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The Skies of January, 2025

Highlights: Comet Journal, Martian Landers, Meteor Showers, Planet Plotting, January Moon Focus Constellations: Ursa Major, Draco, Ursa Minor, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Camelopardalis, Lynx, Cancer, Gemini, Orion, Taurus, Auriga, Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus, Pisces, Triangulum, Aries

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An Odyssey of Three Oberwerk Binoculars for Astronomical Viewing

I have zero buyer’s remorse after ruminating on these binos and having used them thus far to the extent reported. I expect their service life to exceed mine. I understood their functions and limitations well before purchasing. They have greatly enhanced my astronomical viewing and filled a niche falling below the magnification thresholds of my telescopes, but with a significantly expanded actual field of view, while still providing significant magnification levels above my 12x50s. While there are other high quality brand binoculars available, most are tailored for “sport” use and affordability/variety peaks around the 15x56 size. I do not know of any other brand that currently offers binos in the 15x – 25 x ranges with apertures up to 100mm with the features, quality, product support, customer service and price that Oberwerk offers.

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Star Adventurer 2i Polar Scope LED and Serial Data Solutions

The Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i polar scope illuminator device supplied is typically deemed inadequate. In addition, there is very little documentation available regarding use of a computer serial data connection using the Skywatcher Mini Console software. This document provides a proposed solution for these two options.

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DocTelescope LaserMax II 20” F/3.6 review

As of the time writing this review, while I'm still waiting to enable the motorized capabilities of my scope, it has exceeded all my expectations (except the Zenith viewing one). It is truly a work of art, a beautiful design that is also highly functional, and I am grateful to all of the professionals who made this dream come true. I also appreciate the human connections I formed during this scope's inception and hope that I enjoy it and my new friendships for years to come.

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Cosmic Challenge: M1, the Crab Nebula

The story of M1, of how it is the expanding remnant of a massive star that detonated in a huge supernova explosion, is well known to most. That explosion was witnessed by ancient Chinese and Anasazi Native American stargazers in July 1054 AD. Although half a world away from each other, both recorded the exploding star's sudden appearance. At its peak, the supernova may have shone as brightly as magnitude -6 and was visible in broad daylight for nearly a month.

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The Skies of December, 2024

Highlights: Comet Journal, Martian Landers, Meteor Showers, Planet Plotting, November Moon Focus Constellations: Ursa Major, Draco, Ursa Minor, Camelopardalis, Lynx, Gemini, Auriga, Taurus, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Pegasus, Andromeda, Triangulum, Aries, Pisces

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Review of the 20” DocTelescopes Lasermax II F3.53

The DocTelescopes Lasermax II F3.53 offers a remarkable viewing experience with excellent build quality and customization options. Its ease of transport and assembly make it a top choice. This is a complex telescope not recommended for beginners but a delight for advanced amateur astronomers.

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Taming of the Slew – Transforming Your Dobsonian into a Dutiful Companion

Six years ago I got around to pursuing a long-held desire to educate myself on astronomy and cosmology. I started to learn the fundamentals with an inexpensive four inch reflector, learned the lay of the night sky, and read numerous books and resources. As a newcomer to the hobby I advocate the manual approach - the learning is in the doing, rather than having it done for you by a magical box with a motor. Give me a 1:24,000 topo map and quality compass any day over a GPS. Five years ago I moved on to a 12 inch reflector. I fully expected a beautiful mail order bride to arrive. Instead I received a monstrous, difficult to handle mistress in a casket-sized box. I was nevertheless certain she was the one for me…..with a little grooming. Perhaps some of my features and modifications may inspire you to make those changes to your outfit that will improve handling quality and make viewing more manageable and enjoyable.

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Cosmic Challenge: Galaxy UGC 2838

The Pleiades is one of everyone's favorite winter sights. You and I probably look up at that tiny pot of stellar jewels every winter night we head out, just as we have ever since we first became fascinated with the night sky. It’s a seasonal rite. But did you know there was a small galaxy lurking behind the Pleiades? Not many people do. Its faint disk was never seen by the Herschels or known to John Dreyer when he assembled the New General Catalog and supplemental Index Catalogs.

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Binoviewing The Deep Sky - An Invitation to Research

Binoviewing is usually reserved for dedicated lunar and planetary observers. But could it be an overlooked tool for the rest of us? Do binoviewers on a telescope outperform mono-viewing for deep sky work by boosting contrast and reducing visual noise? They offer a spectacular visceral experience, but are they useful for serious work?

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