Author Archives: Reviewer

Optical Hardware 1.25″ t-adapter

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Reviewer

Optical Hardware 1.25″ t-adapter. Very strong metal construction Attractive silver finish on the outside, and blackened on the inside to help reduce reflection. Threaded to accept our 1.25″ telescope filters and t-rings (not included) Available to buy from Northern Optics … Continue reading →

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Ostara short tube collimating eyepiece

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Reviewer

Ostara short tube collimating eyepiece for Newtonian reflectors Ostara are fast becoming a well known and respected brand when it comes to astronomical accessories, binoculars and telescopes. Straight out the box, you will be aware how solid and well built … Continue reading →

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

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Reviewer

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)

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Reviewer

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

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Reviewer

  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

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Reviewer

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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Ostara 1.25″ Moon and Skyglow filter gets a great review in All about space magazine

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Reviewer

The Ostara Moon and Skyglow filter gets a great review in the “All about space” magazine. They rate it as excellent value for money for a light pollution filter. This filter has been very popular at the North Lincolnshire astronomy … Continue reading →

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