Can you use a star diagonal on a Newtonian reflector telescope

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A star diagonal is not recommended for use on a Newtonian reflector telescope. This is simply because there may not be enough inward travel to get infinity focus. You may be able to get around this by using a low profile focuser, or moving the primary mirror up the OTA (optical tube assembly)

 

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Where can I buy telescope eyepieces near Hull

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Northern Optics have a weekend outlet at Barton Upon Humber , just a few miles from Hull. Here you will find a good selection of telescope accessories, including barlow lenses, eyepieces, filters and eyepieces.

Also on display will be a selection of binoculars and spotting scopes

The location is the Waters` Edge visitors centre, which has an on site cafe, gift shop, tourism information and a children’s play area

Northern Optics open days can be subject to change. So keep checking the Northern Optics website for any updates and contact information

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Skywatcher Myriad 9mm MWA-100° Eyepiece (2″/1.25″)

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Skywatcher Myriad 9mm MWA-100° Eyepiece (2″/1.25″)..

For the ultimate immersive, wide angle experience, the exotic Myriad 9mm has a staggering 100 degree apparent field! Constructed with 9 lens elements in six groups. Fully broadband multi-coated with blackened edges for maximum light transmission and contrast. Will fit both 1.25 inch and 2 inch focusers (2 inch sleeve is removable). Eye relief 13mm. Threaded for standard 1.25 inch and 2 inch filters. Soft twist-up rubber eyecups. Finished in high gloss anodised aluminium.

Available to purchase from Northern Optics

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Ostara Moon / Skyglow filter vs Ostara Crystalview Moon filter

So what is the difference between the Ostara Moon & Skyglow filter and the similar priced Crystalview Moon filter ?

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The Moon / Skyglow is more of a dual use filter. It cuts down on light reaching the eye, for more comfortable views of the Moon. On top of this, it also helps reduce sodium light (street lights) to aid deep space views. However this does mean you get a bluish tint.

On the other hand, the Ostara CrystalView Moon filter does not act like a light pollution filter . It is more a dedicated Moon filter. For the Lunar observer the advantage of this filter is that it gives a more neutral colour.

So that is the differences between the two filters. If looking for a dual use filter, go for the Moon / Skyglow. Or if you are a dedicated Lunar observer, go for the CrystalView. But there is no harm in having one of each.

Each one comes in its own padded , hard plastic case

Both filters can be purchased from Northern Optics

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Skywatcher EQ5 / HEQ5 extention pier

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The Skywatcher extension tube fits direct on to an EQ5 or HEQ5 mount for use with refractor telescopes.  The EQ5/HEQ5 extension tube extends the height of the EQ5 and HEQ5 mount so it is easier for observer to look into a long refractor.  Installed between the tripod and the mount head, this heavy-duty metal tube adds about 16″ in height to the assembly while maintaining the stability of the mount.

Available to buy from Northern Optics

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North Lincs astro meeting . 3rd January 2014

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The North Lincs astronomy society met at Ness End reserve near Barton Upon Humber on the 3rd January 2013.

The highlight of the night was a talk by Paul Cotton on astro photography. This was aimed at all members from beginners to advanced. Tips on how to set up your telescope, stack images and do some editing was very educating. As a result, we all went away feeling inspired, and had a go at astrophotography ourselves

Sadly, the night sky was not playing ball, so we could not practice our new skills that evening

Present, as always was Northern Optics of Lincolnshire. As always they had a selection of telescope accessories and binoculars for the members to purchase on the night. Northern Optics also donated the raffle prise of a Helios pair of binoculars

Thank you as always to Sarah for the refreshments and the Lincolnshire Wildlife trust for the use of the venue

For more information on the North Lincs Astro web site

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Telescope shops in Scunthorpe

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Your telescope dealer for Scunthorpe is Northern Optics.  For customers who live in the Scunthorpe area, the price includes delivery in person, set up and tutorial on how to use and how to get the best out of your telescope.

If you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, Northern Optics will have a telescope to suit your needs**(SEE BELOW). Many telescopes can be bought in to order. But also they may have some starter scopes in stock , ready for fast despatch.

**Note. Astro scopes will not be on display at the retail outlet due to logistic reasons.

Contact Northern Optics for further advice, and to find out what telescopes are available

It does not stop there. Northern Optics will be able to provide you with after sales service and advice, plus supply additional eyepieces and accessories to improve your viewing experience

A good range of binoculars and spotting scopes suitable for astronomy are also available

 

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Hawke Endurance PC 10×25 binoculars

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Hawke Optics Endurance PC 10×25 binoculars
These stunning compact 25mm binoculars are the replacement for the older Frontier PC 25mm range.
In every way possible, these are a massive improvement on an already nice set of binoculars
Firstly, they look the part. Very attractive body design, with a subtle shade of green on the centre part.
Handling is excellent, with a smooth focus wheel and nicely balance in the hands
Compared with the older Frontier PC 10×25, these binoculars are suited to spectacle wearers.
Though eye relief is quoted at 14mm, it seems longer than this. With the eye cup folded down, you
can easily get a full view with glasses on.
Optically , they are stunning. For well under £150 they defy all logic by giving an incredible view
with bright colours and high contrast.
Field of view is quoted at only 95mm. But when you look through the Endurance PC 10×25, you are
greeted with a picture window wide angle.
There is some chromatic aberration on the edge of field. But for most subjects this is hardly noticeable.
For close up work, they will focus down to 1.8m. Perfect for bugs , butterflies and other insects
Complete with a good quality case and neck strap
Compact enough to fit in the palm of your hands
Specs
Magnification – 10x
Objective diameter – 25mm
Weight – 234g
Field – 95m @ 1000m
Eye relief – 14mm
Lens coatings – Fully multi coated
Prisms – BaK4 phase corrected
Warranty – 10 years against manufacturing defects

Available to purchase from  Northern Optics

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Skywatcher Heritage 100p Newtonian reflector

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New for 2014 is the Skywatcher 100p Newtonian reflector. Comes with a parabolic 4″ mirror for great low power views of the heavens.

Complete with 10mm , 25mm eyepieces and a 2x barlow., to give a magnification range of 16x – 80x.

The attractive red telescope weighs just 2.8kg and the compact mount is designed for table tops

The 1.25″ rack and pinion focuser will accept additional 1.25″ eyepieces. Also the eyepieces included will accept standard 1.25″ filters.

A handy red dot finderscope will help centre your targets in the centre of view

Available to purchase from Northern Optics

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Ostara 2″ dielectric 90-degree diagonal

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A star diagonal is an accessory that uses a mirror or prism to make viewing more comfortable when using refractor , SCT or Mak telescopes. Available in 1.25″, 2″ or combinations. Some come with SCT fittings, and others do not. Northern Optics will be able to advise which is right for your telescopes

The Ostara 2″ dielectric diagonal is without doubt the highest spec 2″ diagonal I have had the pleasure of inspecting
Dielectric coatings give an amazing 99% reflectivity for maximum brightness and contrast

Complete with adapter for 1.25″ eyepieces
Both 1.25″ and 2″ openings feature brass compression rings for secure fitting of eyepieces
without marking the eyepiece barrels

High quality build quality with an attractive matt and gloss black finish
Dust covers included
Comes with the Ostara logo showing on the body

Available to buy from Northern Optics

 

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