Author Archives: Reviewer

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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New for 2013. Skywatcher SWA-70 eyepiece

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Reviewer

New for 2013 is the Skywatcher SWA-70 eyepieces. Available in 2 sizes. 2″ and 1.25/2″ dual fit. Features 8 element lens assembly, fully multi-coated optics, long eye relief and twist eye cups. A massive 70 degree wide field of view … Continue reading →

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Helios Odyssey-HR 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Reviewer

New for 2013 is the Helios Odyssey-HR 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars. Fully multi-coated optics, nitrogen waterproofing and Di-electric BAK-4 phase corrected prisms makes them outstanding value for money. Lightweight (690g) magnesium body makes them perfect for long hiking or bird … Continue reading →

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Why does my Celestron Firstscope give an upside down image

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Reviewer

If everything is upside down when you use your telescope, don’t be alarmed. Astronomical telescopes are designed to give an upside down or inverted image. This is not a problem when looking at the sky, since orientation relative to the … Continue reading →

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How to store a Celestron SCT telescope

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Reviewer

It’s best to protect your telescope from the elements and bring it inside between observing sessions. Allow the scope to warm up when bringing it inside. Uncover all optics and let the tube and tripod sit in the open. Moisture … Continue reading →

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What is a Newtonian reflector

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Reviewer

Newtonians are a type of reflecting telescope. A concave parabolic primary mirror at the back of the telescope collects and focuses incoming light onto a flat secondary (diagonal) mirror that in turn reflects the image out of an opening at … Continue reading →

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What does star magnitude mean

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Reviewer

Astronomers use a system of magnitudes to accurately measure the brightnesses of astronomical objects. An object is said to have a certain numerical magnitude. The larger the magnitude number, the fainter the object. Each object with an increased number (next … Continue reading →

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