Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
Celestron – NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope Manufacturer: Celestron Optics: Schmidt-Cassegrain Mount: Altazimuth Price: $1099 without accessories (as of the time of this review) The Company Celestron, based in Torrance, California, has a long history of making quality, affordable telescopes for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced users. The company is known for its innovative … Read more
If you are purchasing a telescope, you may ask yourself “what is the best type of telescope?”. There is no single answer to this question. Let’s start out by giving the characteristics of each type. There are three main types of telescopes The three primary types of telescopes are refractor telescopes (also called refracting telescopes), … Read more
Spring is a great time for astrophotography as there are many interesting targets visible in the night sky. Spring is also known as “galaxy season” to astrophotographers, since so many of the best objects during this time of year are galaxies. Here are a few suggestions for what’s happening in the sky tonight in the … Read more
What is a Messier Object? Let’s start with what Messier objects are. The Messier Catalog, also known as the “Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters”, is a list of 110 astronomical objects that was first compiled by the French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. What is the Messier Catalog? The catalog contains a … Read more
What is N.I.N.A? NINA (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy) is free, open-source astrophotography software designed to help amateur astronomers and astrophotographers capture and analyze astronomical images. Most every aspect of capturing astronomical images can be controlled and even automated by N.I.N.A. Astronomy software has transformed backyard stargazing into an immersive dive into the cosmos. Among the … Read more
iOptron CEM70 Advanced Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount Price: Starting at $3228 The iOptron CEM70 is an equatorial mount that is very good for both imaging and visual use. Casual observers do not need this degree of accurate tracking, so I would recommend it mainly for long-exposure imaging. I have been using this mount … Read more
Astrophotography is a rewarding, but challenging hobby. The equipment and software learning curve tends to be high. But learning equipment and software is not the only challenge. Light pollution also can severely impact image quality. One hundred years ago, almost everyone on earth could go outside at night and see the Milky Way Galaxy in … Read more
ZWO – EAF 5V (Electronic Automatic Focuser) Price: $199 as of the time of this review (accessories sold separately). See current price Price $248 with accessories See current price Manufacturer: ZWO Introduction When is comes to astrophotography equipment and achieving the best images, experienced astrophotographers know that precise telescope focusing is critical. You could spend … Read more
Pegasus Powerbox Advanced Generation 2 Price: $324 Manufacturer: Pegasus Astro Introduction Experienced astrophotographers know that technology has made this hobby much easier than it was 20 years, or even 10 years ago. Technology has allowed much of what we do to be automated. This type of automation requires power, and power requires cables. My setup … Read more
What is Image Calibration? Image calibration is the process of correcting light frame images for extraneous information captured in the image that is caused by sensor noise, thermal noise, variations in pixel sensitivity and irregularities in the optical path, such as dust shadows. Calibration is typically done by correcting the light frame image with:1) Bias … Read more