IN THIS ISSUE: - click direct to article - SKYSHED PODS UPDATE - 4TH, 5TH & 6TH SHIPMENTS - 3 GREAT EVENTS IN APRIL - MARS CLOSEST TO EARTH - 3 GREAT EVENTS IN APRIL - TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON - 3 GREAT EVENTS IN APRIL - ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE - TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY CERTIFIED ECLIPSE GLASSES $4AUD - LIKE OUR FACEBOOK? - NEW OFF AXIS GUIDER FOR DSLR CAMERAS - UNTOLD STORY OF WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS PHOTO - FILTERS FOR PHOTOMETRY - FILTER WHEELS - OPTICSTAR 1.25" 5 POSITION FILTER WHEEL $99AUD - ATIK MFW MANUAL 5 FILTER WHEEL $140AUD - ORION 2" MULTIPLE 4 FILTER WHEEL $170AUD - STARLIGHT EXPRESS SXUFW $523AUD - UPDATED PAGES BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY - iOPTRON'S SKYTRACKER MOUNT RECEIVES GREAT REVIEWS - THE OLDEST STAR - SPECTACULAR NEW MARTIAN IMPACT CRATER - RADIO STATION ASTRONOMY FM - CELESTRON SCT SPECIALS - NEWTON'S ORIGINAL NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR - THE ASTRO HUTECH SOLAR AUTOGUIDER $880AUD CURRENT SPECIALS - BINOCULAR SPECIAL 11x70mm or 13x70mm $120AUD - EXTRA TALL, STURDY BINOCULAR TRIPOD SPECIAL $120AUD - OLIVON T-64A SPOTTING SCOPE SPECIAL $290AUD SKYSHED PODS - 4TH, 5TH & 6TH SHIPMENTS POD - Personal Observatory Dome. The dream of every astronomer - to be observing in minutes! For information on the SkyShed Pod, please visit: http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/skyshed_pod_astronomical_observatory.htm For more detailed information visit SkyShed's web site: http://www.skyshedpod.com/ or join the Yahoo! Pod forum: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/skyshed-pod/ The 4th Shipment has now been delivered. The current USA bound production is just about finished, and we are next. Shipping of the 5th Shipment from Canada is due for the 14th of April. Unfortunately, one customer dropped out, so we are looking for another person to fill this void of the current 5th shipment. This will not affect the delivery of the current shipment. We are now accepting deposits for the next container after this one (6th shipment). Let us know if you would like a pricelist, or any other information pertaining to buying a Pod. The NEW SkyShed Pod MAX is now being produced. The Pod MAX is a larger version of the SkyShed Pod. Images and information can be seen here: http://www.skyshedpod.com/podmax.html Anyone interested can contact us for further information. 3 GREAT EVENTS IN APRIL - MARS CLOSEST TO EARTH With Mars and Earth being on the same side of the Sun, viewing of red planet will be good. The disk of Mars will be 15 arc seconds in diameter, during the middle of the month. Here's a guide to viewing Mars: http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/mars-opposition-april-2014.htm 3 GREAT EVENTS IN APRIL - TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON The day after Mars is at its closest, a Total Lunar Eclipse will occur on the 15th of April. In most places, the Moon will already be in full Eclipse as it rises, during evening twilight. Basically the eclipse's visibility will be greater, and longer, the further east the observer is. Western Australia will miss out on the vast majority of the eclipse. The Total Lunar eclipse will be the first since 2012. Here are some sites with Total Lunar Eclipse 2014 information: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-753-0-0-1-0.html http://www.mreclipse.com/LEdata/TLE2014Apr15/TLE2014Apr15.html 3 GREAT EVENTS IN APRIL - ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE The Annular Solar Eclipse of the Sun is on the 29th of April 2014. All of Australia will have a partial eclipse visible. For observers viewing west of a line drawn from Cairns Queensland, down to Adelaide, South Australia, the eclipse will be in its entirety. East of this line, the Sun will set during the eclipse. Here's some information on the Annular Solar Eclipse: http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2014-april-29 TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY CERTIFIED ECLIPSE GLASSES $4AUD The Telescopes & Astronomy Eclipse Glasses incorporate our own design which includes a Deep Field Galaxy background and Diamond Ring Effect during a Total Solar Eclipse. During the 2002 Total Solar Eclipse, there was concern over the safety of Eclipse Glasses, since they were not tested and certified in Australia, although they were certified everywhere else in the world like England, Germany, and USA etc. In preparation for the 2012 Total Solar Eclipse, and requiring a large amount of work and red tape cutting, we ensured Eclipse Glasses were certified prior to the event. LIKE OUR FACEBOOK! Telescopes & Astronomy's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Telescopes-Astronomy/116477801877119 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 Contact us for images or more information. UNTOLD STORY OF WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS PHOTO Using current data from the LRO (Lunar reconnaissance Orbiter), a great video on how the Apollo 8 Spacecraft took the most famous photograph of all time: http://www.youtube.com/embed/dE-vOscpiNc FILTERS FOR PHOTOMETRY Astronomical Photometry and Spectrometry are now very popular amongst amateur astronomers. It allows anyone to participate in scientific discovery, and can have their data published to provide the astronomical community with valuable information. Astronomical Photometry is the measurement of electromagnetic radiation given off from an object. This is called Flux. Knowing the Distance and Flux of an object allows us to work out information like Luminosity, object’s temperature, and the object’s size and other physical properties. Measuring the Flux in small wavelength intervals, allows us to measure other things like what the object is made of, movements, and various other properties. This is called Spectrometry. A combination of measuring Flux (Photometry) and wavelength (Spectrometry) is called Spectrophotometry. Photometry being the much simpler of the two. Any high pixel CCD Camera can be used to collect the Flux for measurements. Some cameras are better than others, depending on your budget. To find out more about Photometry and Spectrometry visit the following websites: South Australian Astronomical Society Stellar Photometry: https://www.assa.org.au/resources/astrophotography/stellar-photometry/ American Association of Variable Star Observers: http://www.aavso.org/ Particular Filters for Photometry are used. We have 2 types, depending on your budget. Both types can be used sufficiently: Astrodon Photometrics UVBRclc 1.25" Mounted UV* (UV*-27R) $215AUD 1.25" Mounted UV* (UV*-27R) $215AUD 1.25" Mounted UV* (UV*-27R) $215AUD 1.25" Mounted UV* (UV*-27R) $215AUD 1.25" Mounted UV* (UV*-27R) $215AUD 50mm dia. Unmounted UV* (UV*-50R) $455AUD 50mm dia. Unmounted UV* (UV*-50R) $455AUD 50mm dia. Unmounted UV* (UV*-50R) $455AUD 50mm dia. Unmounted UV* (UV*-50R) $455AUD 50mm dia. Unmounted UV* (UV*-50R) $455AUD For other AstroDon configurations, please email or call. Baader Photometrics UVBRI 2459440U Baader UBVRI Photometric U-Filter 1¼“ (4mm Glass) with LPFC $260AUD 2459440B Baader UBVRI Photometric B-Filter 1¼“ (4mm Glass) with LPFC $260AUD 2459440V Baader UBVRI Photometric V-Filter 1¼“ (4mm Glass) with LPFC $260AUD 2459440R Baader UBVRI Photometric R-Filter 1¼“ (4mm Glass) with LPFC $260AUD 2459440I Baader UBVRI Photometric I-Filter 1¼“ (4mm Glass) with LPFC $260AUD 2459440 Baader UBVRI Photometric Filter set 1¼“ (4mm Glass) with LPFC $1190AUD FILTER WHEELS - OPTICSTAR 1.25" 5 POSITION FILTER WHEEL $99AUD - ATIK MFW MANUAL 5 FILTER WHEEL $140AUD - ORION 2" MULTIPLE 4 FILTER WHEEL $170AUD - STARLIGHT EXPRESS SXUFW $523AUD OPTICSTAR 1.25" 5 POSITION FILTER WHEEL $99AUD The colour filter wheel includes various adapters for connectivity to standard telescopes and CCD cameras. Aperture: 1.25" Positions: 5 x 1.25" Filters For threaded filters Includes 4 adapters 20mm thick For Opticstar and third party cameras Suitable for imaging and observation Also available with LRGB filters Weight: 340 to 355 grams All-metal construction Opticstar Filter Wheel ATIK MFW MANUAL 5 FILTER WHEEL $140AUD Five-Position, 1.25" filter carousel with a numbered “click” at every position to make the task a breeze. The filter wheel is only 19.5mm thick, allowing it to be used on almost any telescope. Made of black anodized, machined aluminum it has T-threads on both sides and includes a 1.25” adapter and male T-adapter. Suitable for use with any CCD camera. Dimensions 120mm diameter, 24.5mm deep. ATIK Filter Wheel ORION 2" MULTIPLE 4 FILTER WHEEL $170AUD When it comes to field illumination for visual observing or astrophotography, bigger definitely is better! Enter Orion's new 2" Multiple Filter Wheel, which allows convenient switching of up to four 2" filters for astro-imaging. Since many of today's larger format monochrome CCD imagers require 2" filters for larger field illumination, this affordable solution provides fast and easy transition between multiple filters. The versatile Orion 2" Multiple Filter Wheel provides several attachment methods. T-threads on the telescope side allow for a direct connection to T-thread equipped focusers. If attaching the filter wheel to a 2" focuser, a 2" thread-on nosepiece is also included which allows maximum field illumination to the imaging camera. A removable T-thread ring on the camera side allows for direct attachment to imaging cameras. Compatible with all 2" Orion filters. The 2" multiple filter wheel is not equipped for visual use. This accessory is a must-have for monochrome imagers, who need to take separate exposures through LRGB filters to obtain a color composite. Light finger pressure is all you need to rotate the wheel until the selected filter clicks into place. The Orion 2" Multiple 4-Filter Wheel also provides a convenient and secure way to store your imaging filters and help protect them from dust and dew. Filters can be easily installed or changed by removing the cover with the included hex key. Requires 22mm additional focus travel. Weighs just 14oz. One-year limited warranty. Orion 2" Multiple 4-Filter Wheel Features.... - convenient and secure way to store your imaging filters and help protect them from dust and dew. - filters can be easily installed or changed by removing the cover with the included hex key. - light finger pressure is all you need to rotate the wheel until the selected filter clicks into place. - a removable T-thread ring on the camera side allows for direct attachment to imaging cameras. Orion Product Number: 5525 Orion 2" Filter Wheel STARLIGHT EXPRESS SXUFW $523AUD Super-Slim Off-Axis guide head add-on! This useful filter wheel accessory makes accurate, flexure-free guiding easy to achieve. The extremely slim assembly screws directly to the wheel face and adds only 13mm to the back focal distance of the wheel. The USB filter wheel was first introduced in 2009 and adds many new features to a useful imaging accessory. It is unique in that it does not require a separate power supply when used with USB control - the high performance DC gear motor runs entirely from the USB supply and consumes less than 100mA. It is also capable of operation from a serial input, or from a switched hand controller, both of which power the wheel from a small dry battery. more... Starlight Xpress SXUFW Suggested Filter Set - Baader CCD 2458350 $155AUD There are a number of CCD Coloured Filter Sets available. This one has been proven to be the best value, with the best results! UPDATED PAGES BY TELESCOPES & ASTRONOMY iOptron Pricelist iOptron SkyTracker Camera Mount Mars Opposition Information Refracting Trackable Telescope SkyShed Pod Secondhand Telescopes & Accessories iOPTRON'S SKYTRACKER MOUNT RECEIVES GREAT REVIEWS The new iOptron SkyTrackerTM camera mount for astrophotography has extra features including an increased payload of 3.5kg (7.7 lbs) and an adjustable AZ base. This portable mount makes it easy to take long exposures of the night sky without streaking or star trailing. The SkyTrackerTM is simple to set up. Just attach the unit to a camera tripod. Then slide and lock your digital camera into the saddle. Align SkyTrackerTM to the Celestial Pole, using the included dark field illuminated polar scope. Then turn on the motor, and it keeps your camera tracking at the same speed the earth rotates! The unique DC servo motor keeps your camera in motion to avoid star trails and allows you to take long exposures for beautiful images of the night sky. SkyTrackerTM runs on 4 AA batteries for portability at any location. Generally you'll need the Ball Head ($80AUD) to point in various directions. If your Tripod has a 1/4" thread (like most), then you will also need the 1/4" to 3/8" Adaptor ($6AUD) since the SkyTracker has a 3/8" thread hole. SkyTracker with Polar Scope $523AUD - in stock Our iOptron SkyTracker web site: http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/skytracker_ioptron_camera_mount_photography.htm iOptron SkyTracker Review: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/51192053 THE OLDEST STAR A team of astronomers has discovered the oldest known star in the universe, which formed shortly after the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago. The discovery has allowed astronomers for the first time to study the chemistry of the first stars, giving scientists a clearer idea of what the Universe was like in its infancy. "This is the first time that we've been able to unambiguously say that we've found the chemical fingerprint of a first star," said lead researcher, Dr Stefan Keller of the Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. "This is one of the first steps in understanding what those first stars were like. What this star has enabled us to do is record the fingerprint of those first stars." The star was discovered using the ANU SkyMapper telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory, which is searching for ancient stars as it conducts a five-year project to produce the first digital map the southern sky. The ancient star is around 6,000 light years from Earth, which Dr Keller says is relatively close in astronomical terms. It is one of the 60 million stars imaged by SkyMapper in its first year. "The stars we are finding number one in a million," says team member Professor Mike Bessell, who worked with Keller on the research. "Finding such needles in a haystack is possible thanks to the ANU SkyMapper telescope that is unique in its ability to find stars with low iron from their colour." Dr Keller and Professor Bessell confirmed the discovery using the Magellan telescope in Chile. The composition of the newly discovered star shows it formed in the wake of a primordial star, which had a mass 60 times that of our Sun. "To make a star like our Sun, you take the basic ingredients of hydrogen and helium from the Big Bang and add an enormous amount of iron -- the equivalent of about 1,000 times the Earth's mass," Dr Keller says. "To make this ancient star, you need no more than an Australia-sized asteroid of iron and lots of carbon. It's a very different recipe that tells us a lot about the nature of the first stars and how they died." Dr Keller says it was previously thought that primordial stars died in extremely violent explosions which polluted huge volumes of space with iron. But the ancient star shows signs of pollution with lighter elements such as carbon and magnesium, and no sign of pollution with iron. "This indicates the primordial star's supernova explosion was of surprisingly low energy. Although sufficient to disintegrate the primordial star, almost all of the heavy elements such as iron, were consumed by a black hole that formed at the heart of the explosion," he says. The result may resolve a long-standing discrepancy between observations and predictions of the Big Bang. The discovery was published in a recent edition of the journal Nature as "A single low-energy, iron-poor supernova as the source of metals in the star SMSS J031300.36?670839.3." Nature, 2014; DOI: 10.1038/nature12990 -- copied from Science Digest whose report is based on press releases from the Australian Nation University. See the Science Digest article, with numerous references, at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140209200836.htm SPECTACULAR NEW MARTIAN IMPACT CRATER A dramatic, fresh impact crater dominates this image taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on Nov. 19, 2013. Researchers used HiRISE to examine this site because the orbiter's Context Camera had revealed a change in appearance here between observations in July 2010 and May 2012, bracketing the formation of the crater between those observations. more... http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17932 RADIO STATION ASTRONOMY FM http://astronomy.fm/ CELESTRON SCT SPECIALS CELESTRON Edge HD 9.25" Optical Tube Assembly 91040-XLT ... $3399AUD http://www.celestron.com/astronomy/celestron-edgehd-9-25.html CELESTRON Edge HD 11" Optical Tube Assembly 91050-XLT ... $4990AUD http://www.celestron.com/astronomy/celestron-edgehd-11.html NEWTON'S ORIGINAL NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR http://www.nethawk.tv/2014/02/sir-isaac-newtons-first-telescope/ THE ASTRO HUTECH SOLAR AUTOGUIDER $880AUD If you like to image the Sun, then the Astro Hutech Solar AutoGuider is perfect! The Autoguider will keep the sun centered. As a result, time-lapse movies are easy! The Astro Hutech Solar AutoGuider, Hinode (”sunrise” in Japanese) SG, is the first autoguider designed for casual solar viewing as well as photography. It does not require precise polaralignment, allowing for quick, convenient setup-and-go for public outreach or quick viewing with a grab-n-go solarscope. For imaging, long-term autoguiding on the sun simplifies post-processing for projects such as time-lapse movies. Features : • Precise polar alignment not required. Great for quick setup. • Guides on the sun disk. No requirements for sunspots to be used for tracking. • Optics, filter, and sensor integrated in one package with guide electronics. No additional guide scope, filter, or computer required. • One-time easy calibration. No additional calibration required with the same mount. Just select AM or PM tracking. • No PC required when used with a hand controller. • Universal mounting block allows attachment to virtually any telescope. Compatible with conventional finder dovetail bases available in the market. • Audible cues and hand controller LEDs eliminate the need to exactly center the sun with an eyepiece or a PC monitor. • 5V DC operation. When used with a PC, no power supply is needed. • Compact and lightweight (117 mm x 67 mm x 45 mm & 290 g). Compatible with a grab-n-go solar viewing setup. • User-friendly PC interface, including firmware updates. • Compatible with any mount with ST-4 / Losmandy type autoguider input port. • Made in USA Optional Accessories: TAKGC - Guide Cable for Takahashi Temma Mounts - $127AUD CMB - Coronado Mounting Base - $89AUD More Information: http://digiborg.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/jw21.jpg 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 MORE SPECIALS: BOOKS - HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE - JEAN TEXEREAU - $60AUD - 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 - 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 - RED LIGHT TORCHES $20AUD - CHESHIRE COLLIMATION EYEPIECES $40AUD - ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT METAL TABLE TOP TRIPODS $15AUD - 90° 8x50mm FINDERSCOPES $60AUD - 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 $15AUD - PENTAX T RINGS $15AUD - CANON T RINGS $15AUD - SONY $18AUD - 2" AUTOCOLLIMATORS $45AUD - PYREX 1/10 WAVE 4" SECONDARY MIRROR (NEWPORT GLASS) $350AUD - ECLIPSE/TRANSIT GLASSES $4AUD END