TELESCOPES &amp; ASTRONOMY NEWSLETTERS

EMAIL:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_astronomy_newsletters_advice_products_information.htm

Please let us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.

Let me know if you want the December 2012 Newsletter, which was the previous one. Past Newsletters can be seen here:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- BUSHFIRES CLAIM OBSERVATORIES AND HOMES

- COMET ISON - GREATEST COMET EVER - ARRIVING LATE NOVEMBER?

- SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORY - 4TH SHIPMENT

- 2" TO 1.25" SUBMERGED ADAPTORS

- SPECTACULAR IMAGING OF THE NIGHT SKY - ALEX CHERNEY

- JAPANESE YEN AT ALL TIME HIGH - BORG/HUTECH ITEMS

- BORG SPECIAL (0271) 71FL SW FORK MOUNT SET

- BORG ASTROGRAPH SET SPECIALS

- IDAS SOLAR FILTERS BY HUTECH

- BEST OF ToUcam IMAGES

- TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 HAT BADGES ONLY $2AUD

- NEW STARLIGHT EXPRESS CAMERAS

- SXVR-H814 MEDIUM FORMAT COOLED CCD CAMERAS - 9.2 MILLION PIXELS!

- OCULUS - 180° ALL SKY CAMERA!

- UPDATED PRICE LIST PAGES FROM TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

- 2" AUTOCOLLIMATORS - MOST ACCURATE COLLIMATOR AVAILABLE - BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

- A BIG MIRROR FOR A BIG TELESCOPE

- OBSERVATORY LED LIGHTS

- YouTube 3D MOVIE OF THE VEIL NEBULA

- ASTRO-ENGINEERING AC530 T-ADAPTOR RINGS

- 2" VARIABLE POLARISING FILTER

- LATEST RIGEL SYSTEMS MOTOR FOCUS DRIVES

- NEW! Motors & Controllers for Stellarvue, Feathertouch and Televue Focusers

- NEW! usb-nFOCUS computer interface adapter
- NEW! Stepper Motor &usb_nSTEP stepper motor Controller for Stellarvue, Feathertouch and Televue, and other stepper motorized focuser

- WEATHER STATION

- RIGID BINOCULAR TO TRIPOD ADAPTOR - BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

- SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS PAGE

- CURRENT SPECIALS:

More information on these specials is outlined in the Newsletter below

- 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 - see bottom of Newsletter

BUSHFIRES CLAIM OBSERVATORIES AND HOMES

The bushfires in mid January claimed and damaged a number of telescope owner's observatories and even their homes. Even the Siding Spring Observatory received fire damage, although the equipment itself was not damaged. Our hearts go out to those who lost anything in the fires. Fortunately no lives were lost, this time.

It was 10 years ago that the Mt Stromlo Observatory was destroyed by bushfires.

COMET ISON - GREATEST COMET EVER - ARRIVING LATE NOVEMBER?

Last September a comet was discovered by 2 Russian amateur astronomers, wading through photos taking by telescope run by the ISON (International Scientific Optical Network). Early predications show the comet may be the brightest comet of all time! Early expectations show the comet could be visible during the day. It's important to note though that comets can be very unpredictable. On approach to the Sun, the comet could break up and become a fizzle instead of a sizzle!

Here's our web page for Comet ISON. It will contain updated information as the comet approaches:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/comet-ison-brightest-comet-observing-finding-latest.htm

SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORY - 4TH SHIPMENT

In the last few years, we've added more and more technology to our backyard telescopes, turning many into powerful scientific instruments. Unfortunately we've found that with all the added technology it takes a lot more time to get set up and tear down all that equipment.

With life becoming more hectic than ever, many astronomers report doing LESS observing than they have in the past. All this fantastic technology, and sizeable investment, sits unused in the corner of a room, or buried in the garage.

What's needed is both a permanent and mobile solution to house and operate telescopic equipment at a moment's notice, whether in the backyard or in the field.

The solution is the SkyShed POD!

By using the same proven material that's been used globally for decades, in agricultural products and outdoor structures, combined with an evolutionary Patented design, SkyShed POD is the permanent or temporary observatory solution to house and operate the latest visual and photographic astronomical equipment.

We are currently organising the 4th shipment of SkyShed Pods to Australia.

Since we currently have a number of interested people, we are asking for a 10% deposit to confirm their Pod order for the 4th shipment.

Let us know if you would the latest price list, which includes GST.

We don't have a price list for the PODMAX (new larger version of the POD) yet. We will let people know, when they are available.

Delivery of the Pods in Australia is made by us, unless you wish to pick it up from us in Adelaide. Delivery cost is based on about half the rate of Toll Ipec eg. Toll Ipec XL3 to Brisbane $1600 = $800 delivered by us). Let us know your location for a delivery quote. We will accept orders from Western Australia and provide half the rate of Toll Ipec. If there are insufficient numbers to WA, we have very goods rates from Pack & Send eg. XL3 $1800 to Perth = $900 delivered by us.

Let us know the following for a quote:

- Model - XL1, XL2 etc.

- any insulation - Foam Lining and Black Linings

- Accessories - Covers, Shelves, PZT etc.

- Delivery location

Once we have a container full of Pods, we ship to Australia. We have 4 people for the 4th shipment so far, plus 1 or 2 which we can get for stock. Generally 10-12 Pods fit into a container. If there is enough deposits for more than one container, then extra containers will be ordered at the same time.

Interested parties from New Zealand can ask for quotes. Pods to New Zealand become cheaper, the more we send together in one shipment.

If you have any questions at all about the Pods, or the process, just let us know.

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

We require around a initial 10% deposit. A total of 50% on manufacturer and the remaining 50% upon shipping to Australia.

2" TO 1.25" SUBMERGED ADAPTORS

You can lower the profile of your 1.25" eyepiece another 12mm (0.5") below the drawtube. The ultra low eyepiece adapter works with any 2.0" focuser. The 1.25" eyepiece position is inset down into the adapter, dropping the eyepiece height 12mm (0.5"). This allows another 12mm (0.5") of focus travel and optimization of the secondary mirror size. The height is compatible with star diagonals and short focusers. Anodised aluminium with compression ring. Supplied with hex key to tighten compression ring.

- The top internal diameter is 48.2mm (1.9")

- Barrel height (below Lip) 1.25"

- Total height 33mm (1.3")

$40AUD

SPECTACULAR IMAGING OF THE NIGHT SKY - ALEX CHERNEY

Alex Cherney has done some fantastic imaging of the night sky, and presented his work in video form on his web site. I was lucky enough to see one of Alex's presentations at the VicSouth Star Party where the audience was captured as amazingly as his imaging. The link below takes you to his imaging of recent comets Lemmon and PanSTARRS. Videos include the comets moving through the night sky in relation to the stars in the background:

http://www.terrastro.com/blog/comets-lemmon-and-panstarrs/

JAPANESE YEN AT ALL TIME HIGH - BORG/HUTECH ITEMS

The Borg line of products consists of a flexible, and uniquely modular series of high quality refractors with diameters ranging from 50mm to 150mm. We suggest that you first read about the Borg Design Philosophy that makes this product line unique, then go on to check out the Borg products that meet your particular needs:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/systems.htm

BORG SPECIAL (0271) 71FL SW FORK MOUNT SET

Incredible value!!!

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/prices/borgparts/html/0271.htm

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/71fl/index.htm

$1500AUD

BORG ASTROGRAPH SET SPECIALS

Borg Scopes are Japanese made and feature between 4 and 6 Element Apochromatic Lenses.

B12542 F/4.2 Set $4200AUD:

http://telescopes.net/store/telescopes/astrograph-telescopes/borg-125-sd-f-4-2-astrograph-set-9125s-7835-7870.html

B12565 F/6.5 Set $4020AUD:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

B12539 F/3.9 Set $4700AUD:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

Review:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2294666/Main/2291909

Website:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

IDAS SOLAR FILTERS BY HUTECH

IDAS UHB-RS (UV/heat blocking, reflection suppression) solar filters are the first innovation in many years in the area of broadband Solar Filters. These are specifically designed to address the problem of internal reflections and scattering which occur inside even high-quality camera lenses and telescopes. Rather than providing a mirrored internal surface, these filters are treated for suppression of reflections within the filter (1/10,000 reduction) as well as internally reflected light coming back towards the filter from the imaging sensor and lens elements.

IDAS solar filters are high-quality (manufactured in Japan) glass filters designed for safe* (high UV and IR rejection) visual and photographic use. For more information, specifications and comparisons visit:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/idas/solar/

IDAS D5.2 - 52mm - $215AUD

IDAS D5.2 - 82mm - $365AUD

BEST OF ToUcam IMAGES

If you're interested in getting a ToUcam to image through your telescope, then the following web page has some of the best images taken using the camera:

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/toucam

Philips ToUcam 900NC $110AUD

T&A Baffled, Anodised and Threaded for Filters 1.25" Adaptor $55

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 HAT BADGES ONLY $2AUD

We have a few Hat Badges left over from the Eclipse last year. Made from the highest grade metals, and protected with an enamel finish, this souvenir will be something you can be proud to own and display. The Badges feature a Total Solar Eclipse during the Diamond Ring effect, with the words "Total Solar Eclipse 2012, Cairns Australia".

Let us know if you want an image of the Badge.

NEW STARLIGHT EXPRESS CAMERAS

SXVR-H814 MEDIUM FORMAT COOLED CCD CAMERAS - 9.2 MILLION PIXELS!

It doesn’t have to be big to be brilliant, but it certainly does require innovation, excellent electronics and huge amounts of experience to get such an amazing camera in such a small package.

The SXVR-H814 uses the very latest and certainly the best CCD to be released by Sony since we started designing and producing cameras around Sony CCDs in 1991. It has a remarkable Quantum Efficiency of

77% which was previously unheard of in an interline sensor; but with all of the wonderful benefits of an interline CCD, especially from Sony such as incredibly low thermal noise and very fast electronic shutter (no need for mechanical shutters).

Key Points:

• Exceptionally High QE

• Incredibly low noise (thermal and readout)

• Compact and light-weight

• Remarkably Low Power consumption

• Outstanding build quality

• Fast downloads

Colour or Monochrome - $4160AUD

Send us an email for an information PDF.

OCULUS - 180° ALL SKY CAMERA!

Oculus is the latest introduction to the innovative portfolio of Starlight Xpress products. The Oculus uses a SuperHAD CCD from Sony which has all of the wonderful benefits of an interline Sony CCD, such as incredibly low thermal noise and very fast electronic shutter (no need for mechanical shutters). With exceedingly low noise electronics and a fast F/2 180 degree fisheye lens, capturing the night sky is an absolute dream.

The Oculus is USB powered and driven but does require a 12DC input to drive the built in anti-dew heaters. The software supplied allows you to capture a series of exposures and add them together to create a dramatic AVI movie of the night sky.

This is the perfect camera for imaging meteor showers, viewing the weather conditions at a remote observatory and imaging the night sky in a spectacular way.

Key Points:

• Extremely low noise (thermal and readout)

• Compact and light-weight

• Remarkably Low Power consumption

• Outstanding build quality

Colour or Monochrome - $1365AUD

Send us an email for an information PDF.

UPDATED PRICE LIST PAGES FROM TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

Rigel Systems:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/rigel-systems-astronomy-telescopes-quick-finder.htm

Large Astro Binoculars:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/binocular_25x100.htm

Astronomy Posters, Charts, Maps:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/poster-chart-astronomy-star-night-sky.htm

Star GPS:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/stargps-gps-star-canada-australia.htm

Spotting Scopes:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/spotting-scopes-optical-rifle-archery-shooting-spotting-scopes.htm

William Optics Telescopes:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/william_optics_telescopes_zenithstar_megrez.htm

ToUcam Cameras:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/toucam_philips.htm

2" AUTOCOLLIMATORS - MOST ACCURATE COLLIMATOR AVAILABLE - BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY - $45AUD

An AutoCollimator is the most accurate tool for aligning the Mirrors in a Reflecting Telescope. The AutoCollimator has a Mirror on the back of the tool which produces a reflection of the Primary and Secondary Mirrors, so the alignment of the Telescope's Mirrors can be observed. A detailed overview of the AutoCollimator, and how it works, has been undertaken by Jason on the Cloudy Nights forum:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3532750/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1

A BIG MIRROR FOR A BIG TELESCOPE

This Concave Mirror was put on display outside the Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay, Sydney. It may not suitable for observing the night sky, although we'd like to think so!:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/piriki/8528714808/in/explore-2013-03-04/

MOON PHASE MAPS

Moon Phase Maps consist of:

· 18 Photo-Maps (9 double-sided loose leaf pages, each 33 x 23cm)

· Cover sheet illustrating all phases and giving detailed instructions.

· Complete index of features (seas, craters, mountains, etc) with sizes and co-ordinates.

All supplied in a plastic display bag. An example can be seen here:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/poster-chart-astronomy-star-night-sky.htm

$18AUD

OBSERVATORY LED LIGHTS

Red LED Lighting with Dimmer - 8 metres - $132AUD

YouTube 3D MOVIE OF THE VEIL NEBULA

This YouTube movie is an excellent 3D representation of the Veil Nebula (part of the Cygnus Loop) in the constellation of Cygnus. The nebula is a faint remnant of a star which exploded as a Supernova:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vdz7njiLvM0

ASTRO-ENGINEERING AC530 T-ADAPTOR RINGS

This T Thread Adaptor Ring attaches into the groove of a Plossl, and similar size Eyepieces, after the Rubber Eyecup has been removed. Once attached, the outside of the Ring is a T Thread, so a Camera (together with its T Ring) can be attached for Astrophotography.

$35AUD

2" VARIABLE POLARISNG FILTER

The Variable Polarising Filter provides adjustable brightness control for your telescope!

This variable polariser consists of two high-grade glass Polarising Filters in a rotating cell that allows you to adjust the amount of light transmission from 1% to 40%.

The Variable Polarising Filter screws onto the barrel of 2" Eyepieces and other 2" barrel accessories, and comes with a storage case.

$55AUD

LATEST RIGEL SYSTEMS PRODUCTS

NEW! Motors & Controllers for Stellarvue, Feathertouch and Televue Focusers
Motorise 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 motorised to manual focusing. nFOCUS is the affordable way to get high precision fine focusing without vibration for visual and astro-imaging! Easily switch from motorised to manual focusing by loosening clutch knobs. Focuser not included.

NEW! 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.

NEW! 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.

WEATHER STATION 8710P3

433MHz Wireless Station with Barometer Time, Day, Date, Month Moon phase display 12/24 Hour selectable SNOOZE alarm function High medium & low tide indication Perpetual calendar up to year 2099 Weather forecast lcons with 5 states: sunny, semi-sunny, cloudy, rainy and cloudburst Indoor / outdoor relative humidity range: 20% - 90% Temperature range: 0°C - 50°C (indoor), 20°C - 60°C (outdoor), °C / °F selectable Indoor / outdoor Hygro-thermometer Trend indicator Max / min memory for Hygro-thermometer Outdoor temperature alert function Outdoor Hygro-thermometer from max. 3 different wireless sensors by 433MHz RF transmission.

$58AUD

RIGID BINOCULAR TO TRIPOD ADAPTOR - BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

Do you own a Binocular to Tripod Adaptor? If you do, you would be aware of how wobbly they are! We have designed a new, rigid Binocular to Tripod Adaptor from aluminium. The Adaptor is Black Anodised, with a thick Knurled Knob for ease of use.

$40AUD

SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS PAGE

This new web page contains most of our Specials and Clearance Items at greatly reduced pricing. It is always being updated:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope-accessories-specials-pricelist.htm

- 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.

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

One place had these on the net for $1500US$!!!

- 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

- CALENDAR

- ASTRONOMY 2013 $5AUD

- 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

- 1MW JLP GREEN LASER POINTER $45AUD

- 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 Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $60

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $40AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ALL PYREX 1/10 WAVE SECONDARY MIRRORS (NEWPORT GLASS) 20% OFF

- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

Regards,

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
AUSTRALIA
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2012 NO.61

Phone: (08) 8381 3188

Mobile: 0416 123 096

0402 681 288

VOIP: 087 129 6316

SKYPE: telescopes.and.astronomy

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/telescopes1

OUR WEB SITE:

EMAIL:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_astronomy_newsletters_advice_products_information.htm

Please let us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.

Let me know if you want the August 2012 Newsletter, which was the previous one. Past Newsletters can be seen here:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 BADGES

- MASSIVE SOLAR FILAMENT ERUPTION ON SUN

- PAUL HAESE'S MONTAGE OF THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

- RIGID BINOCULAR TO TRIPOD ADAPTOR BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

- EARTH SIZE PLANET FOUND ORBITING ALPHA CENTAURI B

- GREEN LASER POINTERS

- HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE EXTREME DEEP FIELD (XDF)

- NASA SOUNDS & RINGTONES

- SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS PAGE

- SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY - LARGEST, MOST ACCURATE 3D MAP OF THE UNIVERSE

- CHRISTMAS SPECIALS:

More information on these specials is outlined in the Newsletter below

- 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

- BORG SPECIAL (0271) 71FL SW FORK MOUNT SET

- BORG ASTROGRAPH SET SPECIALS

- MORE CHRISTMAS 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

- CALENDAR

- ASTRONOMY 2013 $15AUD

- 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

- 1MW JLP GREEN LASER POINTER $45AUD

- 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 Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $60

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $40AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ALL PYREX 1/10 WAVE SECONDARY MIRRORS (NEWPORT GLASS) 20% OFF

- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 BADGES

To celebrate the Cairns Eclipse in November, we have produced a limited number of Metal Hat Badges for $6AUD each. Made from the highest grade metals, and protected with an enamel finish, this souvenir will be something you can be proud to own and display. The Badges feature a Total Solar Eclipse during the Diamond Ring effect, with the words "Total Solar Eclipse 2012, Cairns Australia".

Let us know if you want an image of the Badge.

MASSIVE SOLAR FILAMENT ERUPTION ON SUN

A long filament erupted on the sun on August 31, 2012, shown here in a movie captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) from noon EDT to 1:45 a.m. the next morning. The filament lies in the lower left corner of the sun. The movie shows light at 304 Angstroms and 171 Angstroms, both of which help scientists observe the sun's atmosphere, or corona. Following SDO's view are two taken by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) showing the associated coronal mass ejection (CME). Credit: NASA/SDO/AIA, NASA/STEREO, SOHO (ESA & NASA).

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/News090412-filament.html

PAUL HAESE'S MONTAGE OF THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

http://paulhaese.net/CairnsTSE14Nov2012montage.html

RIGID BINOCULAR TO TRIPOD ADAPTOR BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY

$40AUD

EARTH SIZE PLANET FOUND ORBITING ALPHA CENTAURI B
European astronomers have discovered a planet with about the mass of the Earth orbiting Alpha Centauri B, the fainter member of the well-known pair. The planet is the lightest exoplanet so far discovered around a star like the Sun.

The planet was detected by the tiny wobbles it causes the star to make as the planet and star circle their centre of mass. The effect is minute -- it causes the star to move back and forth by no more than 51 centimetres per second (1.8 km/hour), about the speed of a baby crawling. This is the highest precision ever achieved using this method. The wobbles were detected by the HARPS spectrograph on the 3.6-meter telescope at European Southern Observatory's La Silla Observatory in Chile. The observations extended over more than four years and revealed a tiny, but real, signal from a planet orbiting Alpha Centauri B every 3.2 days.

The Alpha Centauri pair make the third brightest star in the sky. They are the nearest stars to our solar system, only 4.3 light-years away. (A light year is 'only' 10 trillion km, 10^13 km.)

Alpha Centauri B is similar to the Sun but slightly smaller, slightly cooler and less bright. The newly discovered planet has a mass of a little more than that of the Earth. It orbits about six million km from the star, one-tenth of Mercury's distance from our sun. Alpha Centauri A, the other bright component of the double star, orbits hundreds of times further away (11-35 A.U.), but would still be a brilliant object in the planet's sky.

This research was presented in a paper "An Earth mass planet orbiting Alpha Centauri B" in the on-line journal Nature on 17 October 2012.
For text, images, and video: http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1241/

Reprinted with kind permission from the Astronomical Society of NZ

GREEN LASER POINTERS

Telescopes & Astronomy produce a wide range of "Aussie Made" Green, Red, Blue and Violet Laser Pointers. Through better components and assembly, high quality is guaranteed, and the outputs are certified. Astronomers can use outputs from 1mW (Green) to pin-point objects, depending on light pollution.

Here's our complete range:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/green-laser-pointers-international-supplier.htm

HST EXTREME DEEP FIELD (XDF)
Hubble Space Telescope astronomers have assembled a new, improved portrait of mankind's deepest-ever view of the universe. Called the eXtreme Deep Field, or XDF, the photo was assembled by combining 10 years of NASA Hubble Space Telescope photographs taken of a patch of sky at the centre of the original Hubble Ultra Deep Field. The XDF is 2.3' (arcminutes) by 2', small fraction of the angular diameter of the full Moon.

The Hubble Ultra Deep Field is an image of a small area of space in the constellation Fornax, created using Hubble Space Telescope data from 2003 and 2004. By collecting faint light over many hours of observation, it revealed thousands of galaxies, both nearby and very distant, making it the deepest image of the universe ever taken at that time.

The new full-colour XDF image reaches much fainter galaxies, and includes very deep exposures in red light from Hubble's new infrared camera, enabling new studies of the earliest galaxies in the universe. The XDF contains about 5,500 galaxies even within its smaller field of view. The faintest galaxies are one ten-billionth the brightness of what the human eye can see.

Magnificent spiral galaxies similar in shape to our Milky Way and the neighbouring Andromeda galaxy appear in this image, as do the large, fuzzy red galaxies where the formation of new stars has ceased. These red galaxies are the remnants of dramatic collisions between galaxies and are in their declining years. Peppered across the field are tiny, faint, more distant galaxies that were like the seedlings from which today's striking galaxies grew. The history of galaxies -- from soon after the first galaxies were born to the great galaxies of today, like our Milky Way - is laid out in this one remarkable image.

Hubble pointed at a tiny patch of southern sky in repeat visits (made over the past decade) for a total of 50 days, with a total exposure time of 2 million seconds. More than 2,000 images of the same field were taken with Hubble's two premier cameras - the Advanced Camera for Surveys and the Wide Field Camera 3, which extends Hubble's vision into near-infrared light - and combined to make the XDF.

The universe is 13.7 billion years old, and the XDF reveals galaxies that span back 13.2 billion years in time. Most of the galaxies in the XDF are seen when they were young, small, and growing, often violently as they collided and merged together. The early universe was a time of dramatic birth for galaxies containing brilliant blue stars extraordinarily brighter than our Sun. The light from those past events is just arriving at Earth now, and so the XDF is a 'time tunnel into the distant past.' The youngest galaxy found in the XDF existed just 450 million years after the universe's birth in the big bang.

Before Hubble was launched in 1990, astronomers could barely see normal galaxies to 7 billion light-years away, about halfway across the universe. Observations with telescopes on the ground were not able to establish how galaxies formed and evolved in the early universe.

Hubble gave astronomers their first view of the actual forms and shapes of galaxies when they were young. This provided compelling, direct visual evidence that the universe is truly changing as it ages. Like watching individual frames of a motion picture, the Hubble deep surveys reveal the emergence of structure in the infant universe and the subsequent dynamic stages of galaxy evolution.

The infrared vision of NASA's planned James Webb Space Telescope (Webb telescope) will be aimed at the XDF. The Webb telescope will find even fainter galaxies that existed when the universe was just a few hundred million years old. Because of the expansion of the universe, light from the distant past is stretched into longer, infrared wavelengths. The Webb telescope's infrared vision is ideally suited to push the XDF even deeper, into a time when the first stars and galaxies formed and filled the early
'dark ages' of the universe with light.

For images and more information about the XDF:
http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/entire/pr2012037a/

For the movie:

http://hubblesite.org/gallery/movie_theater/lookdeep/

Don't take the colours too literally. The technical notes say that the colours result from assigning different hues to each monochromatic (grayscale) image from the eight different filters used by the two instruments grouped as follows:
ACS/WFC F435W(B)+F606W(V) [that is blue and yellow] = blue
ACS/WFC F775W(I)+F814W(I)+F850LP(z)[ red and near IR] = green
WFC3/IR F105W(Y)+F125W(J)+F160W(H) [infra-red] = red

From a Space telescope Science Institute press release of 25 September
forwarded by Karen Pollard.

NASA SOUNDS & RINGTONES

Here's a collection of NASA sounds from historic spaceflights and current missions. You can hear the roar of a space shuttle launch or Neil Armstrong's "One small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind" every time you get a phone call. Or, you can hear the memorable words "Houston, we've had a problem," every time you make an error on your computer. We have included both MP3 and M4R (iPhone) sound files to download:

http://www.nasa.gov/connect/sounds/index.html

SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY - LARGEST, MOST ACCURATE 3D MAP OF THE UNIVERSE

http://dvice.com/archives/2012/08/meet-the-larges.php

SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS PAGE

This new web page contains most of our Specials and Clearance Items at greatly reduced pricing. It is always being updated:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope-accessories-specials-pricelist.htm

- CHRISTMAS 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 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

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

- 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.sciencecenter.net/hutech/prices/borgparts/html/0271.htm

NIGHT VISION SPECIAL NV-RANGER $349AUD

NV-RANGER

Product code: 2X42 CG (17125-1)

Resolution ---------------------------38lp/mm

Focus range --------------------1meter 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

One place had these on the net for $1500US$!!!

BORG SPECIAL (0271) 71FL SW FORK MOUNT SET

Incredible value!!!

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/71fl/index.htm

$1500AUD

BORG ASTROGRAPH SET SPECIALS

Borg Scopes are Japanese made and feature between 4 and 6 Element Apochromatic Lenses.

B12542 F/4.2 Set $4200AUD:

http://telescopes.net/store/telescopes/astrograph-telescopes/borg-125-sd-f-4-2-astrograph-set-9125s-7835-7870.html

B12565 F/6.5 Set $4020AUD:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

B12539 F/3.9 Set $4700AUD:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

Review:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2294666/Main/2291909

Website:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

- MORE CHRISTMAS 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

- CALENDAR

- ASTRONOMY 2013 $15AUD

- 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

- 1MW JLP GREEN LASER POINTER $45AUD

- 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 Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $60

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $40AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ALL PYREX 1/10 WAVE SECONDARY MIRRORS (NEWPORT GLASS) 20% OFF

- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

Merry Christmas to all!

Regards,

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
AUSTRALIA
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

AUGUST NEWSLETTER 2012 NO.60

Phone: (08) 8381 3188

Mobile: 0416 123 096

0402 681 288

VOIP: 087 129 6316

SKYPE: telescopes.and.astronomy

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/telescopes1

OUR WEB SITE:

EMAIL:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_astronomy_newsletters_advice_products_information.htm

Please let us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.

Let me know if you want the April 2012 Newsletter, which was the previous one. Past Newsletters can be seen here:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- GREEN LASER POINTERS

- UNDER 1MW GREEN LASER POINTERS FOR LECTURERING

- SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS PAGE

- TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012

- TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 BADGES

- OLIVON T-64A SPOTTING SCOPE SPECIAL $310AUD

- HIGGS BOSON FOUND!

- BINOCULAR SPECIAL 11X70mm $120AUD

- EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS $120AUD

- SKYSHED POD UPDATE - 3RD SHIPMENT

- RUSSIAN TAL-1 TELESCOPE SPECIAL $590AUD

- STARLIGHT INSTRUMENTS NEW ELECTRONIC FOCUSER - FOCUSER BOSS II

- HEAVY ELEMENTS IN ANCIENT STAR

- MOONLITE TELESCOPE ACCESSORIES

- PAUL HAESES VENUS TRANSIT IMAGE

- NIGHT VISION SPECIAL NV-RANGER $349AUD

- NEW OFF AXIS GUIDER FOR DSLR CAMERAS

- SKA TELESCOPE NEWSLETTER

- BORG SPECIAL (0271) 71FL SW FORK MOUNT SET

- STARGPS - ADD GPS TO YOUR TELESCOPE!

- BORG ASTROGRAPH SPECIALS

- PHILIPS TOUCAM SPC900NC - GREAT IMAGING CAMERA $110AUD

- CURRENT SPECIALS:

- 1MW JLP GREEN LASER POINTER $45AUD

- 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 $25AUD

- 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $60AUD

- 40mm PLOSSL EYEPIECES - CLEAR APERTURE (BIT YOU LOOK THROUGH) 34mm $60AUD

- LASER POINTER HOLDERS $50AUD

- BINOVIEWERS (WITHOUT EYEPIECES) HIGH QUALITY, NOT CHEAPIES! $120AUD

- Binocular Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $70

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $40AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ALL PYREX 1/10 WAVE SECONDARY MIRRORS (NEWPORT GLASS) 20% OFF

- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

GREEN LASER POINTERS

Telescopes & Astronomy produce a wide range of "Aussie Made" Green, Red and Blue Laser Pointers. Through better components and assembly, high quality is guaranteed, and the outputs are certified. Astronomers can use outputs from 1mW (Green) to pin-point objects, depending on light pollution.

Here's our complete range:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/green-laser-pointers-international-supplier.htm

UNDER 1MW GREEN LASER POINTERS FOR LECTURERING

Sometimes the brighter 1mW Green Laser Pointers are in some circumstances too bright for lecturing. We have produced a new Lecturer's Laser Pointer Pen. Details are:

- 0.6mW Output

- will last longer since it is wound down from 1mW Diode

- Aussie "Made to Last!"
- made by us, so it can be repaired or serviced easily
- KTM Crystal Assembly is screwed in, not glued. The laser will not stop working after the first knock!
- 1 year warranty
- glass lenses only, no plastic - glass produces crystal clear spots
- all inner fittings are solid brass

- certified output with certificate

- re-chargeable Lithium Batteries included

- "Aussie Made" engraved on every laser

- Optional Laser Casing colours and designs

$65AUD

SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS PAGE

This new web page contains most of our Specials and Clearance Items at greatly reduced pricing. It is always being updated:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope-accessories-specials-pricelist.htm

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012

We've updated our Total Solar Eclipse page to incorporate the up and coming eclipse this November 14th:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/total-solar-eclipse-2012-cairns-eclipse-glasses-shades.htm

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 BADGES

To celebrate the Cairns Eclipse in November, we have produced a limited number of Metal Badges for $6 each. Made from the highest grade metals, and protected with an enamel finish, this souvenir will be something you can be proud to own and display. The Badges feature a Total Solar Eclipse during the Diamond Ring effect, with the words "Total Solar Eclipse 2012, Cairns Australia".

Let us know if you want an image.

OLIVON T-64A SPOTTING SCOPE SPECIAL $290AUD

- 64mm Aperture

- Angled 16-48x Zoom

- Fully Multi Coated

- Nitrogen Gas Filled

- Easy to DigiScope

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

HIGGS BOSON FOUND!
Historical events recede in importance with every passing decade. Crises, political and financial, can be seen for the blips on the path of progress that they usually are. Even the horrors of war acquire a patina of unreality.
The laws of physics, though, are eternal and universal. Elucidating them is one of the triumphs of mankind. And this month has seen just such a triumphant elucidation.

On July 4th physicists working in Geneva at CERN, the world´s biggest particle-physics laboratory, announced that they had found the Higgs boson. Broadly, particle physics is to the universe what DNA is to
life: the hidden principle underlying so much else. Like the uncovering of DNA´s structure by Francis Crick and James Watson in 1953, the discovery of the Higgs makes sense of what would otherwise be incomprehensible. Its
significance is massive. Literally. Without the Higgs there would be no mass. And without mass, there would be no stars, no planets and no atoms. And certainly no human beings. Indeed, there would be no history. Massless
particles are doomed by Einstein´s theory of relativity to travel at the speed of light. That means, for them, that the past, the present and the future are the same thing.

Such power to affect the whole universe has led some to dub the Higgs "the God particle". That, it is not. It does not explain creation itself. But it is nevertheless the most fundamental discovery in physics for decades.

Unlike the structure of DNA, which came as a surprise, the Higgs is a long-expected guest. It was predicted in 1964 by Peter Higgs, a British physicist who was trying to fix a niggle in quantum theory, and independently, in various guises, by five other researchers. And if the Higgs - or something similar - did not exist, then a lot of what physicists think they know about the universe would be wrong. Physics has two working models of reality. One is Einstein´s general relativity, which deals with space, time and gravity. This is an elegant assembly of interlocking equations that poured out of a single mind a century ago. The other, known as the Standard Model, deals with everything else more messily.

The Standard Model, a product of many minds, incorporates the three fundamental forces that are not gravity (electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces), and also a menagerie of apparently indivisible
particles: quarks, of which protons and neutrons, and thus atomic nuclei, are made; electrons that orbit those nuclei; and more rarefied beasts such as muons and neutrinos. Without the Higgs, the maths which holds this edifice
together would disintegrate.

Finding the Higgs, though, made looking for needles in haystacks seem simple. The discovery eventually came about using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a machine at CERN that sends bunches of protons round a ring 27km in circumference, in opposite directions, at close to the speed of light, so that they collide head on. The faster the protons are moving, the more energy they have. When they collide, this energy is converted into other particles (Einstein´s E=mc2), which then decay into yet more particles. What these decay particles are depends on what was created in the original collision, but unfortunately there is no unique pattern that shouts "Higgs!" The search, therefore, has been for small deviations from what would be seen if there were no Higgs. That is one reason it took so long.

Another was that no one knew how much the Higgs would weigh, and therefore how fast the protons needed to be travelling to make it. Finding the Higgs was thus a question of looking at lots of different energy levels, and ruling
each out in turn until the seekers found what they were looking for.

For physicists, the Higgs is merely the LHC´s aperitif. They hope the machine will now produce other particles - ones that the Standard Model does not predict, and which might account for some strange stuff called
"dark matter". Astronomers know dark matter abounds in the universe, but cannot yet explain it. Both theory and observation suggest that "normal" matter (the atom-making particles described by the Standard Model) is only
about 4% of the total stuff of creation. Almost three-quarters of the universe is something completely obscure, dubbed "dark energy". The rest, 22% or so, is matter of some sort, but a sort that can be detected only from its
gravity. It forms a giant lattice that permeates space and controls the position of galaxies made of visible matter. It also stops those galaxies spinning themselves apart. Physicists hope that it is the product of one of
the post-Standard Model theories they have dreamed up while waiting for the Higgs. Now, they will be able to find out.

For non-physicists, the importance of finding the Higgs belongs to the realm of understanding rather than utility. It adds to the sum of human knowledge - but it may never change lives as DNA or relativity have.
Within 40 years, Einstein´s theories paved the way for the Manhattan Project and the scourge of nuclear weapons. The deciphering of DNA has led directly to many of the benefits of modern medicine and agriculture. The last
really useful subatomic particle to be discovered, though, was the neutron in 1932. Particles found subsequently are too hard to make, and too short-lived to be useful.

This helps explain why, even at this moment of triumph, particle physics is a fragile endeavour. Gone are the days when physicists, having given politicians the atom bomb, strode confidently around the corridors of
power. Today they are supplicants in a world where money is tight. The LHC, sustained by a consortium that was originally European but is now global, cost about $10 billion to build.

That is still a relatively small amount, though, to pay for knowing how things really work, and no form of science reaches deeper into reality than particle physics. As J.B.S. Haldane, a polymathic British scientist,
once put it, the universe may be not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. Yet given the chance, particle physicists will give it a run for its money.

See http://www.economist.com/node/21558254.
-- From The Economist 7 July 2012.

-- Reprinted with kind permission from the Astronomical Society of NZ

BINOCULAR SPECIAL 11X70mm $120AUD

EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPODS $120AUD

These tripods handle 20x80mm binoculars very easily. Their height can be raised to 190cm (6' 3").

SKYSHED POD UPDATE - 3RD SHIPMENT

The 3rd shipment of SkyShed Pods is on its to Australia! We managed to fill the whole container with customer Pods, and also a couple of spare Pods and Accessories.

If you are interested in a Pod, let us know before the shipment arrives. This way you could save on delivery costs, depending on your location.

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

RUSSIAN TAL-1 TELESCOPE SPECIAL $590AUD

- 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://starlightinstruments.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=96

STARLIGHT INSTRUMENTS NEW ELECTRONIC FOCUSER - FOCUSER BOSS II

Starlight Instruments have just released a new Electronic Focusing Kit called the Focuser Boss II. What makes this Electronic Focusing Device so unique is that it can be controlled via SmartPhone or iPad, it is a WiFi system, and can control 2 Focusers simultaneously.

There is a lower price for the base kit since it has been designed that the Hand Controller does not power the unit, it has a separate hub.
If the astronomer is using a PC to control the Focuser a Hand Control is not needed, but if they want to control the unit with a Hand Controller, this can be purchased separately, or they can purchase the WiFi upgrade. This will allow them to control the Focuser(s) via Smart Phone or iPAD. This kit can be upgraded as the astronomer adds to their collection of scopes.

more info:

HEAVY ELEMENTS IN ANCIENT STAR
The Big Bang produced lots of hydrogen and helium and a smidgen of lithium. All heavier elements found on the periodic table have been
produced by stars over the last 13.7 billion years. Astronomers analyse starlight to determine the chemical makeup of stars, the origin of the
elements, the ages of stars, and the evolution of galaxies and the universe. Now for the first time, astronomers have detected the presence
of arsenic and selenium, neighbouring elements near the middle of the periodic table, in an ancient star in the faint stellar halo that surrounds the Milky Way. Arsenic and selenium are elements at the transition from light to heavy element production, and have not been found in old stars until now.

Stars like our Sun can make elements up to oxygen on the periodic table. Other more massive stars can synthesize heavier elements, those with more protons in their nuclei, up to iron by nuclear fusion -- by the process in which atomic nuclei fuse and release lots of energy. Most of the elements heavier than iron are made by a process called neutron-capture nucleosynthesis.

Although neutrons have no charge, they can decay into protons after they're in the nucleus, producing elements with larger atomic numbers. One of the ways that this method can work is by exposure to a burst of neutrons during the violent supernova death of a star. This is called the
rapid process (r-process). It can produce elements at the middle and bottom of the periodic table -- from zinc to uranium -- in the blink of an
eye.

Ian Roederer of the Carnegie Observatories, with co-author James Lawler, looked at an ultraviolet spectrum of star HD 160617 from the Hubble Space Telescope public archives. HD 160617 is in the galactic halo and is 12 billion years old. In its spectrum they found lines caused by arsenic and selenium. These elements were made in an even older star, which has long since disappeared. Its remnants were among the material that formed HD 160617.

The team also examined data for this star from the public archives of several ground-based telescopes and were able to detect 45 elements. In
addition to arsenic and selenium, they found rarely seen cadmium, tellurium, and platinum, all of which were produced by the r-process. This is the first time these elements have been detected together outside the Solar System.

Astronomers cannot replicate the r-process in any laboratory since the conditions are so extreme. The key to modelling the r-process relies on
astronomical observations. Understanding the r-process helps us know why we find certain elements like barium on Earth, or understand why uranium is so rare.

See the original paper in http://arxiv.org/abs/1204.3901

-- From a Carnegie Institution press release forwarded by Karen Pollard.

Reproduced from RASNZ Newsletter June 2012

MOONLITE TELESCOPE ACCESSORIES

High Quality, 2" Crayford Replacement or New Focusers from $230AUD

Moonlite Telescope Accessories manufacture a large range of Focusers designed as high end replacement to standard Focusers which accompany telescopes. Of course, telescope makers also use the premium quality Focusers for their telescope building projects. Many people have recognised the MoonLite brand by their distinctive coloured anodising available in red, orange, blue, green and yellow.

Unknown to many is MoonLite's range of Truss Components. They offer truss connectors and aluminium poles for builders designing Open Cage Truss Dobsonians. Connectors come in ball & socket and captive versions in both 1" and 1 1/4" sizes. Also available are black anodized 1" and 1 1/4" poles in 6 foot lengths:

Our MoonLite Telescope Accessories Price List:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/moonlite-focuser-telescope-accessories-truss-components.htm

MoonLite Telescopes Accessories home page:

http://www.focuser.com/

PAUL HAESES VENUS TRANSIT IMAGE

Noted astrophotographer Paul Haese managed to capture an image of the Venus Transit:

http://paulhaese.net/Mosaicsolardisk6June2012.html

Also, an image of Omega Centauri from May 2012:

http://paulhaese.net/NGC5139TSAQSI.html

NIGHT VISION SPECIAL NV-RANGER $349AUD

NV-RANGER

Product code: 2X42 CG (17125-1)

Resolution ---------------------------38lp/mm

Focus range --------------------1meter 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

One place had these on the net for $1500US$!!!

NEW OFF AXIS GUIDER FOR DSLR CAMERAS

Off Axis Guiders allow the imager to observe the object, while the camera is attached, ready for imaging. A small portion of light (around 10%) is diverted to the Eyepiece using a prism, just outside optical path. The Eyepiece can be replaced with an Illuminated, Cross Hair Reticle Eyepiece for Guiding. Making the Camera and Eyepiece Parfocal (at the same focus) allows focusing the camera by looking through the eyepiece.

- Off axis guider with 10mm optical length

- Large 2" free aperture (3" on request)

- Telescope side : M48*0.75mm

- Camera side : T2 ( M42*0.75 ) / M48*0.75mm

- Adapter rotatable by 3*120°

$255AUD

SKA TELESCOPE NEWSLETTER

The Square Kilometre Array Newsletter is available from the following web site:

http://www.skatelescope.org/

BORG SPECIAL (0271) 71FL SW FORK MOUNT SET

Incredible value!!!

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/prices/borgparts/html/0271.htm

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/71fl/index.htm

$1500AUD

StarGPS - ADD GPS TO YOUR TELESCOPE!

These have turned out popular.

Imagine if your telescope could access the Global Positioning System so that it always knew when and where you were observing from. No more checking your watch, looking up site coordinates or fiddling with the keypad to enter the date, time, latitude and longitude. StarGPS uses a single cable to connect your telescope to the GPS receiver and automatically input these values... making your telescope setup much easier and more precise!

The new 16-channel GPS-NX01 receiver works with the Astro-Physics GTO, Celestron NexStar, Losmandy Gemini, Meade 494/495/497/497EP Autostar, LX200 Classic, Orion Atlas/Sirius GoTo, Sky-Watcher SynScan, Vixen StarBook and StarBook Type-S

Here's a review:

http://www.astronomyreviews.com/allscopes/stargpsnx.htm

$225AUD

BORG ASTROGRAPH SET SPECIALS

Borg Scopes are Japanese made and feature between 4 and 6 Element Apochromatic Lenses.

B12542 F/4.2 Set $4200AUD:

http://telescopes.net/store/telescopes/astrograph-telescopes/borg-125-sd-f-4-2-astrograph-set-9125s-7835-7870.html

B12565 F/6.5 Set $4020AUD:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

B12539 F/3.9 Set $4700AUD:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

Review:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2294666/Main/2291909

Website:

http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/borg/astrogr/index.htm

PHILIPS TOUCAM SPC900NC - GREAT IMAGING CAMERA $110AUD

The Philips ToUcam SPC900NC is a great camera for use on the Moon, planets, DeepSky or as a Guide Camera. There are many examples of great images on the web. Best value for money available - thousands of hours of fun and images!

- Philips 900NC ToUcam $110AUD

- Philips 900NC ToUcam Modified for Long Exposure $250AUD

- 1.25" Adaptor with Filter Thread, Baffled, Anodised $55AUD

- ToUcam to T Thread Adaptor $45AUD

- Camera Thread to Eyepiece Adaptor (for eyepieces around 34mm diameter) $55AUD - $60AUD

- 5m USB Extension Lead $18AUD (camera comes with 2m lead)

ToUcam Imaging websites:

http://www.technoplus.nl/astro/webcam/webcam.htm

http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~fringwal/moon-gallery.html

http://www.deep-sky.co.uk/imaging/webcam/toucam.htm

- CURRENT SPECIALS:

- 1MW JLP GREEN LASER POINTER $45AUD

- 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 $25AUD

- 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $60AUD

- 40mm PLOSSL EYEPIECES - CLEAR APERTURE (BIT YOU LOOK THROUGH) 34mm $60AUD

- LASER POINTER HOLDERS $50AUD

- BINOVIEWERS (WITHOUT EYEPIECES) HIGH QUALITY, NOT CHEAPIES! $120AUD

- Binocular Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $70

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $40AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

Regards,

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
AUSTRALIA
PH: 61+ 8 8381 3188
FAX: 61+ 8 8381 3588
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

APRIL NEWSLETTER 2012 NO.59

Phone: (08) 8381 3188

FAX: (08) 8381 3588

Mobile: 0416 123 096

VOIP: 087 129 6316

SKYPE: telescopes.and.astronomy

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/telescopes1

OUR WEB SITE:

EMAIL:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/telescope_astronomy_newsletters_advice_products_information.htm

Please let us know if you do not wish to be on our Newsletter mailing list, or if you receive this Newsletter by mistake.

Let me know if you want the December 2011 Newsletter, which was the previous one. It mainly includes Christmas and Current Specials. Past Newsletters can be seen here:

IN THIS ISSUE:

- TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 - WHERE TO SEE IT QUICK REFERENCE

- VENUS TRANSIT ACROSS THE SUN - JUNE 5th OR 6th 2012

- SOLAR FILM FOR YOUR EYES, BINOCULARS OR TELESCOPE

- BAADER SOLAR FILM

- R-G SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL

- BLACK POLYMER SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL

- UPDATED SOLARSCOPE PRICELIST

- SOLAR VIEWING WITH THE BAADER HERSHEL WEDGE

- TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE JUNE 15th/16th 2011

- BST EXPLORER EYEPIECES 8mm, 12mm, 15mm & 25mm $85AUD

- SKYSHED POD UPDATE - 3RD SHIPMENT

- RUSSIAN TAL-1 REFLECTING TELESCOPE $450AUD

- IRIS SEISMIC MONITOR

- RUSSIAN PLOSSL EYEPIECES

- PARALLAX TELESCOPE RINGS

- NEAR MISS FOR ASTEROID

- BOB'S KNOBS SPECIALS

- ASTRONOMY 2012 BOOK $18AUD

- FREE FLOATING PLANETS MAYBE MORE COMMON THAN STARS

- UPDATES TO SECOND-HAND EQUIPMENT

- CURRENT SPECIALS:

- 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 $25AUD

- 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $60AUDm $60AUD

- LASER POINTER HOLDERS $50AUD

- BINOVIEWERS (WITHOUT EYEPIECES) HIGH QUALITY, NOT CHEAPIES! $120AUD

- Binocular Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $70

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $40AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ALL PYREX 1/10 WAVE SECONDARY MIRRORS (NEWPORT GLASS) 20% OFF

- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE CAIRNS AUSTRALIA 2012 - WHERE TO SEE IT QUICK REFERENCE

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,371,0,0,1,0#WHEN

VENUS TRANSITS ACROSS THE SUN- JUNE 5th OR 6th 2012

*VIEWING THE SUN WITHOUT THE PROPER FILTER MAY CAUSE PERMANENT BLINDNESS*

On June 5th or 6th, depending on your location, Venus will pass in front of the Sun. The event is very rare, having last occurred in 2004 and 1882. This will be the last chance for anyone alive to see the Transit since the next one won't occur for another 105 years (2117)!:

http://www.astrosociety.org/education/publications/tnl/78/78.html

The event can be seen using a telescope or binoculars with a suitable Filter, Solar Projection or Eclipse Glasses. Using Eclipse Glasses, the image of Venus will be small and may be difficult for some viewers, depending on good eyesight.

When Captain Cook made his original voyage south in 1769, it was to observe the transit of Venus from Tahiti. The scientific importance of the transit was to use it to measure distances in the solar system. Captain Cook was specifically chosen because he was amongst the very few who knew how to work out longitude. Together with his seamanship, he was a particularly special person, and only he could have made the voyage. During the voyage, he opened his secondary, secret orders which revealed he was to discover the great southern land (Australia) and claim it for Britain.

Eclipse Glasses $4AUD$.

Telescope and Binocular Solar Film $45AUD per square foot. (any size available)

Celestron Telescope Solar Filters in Cells are available in some sizes.

*See below for more details*

For Solar Projection, eyepieces which are multi-elemented and use glue in their construction, will be damaged. It is best to use 2 element eyepieces (Huygen) or similar, and reduce some of the light entering the telescope. Reducing the light entering the telescope can be achieved by attaching a piece of cardboard over the end of the telescope which has a small hole cut out of it. This will make little difference to the image, and in some cases, improve the image.

31.8mm (1.25") Huygen Eyepieces $30

***WHEN VIEWING THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE USING A SOLAR FILTER, ENSURE THE FINDERSCOPE IS COVERED OR HAS IT'S OWN FILTER***

SOLAR FILM FOR YOUR EYES, BINOCULARS OR TELESCOPE

*Warning* Viewing the Sun without solar film will blind the observer. Solar Film and/or Dust Cap fitted with the Film must be attached properly to prevent the Film from coming free during observation.

The Sun's solar activity is at an all time high, after an unusually long period of being quiet. This active period produces fantastic Sunspots which can be viewed easily, and safely, through various optical instruments including Binoculars, Telescopes, Spotting Scopes, Cameras and Video Cameras (Cameras depending on their magnification capabilities).

It's not necessary to cover the whole end of the Telescope with Solar Film. Generally, the hole in the Dust Cap is large enough to cover with Film for solar viewing. Covering just the hole in the Dust Cap alters the Focal Ratio of the telescope greatly, and the Secondary Mirror (in Reflectors) is no longer an obstruction to the image. However, the size of the optics is now greatly reduced to the size of the Dust Cap hole. There are advantages to using a small hole, like in the Dust Cap (off-axis - ie. not in the centre), and also using the whole of the optics.

For more information on observing the Sun:

http://solar-center.stanford.edu/observe/

***WHEN VIEWING THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE USING A SOLAR FILTER, ENSURE THE FINDERSCOPE IS COVERED OR HAS IT'S OWN FILTER***

BAADER SOLAR FILM

Baader Solar Film is made for the construction of high-quality Objective Filters for observing the Sun with telescopes, binoculars, camera or video lenses. This foil is CE-tested and reduces the intensity of sunlight by 99.999% (neutral density 5.0 or 3.8 Photographic).

Larger than 30cm x 30cm - $CALL

30cm x 30cm $55AUD

A4 Sheet - $45AUD

25cm x 25cm $40AUD

20cm x 20cm $35AUD

15cm x 15cm $20AUD

10cm x 10cm $12AUD

8cm x 8cm $8AUD

***WHEN VIEWING THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE USING A SOLAR FILTER, ENSURE THE FINDERSCOPE IS COVERED OR HAS IT'S OWN FILTER***

R-G SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL

Designed with quality and cost in mind, R-G solar film provides a superior image of the sun that rivals Glass Solar Filters at a lower price. Unlike other solar filters, the R-G solar film will provide a more pleasing and natural Yellow- Orange image of the Sun our customers have come to know and love, through our Solar Glass Filter product line. The R-G film will also be available in sheets for those who like to make their own Solar Filters. Please email us for Safety and other information, or see it here:

http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/www/Products/Solar%20filter.html

165mm x 165mm (6.5" x 6.5") $25AUD

210mm x 297mm (A4) $40AUD

***WHEN VIEWING THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE USING A SOLAR FILTER, ENSURE THE FINDERSCOPE IS COVERED OR HAS IT'S OWN FILTER***

BLACK POLYMER SOLAR FILM - 1000 OAKS OPTICAL

A lower cost alternative where lower magnification is used such as with binoculars, camera filters, finder scopes and small telescopes. Stronger than Mylar with the filtering properties protected within the substrate. Guaranteed fifteen years.

300mm x 300mm $45AUD

***WHEN VIEWING THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE USING A SOLAR FILTER, ENSURE THE FINDERSCOPE IS COVERED OR HAS IT'S OWN FILTER***

UPDATED SOLARSCOPE PRICELIST

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/solarscope-ltd-solar-filter-sun-observing-halpha.htm

SOLAR VIEWING WITH THE BAADER HERSHEL WEDGE

Baader Cool-Ceramic Safety Herschel Wedges in stock, the 2956500-V Visual version. Intended for refractors with 2” focusers, the Wedge gives the richest, most detailed white-light views of the sun available to the amateur for $540AUD or $612AUD for the Photographic version.

- It requires a 2” drawtube, and is not recommended on refractors that may have some internal relay lens as prolonged exposure to the sun may damage that lens.

- Heat build-up in the tube and on the ceramic plate was negligible during use.

- The supplied Solar Continuum filter brings out fine detail in the image, also makes the image a bright green.

- The Photographic version can be used visually, with the supplied ND filters used in place of the Continuum filter if desired.

http://www.baader-planetarium.com/pdf/herschel_wedge_e.pdf

BST EXPLORER EYEPIECES 8mm, 12mm, 15mm & 25mm $85AUD

Value for money. Very Good reviews:

http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/184273-bst-explorer-dual-ed-eyepiece.html

SKYSHED POD UPDATE - 3RD SHIPMENT

The SkyShed Pod 3rd shipment is finally being organised for manufacture. If you would like to get one, now is the time to add to the order as we have room for 1 or 2 more Pods, depending on the model. The Base Model starts at $3470AUD.

There is still room in the container for Accessories, including the following:

Bay Pull Out Shelf $116AUD

Pod Visor - Changes Clam Shell into Slotted Dome $420AUD

Pod Zenith Table - Clam to Rolloff $650AUD

Poly Dome Cover - Light Grey Colour Only $505AUD

Vinyl Dome Cover - all Pod Colours $650AUD

Red LED Lighting with Dimmer - inner circumference of Dome $132AUD

Quick Release Brackets (Free with PZT) $135AUD

SKYSHED POD MAX

The new larger SkyShed Pod Max is now being developed. For more information, and to join the Max email list:

http://www.skyshedpod.com/podmax.html

RUSSIAN TAL-1 REFLECTING TELESCOPE $450AUD

TAL-1 4.5" Reflector $450AUD. If you know anyone who is about to buy a 4.5" diameter telescope, the TAL-1 is a far cry in quality, workmanship, parts and accessories. It also produces excellent views. I have always had one of these handy. What I like about it:

http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEprimer.html

- 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

- Filter Set (5)

- 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.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE JUNE 15th/16th 2011

Total Lunar Eclipse for the whole of Australia, with most of the eastern state's cities missing totality due to the onset of dawn.

- First Lunar Eclipse of the Year

- Totality Duration is 100mins (very long!)

For more information:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-618-0-0-1-0.html

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2011Jun15T.pdf

IRIS SEISMIC MONITOR

Seismic Monitor allows you to monitor global earthquakes in near real-time, visit seismic stations around the world, and search the web for earthquake or region-related information:

http://www.iris.edu/seismon/

RUSSIAN PLOSSL EYEPIECES

1.25" eyepiece Plossl 6.3 mm $50AUD

1.25" eyepiece Plossl 7.5 mm $53AUD

2" ultra wide angle (80°, 8 elements) 24mm $250AUD

PARALLAX TELESCOPE RINGS

Parallax Instruments, Inc. specialise in Rotating and Standard Hinged Rings, Large Aperture Newtonian Telescopes, Classical " Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain Telescopes, German Equatorial Mounts, Aluminium Tubing, and Portable Piers.

Call or email us for a quote. Visit Parallax Instruments, Inc. here:

http://www.parallaxinstruments.com/

NEAR MISS FOR ASTEROID

When it whizzes past Earth in 2013, a newly discovered asteroid is going to miss our planet – but not by much. The 50m space rock is expected to come closer than many satellites, highlighting the growing need to keep watch on hazards from above. more...

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMWTUAYLZG_index_0.html

BOB'S KNOBS SPECIALS

http://www.bobsknobs.com/

Meade LightBridge 12" Primary $58AUD

Meade Light Bridge 8", 10", 12" Primary Springs $34AUD

Meade 8" F/10 with 6 Secondary Screws $$34AUD

Meade 10" F/10 with 6 Secondary Screws $34AUD

Celestron 8" Standard - All SCT except with Black Collimation Screws $34AUD

Celestron 9.25" Standard - All except CPC 925 $34AUD

Celestron 11" - All except CPC 1100 $34AUD

Celestron 8" Metric - SCT with Black Phillips Collimation Screws $38AUD

ASTRONOMY 2012 BOOK $18AUD

Latest annual with the easiest and quickest reference book for knowing your way around the Night Sky.

Quasar Publishing has been producing these annual publications since 1991. The yearbooks are written by Australians for Australians.

This yearbook has been designed for anyone who looks at the night sky whether they are using just their eyes, a pair of binoculars or a telescope. The book has something for everyone, from the basic novice, up to the advanced amateur astronomer. This includes those with a casual interest who might just want to know, "what is that bright star next to the Moon?"

FREE FLOATING PLANETS MAYBE MORE COMMON THAN STARS

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/18may_orphanplanets/

UPDATES TO SECOND-HAND EQUIPMENT

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/secondhand_used_telescope_classifieds_equipment_astronomy.htm

CURRENT SPECIALS

WILLIAM OPTICS SPECIALS - NEW ITEMS ADDED

M-PVL New Long Version Vixen Style Dovetail Plate (Fits EZT, Vixen, Orion, Synta etc.) $70AUD:

http://www.williamoptics.com/accessories/vixenDovetailLong_features.php

M-PS Saddle Plate only (Losmandy Style) $80AUD:

http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26_37&products_id=177

C-GUIDE-R - 100mm Guide Rings - same as any old Guide Rings $75AUD pair:

http://www.williamoptics.com/accessories/guiding100_features.php

E-SWA09 9mm Super Wide Angle (72°) 1.25" high quality Eyepiece $70AUD:

http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_41&products_id=36

E-SWA15 15mm Super Wide Angle (72°) 1.25" high quality Eyepiece $80AUD
http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_41&products_id=37

E-SWA25 25mm Super Wide Angle (72°) 2" high quality Eyepiece $110AUD:
http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_29&products_id=39

E-SWA40 40mm Super Wide Angle (70°) 2" high quality Eyepiece $110AUD:
http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_29&products_id=100

F-DDGSCT NEW Digital Display Generation SCT 2" Crayford focuser with thermometer and 1:10 dual speed microfocuser (WHITE) $270AUD:

http://www.williamoptics.com/accessories/sct_ddg_feature.php

F-DDGSYN-W NEW GENERATION 2" DDG focuser for SYNTA REFRACTORS with new drawtube locking system and installed thermometer (without 50mm bracket) $310AUD:

http://www.williamoptics.com/accessories/synta_features.php

- 2" to 1.25" Adaptors with Camera T Thread - $35AUD

Fits into your 2" Focuser and produces firstly, a 1.25" hole, and around the 1.25" hole, a Male T Thread. Total length when used = 14mm. This allow a short, and very stable path between your Camera and the Focuser.

- 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 $25AUD

- 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $60AUD

- 40mm PLOSSL EYEPIECES - CLEAR APERTURE (BIT YOU LOOK THROUGH) 34mm $60AUD

- LASER POINTER HOLDERS $50AUD

- BINOVIEWERS (WITHOUT EYEPIECES) HIGH QUALITY, NOT CHEAPIES! $120AUD

- Binocular Cases - suit 60mm and larger Binoculars up to 80mm $10AUD

- RED DOT FINDERSCOPES $20AUD

- 11mm, 1.25" 80° EYEPIECES $70

- EDMUND SCIENTIFIC RKE EYEPIECES:

- 21mm $70AUD

- 8mm $70AUD

http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=2075

- F/3.3 FOCAL REDUCERS TO SUIT SCT $120AUD

- CAMERA T RINGS $12AUD

- NIKON

- PENTAX

- CANON

- 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

- LASER COLLIMATORS $50AUD

- PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD

- ALL PYREX 1/10 WAVE SECONDARY MIRRORS (NEWPORT GLASS) 20% OFF

- 152mm x 750mm REFRACTOR OTA $550AUD

- ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD

Regards,

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 08 8381 3188
FAX: 08 8381 3588
Mobile: 0416 123 096
telescopes@adam.com.au
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au

TELESCOPES AND ASTRONOMY

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2011 NO.58

Phone: (08) 8381 3188

FAX: (08) 8381 3588

Mobile: 0416 123 096

VOIP: 087 129 6316

SKYPE: telescopes.and.astronomy

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