Telescopes & Astronomy Newsletter

		
IN THIS ISSUE:  - click direct to article
		
- SKYSHED PODS - 4TH SHIPMENT
- COMET ISON - GREATEST COMET EVER - UPDATE
- iOPTRON PRICELIST - UPDATE
- BETELGEUSE MASSIVE OUTBURST
- RIGEL SYSTEMS PULSGUIDE REVIEW
- RIGEL SYSTEMS MOTOR FOCUS REVIEW
- UPDATED PAGES BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY
- COMMUNICATING ASTRONOMY WITH THE PUBLIC
- BOROSILICATE MIRROR BLANKS
- ASTRONOMY PICTURE OF THE DAY - Robert Nemiroff
- NEW INNOVATIVE LOSMANDY DOVETAIL
		
CURRENT SPECIALS
- BINOCULAR SPECIAL 11x70mm or 13x70mm $120AUD
- EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPOD SPECIAL $120AUD
- OLIVON T-64A SPOTTING SCOPE SPECIAL $290AUD
- RUSSIAN TAL-1 TELESCOPE SPECIAL $590AUD
- NIGHT VISION SPECIAL NV-RANGER $349AUD
		
MORE SPECIALS: 

BOOKS		
	- HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE - JEAN TEXEREAU - $60AUD 
	- THE AUSTRALIAN GUIDE TO STARGAZING - GREGG D. THOMPSON - $20AUD 
	- THE NIGHT SKY - 2ND EDITION - STEVE MASSEY - $20AUD 
	- EXPLORING THE MOON - STEVE MASSEY - $20AUD 
	- TEACH YOURSELF ASTRONOMY - SIR PATRICK MOORE - $20AUD 
	- INTRODUCTION TO WEBCAM ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - ROBERT REEVES - $60AUD 
	- THE DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE - KREIGE/BERRY - $60AUD 
	- PHOTOSHOP ASTRONOMY - 2ND EDITION - R. SCOTT IRELAND - $70AUD 
	- OBSERVING & PHOTOGRAPHING THE SOLAR SYSTEM - 
		DOBBINS/PARKER/CAPEN - $50AUD 
	- ENGINEERING, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION OF PORTABLE NEWTONIAN TELESCOPES
		ALBERT HIGHE - $70AUD 
	- ARP ATLAS OF PECULIAR GALAXIES - JEFF KENIPE/ DENNIS WEBB - $70AUD 
		
DVD's 		
	- SPACE FLIGHT $5AUD 
	- ASTRONOMY $5AUD 
	- SOLAR SYSTEM $5AUD 
	- UNIVERSE - UPDATED WIDESCREEN EDITION - $12AUD 
	- HUBBLE - 15 YEARS OF DISCOVERY - $12AUD 
	- VOYAGE TO THE PLANETS - $12AUD 
	- EYE ON THE SKIES - 400 YEARS OF TELESCOPIC DISCOVERY - $12AUD 
		
ASTRONOMICAL SOFTWARE 
		
	- ASTRONOMICAL PLANETARIUM - POSITIONS OF THOUSANDS OF STARS, GALAXIES, 
		AND DEEPSKY OBJECTS - $4AUD 
	- LUNAR MAP PRO WITH 3D TERRAIN SOFTWARE - $40AUD

- 6" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPES $348AUD 
- 8" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPES $445AUD 
- 10" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPES $642AUD 
- 12" DOBSONIAN TELESCOPES $1059AUD 
- TELRADS $50AUD 
- 5 PC FILTER WHEEL INCLUDING 1.25" CAMERA ADAPTOR $150AUD 
- 40mm LONG - 2" DIAMETER EXTENSION TUBES $18AUD 
- CELESTRON NEXIMAGER PLANET & MOON CAMERAS $95AUD 
- 1.25" 45° ERECTING DIAGONALS $25AUD 
- 0.965" TO 1.25" EYEPIECE ADAPTORS $20AUD 
- DUAL LED (RED & WHITE LIGHT) FLASH LIGHTS $25AUD 
- CHESHIRE COLLIMATION EYEPIECES $40AUD 
- 1.25" ACHROMATIC 2X BARLOW LENSES $45AUD 
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT METAL TABLE TOP TRIPODS $15AUD 
- 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $50AUD 
- 40mm PLOSSL EYEPIECES - CLEAR APERTURE (BIT YOU LOOK THROUGH) 34mm $50AUD 
- LASER POINTER HOLDERS $50AUD 
- BINOVIEWERS (WITHOUT EYEPIECES) HIGH QUALITY, NOT CHEAPIES! $120AUD 
- Binocular Soft Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $5AUD 
- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD 
- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $60 
- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD 
- NIKON T RINGS $12AUD
- PENTAX T RINGS $12AUD
- CANON T RINGS $12AUD
- SONY $15AUD 
- RUSSIAN 8 ELEMENT, 2" 80° FIELD OF VIEW EYEPIECES $150AUD (£199 in the UK!)
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=278
- AUTOCOLLIMATORS $45AUD 
- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD 
- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD 
- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD



SKYSHED PODS - 4TH SHIPMENT

POD - Personal Observatory Dome.  The dream of every astronomer - to be observing in minutes!
For information on the SkyShed Pod, please visit SkyShed's web site:

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

or join the Yahoo! Pod forum:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/skyshed-pod/

We are aiming to have the 4th Shipment of Pods to arrive in September.  We currently have 5 
in the container, so this means we can fit another 5 to 7, depending on the model. If you are 
interested in having a Pod, now is the time to put in your deposit.  Let us know if you need a quote.

We have received a new batch of Lexel Sealant. Lexel Sealant is recommended by SkyShed as the 
Sealant to use.  Specially formulated to work well with Polyethylene, it is the only sealant 
we have found, in the world, which does!  8-)

One tube ($16 plus any applicable postage), should be plenty for a Pod.



		
COMET ISON - GREATEST COMET EVER? - UPDATE

Comet ISON is now 575 million kms from the Sun, or 451 million kms from Earth.  We've updated 
our Comet ISON web site which is full of information about the comet:

Comet ISON Web Site



		
iOPTRON PRICELIST - UPDATE

iOptron has been producing some great astronomical gear since their introduction onto the 
scene in 2007. Their latest popular products are the SkyTracker and iEQ45-AZ Mounts.

The SkyTracker is a Simple, Portable Camera Mount which makes it easy to take long exposures 
of the night sky without streaking or star trailing.

The iEQ45-AZ is a new form of Mount which incorporates German Equatorial-Altitude/Azimuth design 
into the same GOTO Mount. It offers superb astro-imaging capability and portable visual astronomy. With the 
ability to change from alt/azimuth mode to equatorial mode you have a product with high performance in both 
positions.

iOptron's Web Site:
http://www.ioptron.com/

iOptron Pricelist:
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ioptron-astro-mini-tower-cubepro-smart-star-pricelist.htm



		
BETELGEUSE MASSIVE OUTBURST

Betelgeuse is a Red Super Giant star. If it was our Sun, it would reach Jupiter! When Super Giants 
die, they erupt into a Supernova, and will shine as bright as our Moon.

Using the new e-MERLIN Radio Telescope Array in England, astronomers have been able to get a better 
look at Betelgeuse, exposing more detail than ever before!  The image below shows the actual size 
of Betelgeuse, within the black circle, and an enormous eruption which is equal to the size of Neptune's orbit!



RIGEL SYSTEMS PULSGUIDE REVIEW

Rigel Systems PulsGuide is an excellently made Illuminated Reticle suitable for faint star guiding during 
astrophotography, or for Polar Alignment of your mount.

Less Eye Fatigue = Better Astrophotographs -- PulsGuide pulses the reticle illumination to let the 
eye rest between pulses. The result? Improved contrast between reticle and faint guide stars for easier guiding 
and better astrophotographs or acquisition of faint object in your finderscope.

Two Knob Timing Control and Adjustable Brightness -- 2 knobs let you independently tailor on and off 
blink times from continuous on to long-on/short-off or short-on/long-off or anything in between.

Two Color LEDs -- Comes with red LED which you can switch to yellow LED by unplugging red 
and plugging in yellow. Some astrophotographers find low level yellow makes the cross hair clearer and 
sharper, and makes guiding even easier.

Available With or Without Eyepiece -- Use our quality, dual crosshair, 12.5mm plossl eyepiece or with 
your eyepiece or finder. Fits standard 8mm threaded hole. 10mm and 14mm set-screw adapters available. 
Uses one long life lithium battery (included) that is available at most electronics, camera and hardware stores.

PulsGuide (battery included) $52AUD
PulsGuide + Eyepiece (battery included) $169AUD 

PulsGuide Review



RIGEL SYSTEMS MOTOR FOCUS REVIEW

Motors & Controllers for Stellarvue, Feathertouch and Televue Focusers 
Motorize your focuser with our with a powerful 12V DC motor driven by our nFOCUS motor controller for 
the ultimate in accurate focusing. Easy to switch from motorized to manual focusing. nFOCUS is the 
affordable way to get high precision fine focusing without vibration for visual and astro-imaging! Easily 
switch from motorized to manual focusing by loosening clutch knobs. Focuser not included.

usb-nFOCUS computer interface adapter
USB-nFOCUS adapter connects your nFOCUS to your PC or MAC, for easy remote operation of your 
focuser.  All the great features of nFOCUS (see above) now available from your computer! Fully ASCOM 
compliant so it will work with popular focus control programs.

Stepper Motor &usb_nSTEP stepper motor Controller for Stellarvue, Feathertouch and 
Televue, and other stepper motorized focuser 
For those who want computer controlled auto focus, then motorize your focuser with our 0.125 degree 
resolution stepper motor and usb_nFOCUS computerized stepper motor interface. is a unipolar stepper 
motor focus controller that works with any ASCOM compliant program such as FocusMax and others. 
It is an absolute focuser and provides excellent auto-focusing results.

Please call or email us with your Focuser type for a quote.

nStep Motor Focuser Review



UPDATED PAGES BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

Starlight Express Cameras & Accessories Pricelist

Laser Pointers including Pricelist

Astronomical Binoculars

iOptron Pricelist

Rigel Systems Pricelist

Pentax Pricelist

StellaCam

Comet ISON



COMMUNICATING ASTRONOMY WITH THE PUBLIC

a free peer-reviewed journal for astronomy communicators, online and in print

Public communication of astronomy provides an important link between the scientific astronomical 
community and society, giving visibility to scientific success stories and supporting both formal and 
informal science education. While the principal task of an astronomer is to further our knowledge of 
the Universe, disseminating this new information to a wider audience than the scientific community is 
becoming increasingly important. This is the main task of public astronomy communication — to 
bring astronomy to society. 

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 was a unique platform to inform the public about the latest 
discoveries in astronomy as well as to emphasize the essential role of astronomy in science education. 
However, as the astronomy outreach community expanded globally, it became increasingly important 
to establish a community of science communication experts. 

The IAU DIVISION XII Commission 55 Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal Working Group 
prepared a study assessing the feasibility of the Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal 
(CAPjournal). The conclusions were inescapable. The present situation of public astronomy 
communication shows a clear need for a publication addressing the specific needs of the public 
astronomy communication community.

The main objectives are:
- documenting and absorbing knowledge (“Teach and Train”); 
- providing a basis for discussions; 
- compelling further progress;
- establishing priorities in the field;
- furthering careers (through documentation of the excellence of the individual);
- and helping to avoid the duplication of effort.

The journal is published quarterly, and is divided into 10 sections:

1. “News”,
2. “Announcements”,
3. “Letters to the Editor”,
4. “Reviews”,
5. “Research & Applications”,
6. “Resources”,
7. “Innovations”,
8. “Best practices”,
9. “Opinion” and
10. “Column”.

The “Research & Applications” section contains peer-reviewed science communication ‘research’ articles. 
“News” and “Announcements” present information and updates, such as conference reports from the 
astronomy outreach community. “Resources” and “Innovation” provide a repository of outreach ideas 
and cutting-edge astronomy communication methods respectively. “Best Practices” aims to be a guide, 
containing case studies, to the techniques that work best in communicating astronomy. “Opinion” provides 
space for subjective discussions of topics related to astronomy communication.

Public communication of astronomy is a burgeoning field of science communication. The authors would like 
to see the astronomy outreach community deeply involved in this journal’s evolution and production. Please 
feel free to send the editors your articles and reviews on communicating astronomy, as well as suitable 
books/websites/products for review in the pages of CAPjournal.

Submission guidelines are here. Relevant advertisements are also more than welcome.

The CAP Journal can be seen here!

The authors are eager to get your feedback, so please feel free to e-mail them at editor@capjournal.org



BOROSILICATE MIRROR BLANKS

We now have new suppliers for large Quartz and Borosilicate Mirror Blanks.  We still keep stocks of 
Pyrex, Borosilicate, BK7, Suprax and Plate Glass Blanks.

Contact us for a quote.



ASTRONOMY PICTURE OF THE DAY - Robert Nemiroff

Astronomy Picture of the Day, or better known as APOD is a NASA web site showing just that! 

These incredible images have been uploaded daily since 1995 thanks the restless efforts of 
Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell.

Robert Nemiroff, amongst other things, runs an online Introductory Astronomy Course from 
Michigan Technological University. The information is free, however to gain accreditation, 
the appropriate fee must be paid to the Uni. The accreditation is recognised all over the world.

Other Physics lectures by Robert can be seen via the link below. There is a great deal of 
easy to understand astronomical physics in these lectures, particularly if you want to start 
with the Introductory Astronomy videos.

APOD - Astronomy Picture of the Day

Robert Nemiroff Lectures


NEW INNOVATIVE LOSMANDY DOVETAIL

Losmandy VMM - Four sided male to male Vixen style dovetail plate. For use of secondary equipment 
on equatorial mount and VSBS. New design allows clamping to all four sides.
1.625" (41mm) x 1.625" (41mm) x 12" (300mm) Length, Wt. 7 oz (200gms)
$45AUD



CURRENT SPECIALS

BINOCULAR SPECIAL 11x70mm or 13x70mm $120AUD
 These Binoculars have been tested by us to be great for astronomy. They have an Exit Pupil of 6.4mm 
(11x70mm) which illuminates the whole of the eye. Great for finding objects before looking through your 
scope. Complete with Binocular to Tripod Adaptor.



EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPOD SPECIAL $120AUD
These tripods handle 20x80mm binoculars very easily. Their height can be raised to 190cm (6' 3").



OLIVON T-64A SPOTTING SCOPE SPECIAL $290AUD
 - 64mm Aperture 
- Angled 16-48x Zoom 
- Fully Multi Coated 
- Nitrogen Gas Filled 
- Easy to DigiScope

Olivon manufacturer high quality Spotting Scopes. The Olivon T-64 with its aperture of 64mm combines 
a precision optical design, lightweight portability and premium-quality construction. The T-64 spotting scope 
will withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This superb, high-quality spotting scope is ideal for bird 
watchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Olivon T-64 spotting scopes deliver sharp, crystal clear images over 
a range of distance.

All Olivon spotting scopes are constructed from lightweight material, and then covered with rubber armour, 
for a lifetime of use.

Specifications:
http://www.olivonmanufacturing.com/_files/Manuals/om_manual_t64.pdf
Field Test:
http://www.binocularoutlet.co.uk/datasheets/T64reviewdd.pdf
YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aWFtoKkUFQ



RUSSIAN TAL-1 TELESCOPE SPECIAL $590AUD 
TAL-1 4.5" Reflector $590AUD. If you know anyone who is about to buy a 4.5" diameter telescope, the 
TAL-1 is a far superior in quality, workmanship, parts and accessories. It also produces excellent views. 
I have always had one of these handy. What I like about it:

- No crappy Eyepieces 
- Sun Viewer (the safe way), see sunspots, eclipses, transitions 
- Camera Holder away from the Optical Tube 
- Can see the Red Spot on Jupiter 
- Really smooth Slow Motion Controls (Astrophotography) 
- Cross Hair Reticle for astrophotography 
- Solid as a rock! 
- A higher magnification Eyepiece of a different brand can be used to get the maximum magnification 
available from the scope on nights of good seeing. 
http://www.telescopes.ru/product.html?cat=1&prod=7



NIGHT VISION SPECIAL NV-RANGER $349AUD
NV-RANGER 
Product code: 2X42 CG (17125-1) 
Image intensifier tube classification Gen 1+
Magnification --------------------------------2x
Lens diameter ---------------------------42mm
Field of view --------------------------------25º 
Resolution ---------------------------38lp/mm 
Focus range --------------------metre to inf. 
Eye relief --------------------------------10mm 
Diopter adjustment------------------- ± 1.5m 
Detection distance -------------up to 350 m 
Power supply ----------------3V (CR 123A) 
Operating temperature -- -22°F to +140°F 
Dimensions ----145 (L) x 52 (W) x 60” (H) 
Weight--------------------------------- 0,55 Kg




END