Askar 71f Petzval Refractor Telescope Review

Askar 71F

Manufacturer: Sharpstar Askar Price $599 The Askar 71f Petzval Refractor Telescope brings a blend of innovation and reliability that Askar has become known for in the astronomy community. Whether you’re an amateur stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, understanding this product’s unique features can help you see if it’s the right fit for your needs. Askar … Read more

The Role Of Dark Matter In The Universe

Artist Conception of Dark Matter

What is dark matter? Dark matter is a form of matter not emitting, absorbing, or reflecting light; that is why it does not appear within existing methods of detection. It does not interact with electromagnetic forces, so it neither produces light nor any kind of energy that we can observe with the help of telescopes. … Read more

Celestron Rasa 8 Review

Celestron RASA 8 inch Telescope

Manufacturer: Celestron Price: $2079 The Celestron RASA 8 ( Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) is a specialized telescope designed specifically for astrophotography enthusiasts. Unlike traditional telescopes aimed at visual observation, the RASA 8’s design prioritizes capturing sharp, wide-field images of the night sky. Key to its performance are features like the f/2.2 focal ratio, which allows for … Read more

Sidereal, Solar, Lunar & King Tracking Speeds

iOptron HEM44EC Telescope Mount

Telescope tracking speeds are crucial for anyone serious about astronomical observation. They dictate how well your telescope can follow celestial objects across the sky, ensuring they remain within your field of view for extended periods. Accurate tracking is what separates a fleeting glimpse from a detailed study, making it key for stargazers and astronomers alike. … Read more

Astrophotography Mistakes: How To Avoid Them

Common Beginner Mistakes

When I started in the hobby of astrophotography, I made many mistakes that were excellent learning experiences. Technology has advanced quite a bit in the last 20 years or so, and this has reduced the chances of making some of these mistakes, but there are some basic considerations that don’t change. The following sections detail … Read more

Founder Optics Draco 62 Review

Draco 62 Quintuplet Astrophotography Refractor

Product: Founder Optics Draco 62 Refractor Telescope Manufacturer: Founder Optics Country of Manufacture: Taiwan Current Price: $1099 Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced Introduction Today, I’m going to be talking about a telescope that’s been turning heads in the world of astronomy: the Founder Optics Draco 62 refractor telescope. This isn’t just about unveiling a product; … Read more

Top Astrophotography Brands

Hubble NGC 3521

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and yearned to capture its awe-inspiring beauty? Astrophotography is the art of photographing celestial events and bodies, from the shimmer of distant galaxies to the intricate surface of the moon. It’s a pursuit that combines the timeless wonder of astronomy with the cutting-edge precision of modern … Read more

Astrophotography With A Smartphone

man holding cell phone imaging the milky way

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt drawn to the dance of distant stars, wishing you could capture that moment forever? Well, guess what? You can. And you don’t need a telescope or a fancy DSLR camera to do it. The allure of astrophotography is now more accessible than ever, thanks … Read more

Histograms In Astrophotography

An Example of a Histogram Showing a Properly Exposed Image

What is a histogram?  In photography, a histogram is a visual representation of pixel “brightness” in the x-axis and the number of pixels with that brightness in the y-axis. The left side of the x-axis represents the dimmest or darkest brightness values, also called shadows, the middle represents the mid-tones, and the right side represents … Read more

ZWO AM5N Strain Wave Mount Review

ZWO AM5N Side View

Price: $1999 Manufacturer: ZWO Introduction The ZWO AM5N Strain Wave Equatorial Mount is a modern, high-precision mount designed for both amateur and professional astrophotographers. Known for its innovative strain wave gearing system, it promises superior tracking accuracy and a lightweight design, making it an attractive choice for portable astrophotography setups. Designed for the precision-driven hobbyist, … Read more