come to focus at the same point. The best way to correct this is to simply block the violet and blue light waves. Unfortuneatley, inexpensive minus-violet filters introduce their own problems of aberrations, and rob the good light degrading the image you're trying to improve.

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

LUNAR MAP PRO V3 SOFTWARE

Lunar Map Pro V3 isn't available in Australia, only through us. There are many features to the latest version. These include:

- 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.

- 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:

http://www.riti.com/

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

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 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 (AUSTRALIA) FROM SIDING SPRING

Siding Spring Observatory, where some of the world's major telescopes, and Australia's largest optical telescopes are located next to the picturesque Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia.

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:

http://www.starrynight.com/

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

Standard Model $125

Education Model $175

www.solarscope.com

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.30

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/astronomy129.htm

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:

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 (AUSTRALIA)

- 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"

- ADELAIDE PLANISPHERES

- VIXEN SPHINX MOUNT POLAR ALIGNMENT SCOPE

- 2" 90° MIRROR DIAGONALS

- GREEN LASER POINTERS

- MOON PHASE MAPS

- TELRAD FINDERSCOPES

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES

- RASTER 250K - AUSTRALIA'S 1:250 000 SCALE MAP SERIES

- OLYMPUS FULLY OVERHAULED MICROSCOPES

- LAMINATED WORLD SUPER MAPS

- LAMINATED AUSTRALIA SUPER MAPS

- 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 Australia. Let us know your location for postage quotes.

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 US magazine Sky & Telescope has been announced by Paragon Media. Apparently the magazine will have around 40% Australian content. The first issue will go on sale in December for $7.50 R/R.

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:

http://www.perseu.pt/atik/about.php

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:

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:

http://www.starrynight.com/

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 Tasmania. A review can be seen on Astrovid's Comments page. He has also included a review in the latest Sky and Space magazine (Australia) along with other image capturing devices. 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 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:

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

Telescope Building

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

- the 88 constellations with their named stars and their meanings

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

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 Japan. The scope has a Alt/Az Mount. Here's the only picture and information I have in Japanese:

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 (AUSTRALIA)

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 Nhill, Victoria.

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 Netherlands and come complete with software. Why pay over $3000 when we have them for $2000 with full warranty.

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 Phoenix 80S. The Pheonix 80S Optical Tube Assembly has received many good reviews. This scope also has High Definition optics with a solid mounting bracket for piggybacking.:

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

$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 LV Lanthanum Eyepieces

1.25" 10mm $250 (New)

1.25" 20mm $250 (New)

Astronomy 2005 (15th Edition)

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

Adelaide Planispheres

Locate objects in the night sky with a planisphere designed directly for Adelaide's latitude.

$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

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

$30AUD$ or $20US or £12

Raster 250k - Australia's 1:250 000 Scale Map Series

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 FULLY OVERHAULED MICROSCOPES

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 Olympus microscopes and spares. Please inquire.

Laminated World Super Maps
Highly Popular, Highly detailed including time zones - 190cm x 110cm

$59AUD$ or $38US$

Laminated Australia Super Maps
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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

JULY NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.29

OUR WEB SITE:

http://astrosurf.com/rondi/venus2004/index.htm

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 MISSION TO SATURN

- 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 (USA)

- 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 China)

- Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl 26mm (made in Japan)

- 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:

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 Glenelg Beach with kind permission from the Holdfast Bay Council. Here's a picture of what we did:

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

- RGB Monitor Port

- Parallel Port

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:

http://www.hollows.org/

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 MISSION TO SATURN

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!

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.

http://www.company7.com/orion/telescopes/orion80EDf7.5.html

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:

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.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes020.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

$95AUD$ 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:

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 (USA)

- 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 Dual Axis Drive

- 5mm LV Eyepiece

- 20mm LV Eyepiece

- 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 China)

Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl 26mm (made in Japan)

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

JUNE NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.28

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/venus-transit-sun.htm

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 SOUTH AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE CLINIC

- 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 (USA)

- 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:

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

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE CLINIC

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:

http://www.hollows.org/

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

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

RUSSIAN NOVOBRISK/TAL TELESCOPES

We will be putting this announcement in the Newsletter for a while as we collect interested parties for Novobrisk Instruments.

BULK MIRROR PURCHASE

Once again we are collecting names of interested parties who wish to purchase items form NewPort Glass Works.

http://www.cloudynights.com/breviews/celestron100mm.htm

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:

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

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

*Discounts for Quantities*

WANTED TO SELL

The mount has been modified to except an Argo Navis DSC (the Argo is not included).

VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (USA)

- 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 Dual Axis Drive

- 5mm LV Eyepiece

- 20mm LV Eyepiece

- 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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

MAY NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.27

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/venus-transit-sun.htm

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 (USA)

- 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 Tahiti. The scientific importance of the transit was to use it to measure distances in the solar system. Captain Cook was specifically chosen because he was amougst the very few who knew how to work out longitude. Together with his seamanship, he was a particularly special person, and only he could have made the voyage. During the voyage, he opened his secondary secret orders which reveiled he was to discover the great southern land (Australia) and claim it for Britain.

More information on the Venus Transit is on our web site:

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 Victoria) who spoke about the wonderful acheivements of William Hershel, Phil Rodgers who spoke on the use of binoculars for astronomy, and Blair Lade. Blair brought along his SkyWatcher Heavy Duty EQ5 Mount and 80mm refractor which had the Philips ToUcam attached. Using the setup, focused on black material with some white dots to represent the stars of the Southern Cross, blair showed us a way of accurately focusing the camera. He simply put a piece of paper over the end of the telescope which had 2 holes cut out of it. The star's images, represented by 2 holes each, were clearly seen by all on the projector screen through his computer. Blair then proceeded to focus the image by simply adjusting the focus until the 2 holes became one. This was greeted with a round of applause.

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

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_achromatic_lenses.htm

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:

BULK MIRROR PURCHASE

We are once again organising a bulk purchase of product from Newport Glass in the US. Orders need to be in by the end of June. 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:

http://www.company7.com/orion/telescopes/orion80EDf7.5.html

EXCELLENT SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR

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:

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.cloudynights.com/breviews/celestron100mm.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:

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

$160AUD$

THOUSAND OAKS LP-4 HYDROGEN BETA FILTERS

These filters are specifically designed for Horsehead, California nebula and other faint nebulae.

$160AUD$

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

WANTED TO SELL

The mount has been modified to except an Argo Navis DSC (the Argo is not included).

VIXEN CUSTOM 90M (USA)

- 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 Dual Axis Drive

- 5mm LV Eyepiece

- 20mm LV Eyepiece

- 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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

MARCH NEWSLETTER 2004 NO.26

OUR WEB SITE:

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~lovejoyt/2001q4.htm#q4april

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 (USA)

- 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*

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 Sydney will witness the start around 3.00pm. For observers in the middle of Australia (Adelaide), Venus will start its transition around 2.30pm. The entire event will be widely visible from the Europe, Africa and Asia. The transition will last for about 6 hours.

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:

FILTER SPECTRUMS by Terry Moon

ACCURATE FOCUSING OF TELESCOPE CAMERAS

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 Western Australia, the event will begin at 4pm. Obervers in other parts of the world will need to check for suitable observation times. There doesn't seem to be much information on the internet for the event.

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

http://www.company7.com/orion/telescopes/orion80EDf7.5.html

EXCELLENT SHORT FOCAL LENGTH REFRACTOR

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:

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.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen113.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 US, although, we have them available for US buyers. Information on the 800M has been further updated on our web site:

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

$160AUD$

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

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 (USA)

- 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 Dual Axis Drive

- 5mm LV Eyepiece

- 20mm LV Eyepiece

- 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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2003 NO.25

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm

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 (USA)

- 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 - Orange

PHILIPS ToUcam UPDATE - ASTRONOMY WEB CAM

Pro 840kCCD CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE

FOR ASTRONOMY OR JUST A
GREAT WEB CAM

$230AUD$ 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:

ASTRONOMY 2004 BOOK (14TH EDITION)

Astronomy 2004 is an Australian publication suitable for whole 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 intended to give a tourist's view of the sky as a 'use anytime' reference with realistic views identifying the positions of each object. It is also the easiest reference to use to find a planet's position in the night sky. The 2004 Edition contains 8 extra pages including the 2 expected bright comets, and the rare transit of Venus, both in May.

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.siebertoptics.bizland.com/SiebertOptics-blacknightbinoviewers.html

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

$160AUD$

BLACK NIGHT BINOVIEWERS

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 (USA)

- Accessories

ToUcam 740k

Secondhand ToUcam complete with software.

$100AUD$ or $70US$

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2003 NO.24

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes036.htm

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 CAM

- 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:

PHILIPS ToUcam UPDATE - ASTRONOMY WEB CAM

Pro 840kCCD CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE

FOR ASTRONOMY OR JUST A
GREAT WEB CAM

$230AUD$ 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:

http://skyandtelescope.com/

Astronomy Now

http://www.astronomynow.com/

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.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes062.htm

ASTRONOMY 2004 BOOK (14TH EDITION)

For more information see it on our web page:

$16AUD$

*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:

http://www.iteastronomy.com//products/accessories/overview.php?p=EQ-6+MOUNT

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:

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:

http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c8sgt.htm

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:

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:

http://www.vixen-global.com/

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://jimsmobile.com/guide_search.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

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 $44US$

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 Mount Heads like the GP-DX for far less than other expensive tripods. Please call or email for further information.

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!

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:

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

- 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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

JULY NEWSLETTER 2003 NO.23

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.nightsky.org.uk/

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 CAM

- 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

- NEWPORT GLASS BULK SHIPMENT

- 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 UK:

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 LV

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 CAM

Pro 740kCCD CAMERA PLUS SOFTWARE

FOR ASTRONOMY OR JUST A
GREAT WEB CAM

$215AUD$ 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:

http://skyandtelescope.com/

Astronomy Now

http://www.astronomynow.com/

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.chello.at/hoermi/
Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:

DECENT MOUNTS FOR ACCURATE TRACKING

VIXEN GP-DX

$1420AUD$ or $824US$

SKYWATCHER EQ5

$532AUD$ or $314US$

http://www.iteastronomy.com//products/accessories/overview.php?p=EQ-6+MOUNT

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 $656US$

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 $980US$

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:

http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c8sgt.htm

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:

CELESTRON CGE COMPUTERISED MOUNT

$7640AUD$ or $4500US$

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:

http://www.vixen-global.com/

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://jimsmobile.com/guide_search.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

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.

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:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes097.htm

TELESCOPE MAKING BOOKS

We now have a wide range of Telescope Making Books. They can be seen here:

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.

LOOKING FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE

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 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:

SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:

CELESTRON CI700

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

MAY NEWSLETTER 2003 NO.22

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.eso.org/outreach/eduoff/vt-2004/mt-2003/mt-intro.html

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:

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.imcce.fr/

http://www.eso.org/outreach/eduoff/vt-2004/mt-2003/mt-display.html

http://www.obspm.fr/

MARS 26TH AUGUST 2003

HIGH MAGNIFICATION EYEPIECES

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

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 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:

STOLEN EQUIPMENT

SWEEDEN

AUSTRALIA

LOOKING FOR AUSTRALIAN ASTRO EVENTS SITE

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE

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

EYEPIECE DEAL

- 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:

SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:

CELESTRON CI700

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER 2003 NO.21

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.siebertoptics.bizland.com/

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

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:

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

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:

http://www.pentax.com/

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.jjmehta.com/products/pentaxmzm.html

STOLEN EQUIPMENT

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

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY ASTRO EVENTS SITE

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:

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:

SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:

CELESTRON CI700

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.20

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.csiro.au/helix/eclipse/

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:

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.

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:

SBIG CCD CAMERA AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS MIRROR GUIDER:

CELESTRON CI700

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.18

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/eclipse152.htm

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:

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.chello.at/hoermi/

Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/vixen150.htm

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:

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.17

OUR WEB SITE:

http://www.aao.gov.au/local/www/sl/dumps.html

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:

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!:

http://group70.org/

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 $95US$

http://members.chello.at/hoermi/

Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

JULY NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.16

OUR WEB SITE:

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

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.chello.at/hoermi/

Here are two more web sites which have more images obtained by the ToUcam:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescopes039.

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:

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
AUSTRALIA
61+ 8 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

MAY NEWSLETTER 2002 NO.14

OUR WEB SITE: