Monthly Archives: October 2013

Ostara PL 32mm 1.25″ eyepiece review. Observing the double cluster

The Ostara PL32mm eyepiece can be purchased from Northern Optics as part of the Ostara 1.25″ Planetary eyepiece and filter set. Though it may be available as a separate item while stocks last. At first glance it looks very similar to … Continue reading

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Skywatcher UWA-58 Planetary 5mm eyepiece review (double stars)

To give the Skywatcher UWA-58 5mm a few challenges I steered away from its description as a Planetary eyepiece to check out some multiple star systems. Telescope used was a Skywatcher Skyliner 300mm (12″) Dobsonian, which gave 300x magnification. First … Continue reading

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Celestron Edge HD telescopes and aplanatic optics

Aberrations are defects in images produced by a telescope (or optical system). They are caused by limitations in the design and manufacture of the optics. Designers and optical factories strive to produce affordable telescopes that have as few aberrations as … Continue reading

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Why do I need to polar align a telescopes

As the earth rotates around its axis, the stars appear to move across the sky. If you are observing them using an altitude-azimuth (alt-az) mount, they will quickly drift out of view. Readjustments to get them back in view are … Continue reading

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What are RA and DEC on an equatorial telescope

RA (right ascension) and Dec (declination) are the coordinates on the sky that correspond to longitude and latitude on the earth. RA measures east and west on the celestial sphere and is like longitude on the earth. Dec measures north … Continue reading

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Choosing the right telescope

  There are lots of telescopes available on the market, and for the beginner, selecting one can be a bewildering experience. Before buying a telescope it is important to ask yourself the following questions, or simply contact Northern Optics telescopes of … Continue reading

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Visionary HD 20×80 binoculars. Perfect for astronomy

A couple visited the Northern Optics weekend outlet looking for a pair of binoculars suitable for astronomy that would compliment their 5″ refractor.  The set he went for was the Visionary HD 20×80. The plus points from the customers angle was the … Continue reading

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