SlashScope

The Night Owl Night Vision scopes are undoubtedly some of the favorites among the night viewing enthusiasts. Not only are the design features pleasant to the eye but the optics deliver decent results for the price of under $250 for most 1st Generation scopes. 'The Russian-designed light-amplification module inside Night Owl Optics Explorer Marine Night Vision Monocular NOCX 3M boosts available light and hurls it against a phosphorescent screen, yielding green but crystal-clear images in near darkness.' Dont be carried away by the "float ability feature " of this scope, however, and be contented in the knowledge that you may be okay in in rainy conditions.

Description:
The Explorer Marine boasts a completely waterproof design, which can be utilized in extreme weather conditions often faced during nautical use. Floating and rubber-coated in night blue, the lightweight NOCX3M is the perfect instrument for marine use or search and rescue operations. The NOCX3M boasts the two-piece body construction and the exclusive steel stringer system for added precision.PRODUCT FEATURES: 100% waterproof and floats - for use in any weather condition; Rubberized body in "night blue" finish for optimal grip and visibility; Featuring Night Owl Optics exclusive steel stringer system for added precision.

Features:
* Exclusive steel stringer system to give the optics even more precision
* Spectral sensitivity of 400-900nm (nanometers)
* 100-percent waterproof and floats, too
* Two-piece construction
* Rubberized finish for a secure grip

Source: NightOwl

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While the asking price of this device may be a bit prohibitive, the advantage the TD-1 has is that this piece of equipment equipment enables you to change between observing and taking pictures as the occasion arises. 'The Kowa TD-1 Digital Camera Spotting Scope/Super Telephoto Digital Camera Scope is a fusion of a Spotting Scope and a Digital Camera [Straight Viewing 55mm Spotting Scope with 10-30x Zoom Eyepiece and Integrated 3.1 MP Digital Camera]. The ED Lens that is used in Kowa TD 1 Spotting Scope / DSC allows you to use Kowa TD 1 Digital Spotting Scope as a high level Spotting Scope , and enables the Digital Camera to reach Super Telephoto Zoom focal lengths of 450-1350mm (35mm film equivalent). Beacause of its simple operation, even those who are new to Spotting scopes or Digital Cameras can enjoy Ultra Zoom Images with Kowa TD1 Digital Camera Spotting Scope.'

Features;
* 450-1350mm 3x Optical Zoom
*3.14 Mega Pixel CCD
* 55mm Prominar ED Objective Lens
*A Quality Scope with the Power Turned Off
*Takes SD Cards
Accessories :
*Objective Lens Cap,
*Eyepiece Cap,
*Remote Control,
*Remote Control Band,
*USB Cable, Video Cable,
*CD-ROM, Diopter Seal

Read: TD1 Specifications - Optics Planet
View: Kowa TD 1 photos by Roland Ripoll - BirdForum

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 2:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You may be a little surprised if you thought this Microscope with built in video camera would cost much more than the $800 listed price. I must admit I was looking for it to be higher, however, please note the monitor is not included. Apart from the usefulness of this microscope to professional group discussion, I see this device as an excellent tool, around which family gatherings can engage in light educational discourse. 'View your microscopy images on your TV/Video monitor with this quality microscope that comes equipped with a camera affixed inside its monocular head. The camera has 500 lines of resolution and a 1.5 lux rating. This product is recommended for educational, industrial, and specialty use. It is ideal for group discussions and teaching applications. The microscope comes with a five year manufactures warranty and a free one year extended warranty, the video camera has a one year warranty and also a free extended one year warranty. Video monitors are available and sold separately.'

Specifications of the microscope:
* 10x Widefield Eyepiece w/pointer
* 45 degree angle monocular with diopter
* 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x objective lenses
* Mechanical stage low positioned
* Abbe Condenser, NA. 1.25 Incandescent lighting
Composite RCA Video

Source: Mel Sobel Microscopes

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Who says you got to spend a couple thousand dollars on an expensive telescope to become informed about the 'heavenly bodies"? Not so by a long way. Just by observing the night sky without the use of a telescope backed up by informed research can do the job just as well. Of course, if you can afford to purchase a "value priced scope" for family viewing, you would have something tangible to generate interest in amateur astronomy. 'The Celestron PowerSeeker series of telescopes is designed to give the first-time buyer the perfect combination of quality, value, features and power. Offering exceptional value, these telescopes feature portable yet powerful designs with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy.'

Features:
* Standard Equipment: Aluminum tripod; Accessory tray
* Optical Design: Newtonian
* Aperture: 127mm
* Focal Length: 1000mm
* Focal Ratio: 8
* Finderscope: 5x24
* Mount: German Equatorial
* Eyepiece: 20mm - 1.25” vEyepiece: 4mm - 1.25”
* Barlow Lens: 3x- 1.25”

Source: Celestron

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Even though this information was had by researchers some months ago, the discovery of "a new planet five times the Earth's mass, about 25,000 light-years away in the Milky Way orbiting a red dwarf star" has only now been published in the science journal, Nature, and reported on the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation. While it may be possible to detect earth-like conditions on far-off planets, we are no where near the capacity to detect any signs of life.
'An international team of astronomers has found the smallest Earth-like planet yet outside our Solar System.
The new planet has five times the Earth's mass and can be found about 25,000 light-years away in the Milky Way, orbiting a red dwarf star.
The discovery, reported in the journal Nature, was made using a method called microlensing, which can detect far-off planets with an Earth-like mass.
The planet's cold temperatures make the chance of finding life very unlikely.
The planet, which goes by the name OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb, takes about 10 years to orbit its parent star, a red dwarf which is similar to the Sun but cooler and smaller.'
Read:

Source: BBC World Service

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In this digital environment you can be tempted to go over the deep end when it comes to providing your kid/s with some of the eye-catching gadgets which provide primarily entertainment value. With priorities firmly in place, no gift [excluding books of course] should come before the basic science kit. 'Meade Child's Combination Telescope / Microscope Kit is a veritable child's entertainment center, offering twice the fun by doubling the activity. It make possible the exploration of both outer-space and inner-space. Includes a 40mm diameter tabletop mounted telescope and a 900x microscope, plus 19-piece accesory kit. It also includes a deluxe hard carry case. Meade 4OAZ-T 40mm Altazimuth Refracting Telescope is an incredibly easy to operate refracting telescope, designed for both astronomical and land observing.'

Source: OpticsPlanet

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For an asking price of under $300 you would be hard pressed to find a better night vision monocular than the Meade Night View. 'The Meade NightView Digital Night Vision Monocular uses a Sony high-sensitivity CCD image sensor and displays through a premium ferroelectric liquid crystal ocular viewer. You can adjust the illumination and image controls to get even further refined detail. Images are displayed through NightView's high-quality eyepiece viewer.The NightView includes three high-quality light filters for different night vision applications. Green provides the greatest image contrast and detail; Red preserves your night vision; Neutral minimizes the amount of light to your eye. The Meade NightView™ monocular is built on state-of-the-art digital imaging technology which yields a crisp, detail-rich, full field-of-view image in all low-light conditions. It includes a video-out port that can be quickly connected to a video monitor or camcorder for surveillance purposes. It’s perfect for boaters, nature hobbyists, campers, hikers, astronomers, and night vision enthusiasts.'

Specifications :
*Total image pixels: 525 horizontal by 420 vertical
*Sensitivity: 0.03 Lux with 12mm F1.2 lens
*Shutter: Automatic electronic 1/60 to 1/120,000 second
*Video output: NTSC composite (monochrome)
*Electronic Zoom: 1.5X or 3X image magnification with 12mm F1.2 lens
*CCD Sensor: High sensitivity Sony™ imager
*Display Technology: Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal
*Resolution: 400 pixels horizontal by 225 pixels vertical
*Focus: Adjustable for individual user’s eyes
*Size: l = 7.2” x w = 2.2” x h = 2.9”
*Weight: 9.3 oz. (264 g)
*Display Brightness: Adjustable in 100 steps from dim to very bright
*Filters: User selectable for different night vision applications
*Illumination System: High-power infrared
*Illumination Power: Adjustable from 0 to 100% in 100 steps
*Memory: Display brightness and illumination power settings are stored
*Battery Type: 6 AA size batteries (not included)
*Battery Life: 3 hours continuous use with 100% illumination
*AC Adapter: 2 volt AC adapter included

Sources: OpticsPlanet: Meade

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 2:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There is nothing more disconcerting than having to disturb the 'enviroment' during night-time observation with the beam of a flashlight to check on data or equipment. The 'soft' white light of led flashlights have gone some way in appeasing this situation but the recent entry of the Pentagon S2 Red Light should satisfy the needs of the night sky viewer. 'Red light is a low-signature light, which ensures stealth in the darkness. It is also a necessity for any pilots, vehicle operators, and other specialists who need to preserve night vision when reading charts, maps, and going over checklists. The use of a red filter over the beam of a conventional flashlight creates a narrowly focused hot spot that overly affects night vision and projects excessive red light into distance, thus compromising stealth. The advantage of S2 Red is in its effective light diffusion, which provides a wide area coverage of red light with excellent close range light intensity.'

Read: Pentagon S2 Red Light

Sources: Pentagonlight: Flashlight Reviews

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 2:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are on the lookout for a pair of binoculars for simply viewing distant objects you need not spend beyond $100 for a reasonable set of specs. Leave the high-priced scopes for others or when you feel inclined to specialize into more advanced viewing and observation techniques. 'Bushnell Perma Focus Binoculars offer a wide field-of-view that makes them ideal for spectator sports, distant wildlife observation or winter use with gloves. Thanks to quality of these fully coated optics the action is bright and crisp and the ergonomic rubber housing means you won't drop them, even with those gloves on.'

Features:
*Magnification X Objective Lens 10 x 50
*Focus System Focus Free
*Prism System Porro
*Field Of View ft@1000yds/ m@1000m393/131
*Exit Pupil (mm) 5.0
*Weight (oz/g) 31/879
*Adapt For Tripod Yes

Source: Amazon

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

These goggles are definitely not for the uninitiated but then if you can afford the $2000 price tag, that would be all that mattered. For this price you get a 2+ generation monocular which would produce cleaner images than the popular first generation hand-held equivalents.'The Night Vision Professional NVP140 is equipped with a superior quality 2nd+ generation intensifier tube, built-in infrared illuminator and rugged light-weight body. Unit's precision optical elements are optimized for the best nighttime performance by Night Vision SLT (Super Light Transition) lens coating process. The device could be converted into a powerful binocular with optional 4.0x objective lens. Professional 140 features automatic brightness control to protect the intensifier tube as well as user's vision against sudden bursts of excessive light. Professional 140 is a shock-proof and designed to withstand force for up to 5G The unit could be comfortably head-worn for hours of easy hands-free operations. Its flip-up lock mechanism allows the user to instantly raise the night vision visor or simply detach the unit from the head mask assembly. Additional features include: extended ID range, integrated close range infrared illuminator, internally lit IR and low battery indicators, weather-proof body with built-in desiccation cartridge, and corrosion-resistant finish. The Professional 140 has been designed and built to meet requirements of the most demanding professional users.'

Features:
* Superior quality 2nd+ generation image intensifier
* Integrated infrared illuminator
* Wide 40° field of view
* N-Vision SLT™ technology
* Variable 1.0x or 4.0x magnification*
* Shock-proof, weather and corrosion-resistant
* N-Vision Professional 140 Night Vision Goggles
* Head strap assembly

Specifications:
*Generation: 2+
*Resolution: 45 lp/mm
*Magnification: 1.0x
*Battery Type: AA (1)
*Field of View: 40°
*Weight w/o mask: 0.99 lbs/ 450 g
*Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.0 x 2.4 in/172 x 102 x 62 mm
*Carrying case

Source: Amazon

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There is certainly no problem in looking or viewing the specs of this item, however, unless you are prepared to shelve out $2,000 for a pair of binoculars, the Swarovski 10x42 E would have to remain an object to be admired from a distance. Description
'Newly designed, highest light transmission optics for high contrast and natural color reproduction, even at dusk. Optimum color fidelity across the whole light spectrum with unique prism coating SWAROBRIGHT. Wide-angle eyepiece for an extra large field of view. An optimized roof prism-system with P-coating.Extremely lightweight, perfect balance and ergonomic thumb depressions for comfortable, long-term viewing.Rapid focusing, even with one hand for razor-sharp detail at the all-important moment. Close focusing from 2.5 m (8 ft) to infinity. The adjustment wheels broad grooves and quick accessibility make it easy to handle even with gloves. Dioptric correction system integrated in the focusing wheel. Pull out to adjust.Patented design and easy-grip focusing wheel. Very easy to handle, even with one hand. Separately adjustable twist-in eye-cups allow a full field of view even for Spectacle wearers. Easily removable for cleaning.Airtight, dust-proof and watertight to a depth of 4 m (13 ft.). No fogging due to nitrogen filling. Extremely durable and lightweight housing of magnesium alloy, an aerospace material Non-slip rubber armoring, which is comfortable to handle even in cold weather'.

Features:
* These 10x42 EL series Swarovski binoculars provide the fastest closer look in the world.
* Unique slender tubes for wrap-around grip.
* Everything immediately in view, with 1 hand free.
* The best perspectives for long-term observation: extreme sharpness of image and absolutely natural color reproduction through a totally modern, newly designed optical system.
* Further advantages for nature observation: extremely low weight, extra large wide-angle field of view & very short distance for close-up viewing.
* Rugged magnesium alloy housing; airtight, dust-proof, waterproof and nitrogen purged.
* Twist-in eye-cups and long eye relief.
* Field of view @ 1000 yds: 330'.
* Exit pupil: 4.2mm.
* Near focus: 8'.
* Dioptric adjustment +/-3.
* Twilight performance 21.
* Weighs 27.5oz (800g).
* Tripod adapter # 49178 sold separately.

Source: Amazon

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The SX3 is MAGPIX’s 3rd generation digital camera binocular, coupling a high-power pair of binoculars with a 3.1MP digital camera. With this device you can take 30 sec long silent movie clips (avi format) limited only by the size of the memory card used. 'Once you’ve taken tons of pictures, you can share them with your friends in a myriad of ways. Of course you can always download them to your computer and e-mail them around. But the SX3 has you covered if you are in the wild (that is, a place without a computer). Just use the TV Out cable to connect directly to a television and you can view your pics anywhere.'

Features:
* 3.1 Megapixel Camera (2048 x 1536 pixel resolution)
* 16MB Internal Memory is expandable using SD and MMC cards
* Viewfinder: 10x25 Ruby Coated Binoculars
* Zoom: up to 10X Optical Fixed (10X zoom reduces resolution to 2.1MP)
* Aperture: f4.5 Focal
* Range: variable (40ft to Infinity)
* Status Display: Monochrome LCD
* Tripod Mount
* USB and TV Out Ports
* Includes: SX3 Digital Camera Binocular, Light Guide Attachment with Strap, Neck Strap Carry Case, USB and TV Out Cables, Drivers and Bonus Software for Windows, User’s Manual and Quick Start Guide
* System Requirements: Windows 98/2000/ME/XP, Mac OS X, v10.2.0 or higher, 64MB RAM, USB Port
* Dimensions: 5” x 4” x 2”
* Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)

Source: ThinkGeek

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 5:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the the "King of the short tubes" comes this somewhat pricey item which should satisfy the viewing needs of the user wanting to step up from the cheap department store scopes. 'The Megrez 80 APO refractor is an air-spaced Triplet Fluorite Apochromatic refractor. The Russian produced F6 lens has a heart of super low dispersion fluorite that reduces any secondary spectrum to an unbelievable degree. It comes with L-base bracket and backpack-style water resistant carrying case.'

Features:
*Aperture 80mm
*Focal Ratio F/6
*Focal Length 480mm
*Objective Type Triplet Fluorite Air-Spaced
*Resolving Power 1.45"
*Limiting Magnitude 11.3
*Lens Shade: Retractable
*Focuser 2" Rotatable Crayford Focuser
*Travel Length 3.15" (80 mm)
*2" Brass Compression Ring Included
*L- type Mount L- bracket based
*1.25" Adapter Brass Compression Ring Included
*Field Stops 7 Baffles with Ultra Flat Black Interior
*Tube Diameter 90 mm
*Tube Length 14.5" (368 mm) Fully Retracted
*17.6" (447 mm) Fully Extended
*Tube Weight 5.94 lbs.( 2.7 kg)
*Soft Carrying Backpack Dimensions
*(WxHxD) 15" x 20" x 6.5" (38.1 cmx50.8 cmx16.5 cm)

WilliamsOptics

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Priced at around $440 the Celestron NexStar 130 SLTReflector telescope would more than qualify as an entry level scope. The NexStar 130 SLT would prove more than adequate for night-time viewing whenever you begin to mount the learning curve. The telescope comes with the computerized GOTO which allows you "with a touch of a button you to select the object catalog, change the slew speed, view fascinating information about an object, or simply find out whether a desired object is visible in the sky." The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is powered by 8 AA user supplied batteries or an optional AC adapter. The internal battery compartment provides power to the high precision servo motors for rigid low-vibration performance while eliminating cord wrap issues associated with external battery packs.

Features:
* Computerized hand controller with 4000-plus-object database;
* Quick-release fork-arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for quick set up;
* SkyAlign for easy alignment on any three bright celestial objects;
* Comes with "The Sky" Level 1 planetarium software and NSOL telescope control software for controlling the telescope via computer; requires the Celestron Computer Cable v Internal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during use;
* Sturdy stainless steel tripod;
* Starpointer finder scope to help with alignment;
* Auxiliary port for additional accessories such as GPS;
* Motorized altazimuth mount and fully computerized hand controller;
* US and International city database for easy location settings,
* Flash upgradeable hand-controller software and motor-control units

Source: Telescopes.com

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This trendy looking 1ST generation monocular from the American Technologies Network [ATN] boasts a fast lens system combined with a high resolution intensifier tube. Easy push button controls, 3x magnification and a built-in infra-red illuminator for viewing in total darkness provides you with reasonable night viewing images for a small investment of around $225.

Features
* Magnification 3X
* Intensifier Tube High res. 1st Gen +
* Detection Range 200 m/y
* Recognition Range 100m/y
* Lens System F1:1.2, F50mm
* FOV 14 deg.
* Diopter Adjustment +/-5
* Resolution 40 lp/mm
* Range Of Focus 1M to infinity
* Controls Digital
* Operating Temperature -40 ° C to +40 ° C
* Power Supply One 3 volt lithium
* Battery Life 10-20 hours
* Dimensions 175mmx85mmx50mm / 7"x3.5"x2"
* Weight 0.47 kg / 1 lbs

Sources: ATN

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is a useful introductory guide to information on the various aspects of outer space. When you click on the 'A-Z Index' in the left margin, you are presented with a glossary of links which can serve as a easy reference guide to relevant topics. Even if you are a newcomer (or should that be, newbie) to night sky observation, a perusal of the several informative topics should wet your appetite for further exploration. The BBC is a highly regarded international broadcaster who provides interesting feature programs on the internet, local and shortwave radio as well as television and satellite feeds.

Source: BBC

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An article on the New Scientist's website reports on the return to Earth of the NASA Stardust spacecraft after a seven-year journey with a pinch of dust harvested from a comet. 'NASA is celebrating the safe return to Earth of a pinch of dust harvested from a comet. On Sunday morning, after a seven-year journey, its Stardust spacecraft dropped a capsule containing comet dust into the Earth’s atmosphere and it landed gently in the Utah desert in the US.The textbook landing was greeted by whoops of delight from mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. “It’s one of those moments in life which is almost so fantastic you can’t describe it,” said Ken Atkins, former project manager for Stardust at JPL.'
Read.

Source: New Scientist

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is a decent Dobsonian [Named for John Dobson of The San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers who prefers to call these "Sidewalk Telescopes"] telescope and with the option of a computerized object locator you have a nice tool for night sky observation.

Description:
This telescope not only has big-aperture brawn, but it also has a brain. With the optionally available IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator, locating and viewing thousands of deep-sky objects is simply a matter of pushing a button or two. Its sleek, innovative design and 254mm Pyrex parabolic mirror combine to give the XT10 IntelliScope unparalleled performance -- even without the Object Locator. And with the Locator you'll find and see more in an evening that you ever could before.

Features:
* Locate more than 14,000 fascinating celestial objects with pushbutton ease with optional controller!
* 254mm aperture and 1200mm focal length for glorious views of the moon, planets, galaxies and nebulas
* Exquisite optics allow you to reach stars as faint as magnitude 15
* Includes two eyepieces, finder scope, focuser, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
* One-year limited warranty

Sources: Telescopes: Amazon

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This newest addition to the Night Owl Explorer line of scopes featues soft-touch control buttons, power and IR indicators – all in a compact ergonomic design that comfortably fits in one hand. The scope is equipped with standard five-element glass ocular and an objective assembly that includes a condenser lens for brighter images.

Description:
The weather-resistant rubber coated body makes the Night Owl Explorer Titanium scope ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, or any outdoor activities in any kind of weather. Its compact, two-piece body is covered with a stylish titanium finish and has ergonomic ally placed operational buttons near the ocular to give you easy-to-use, single-hand operation. The camera-quality objective lens has a magnification factor of 3.1x and can be safely used within a temperature range of -22 F to 113 degrees F (-30 C to 45 degrees C). A 3v lithium battery is required for operation.

Features:
* -4 to +4 diopter adjustment
* Spectral sensitivity of 400-900nm (nanometers)
* Ergonomically placed operational buttons near the ocular to give you easy-to-use, single-hand operation
* Range of view is 575 feet
* Compact, two-piece body is covered with a stylish titanium finish

Sources: Night Owl: Amazon

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 5:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thinking of purchasing a binoculars and digital camera sometime this year?
Check out this new gadget from Orion Telescopes and Binoculars which offers the capabilities of the two devices wrapped up in one handy attractive package. 'Now you can get a close-up binocular view, snap a digital picture of the scene, then download the images to your computer for processing, printing, and emailing to friends. It's easy with the eView!'

Description:

The eView 8x32 LCD is the latest in high-tech, multipurpose binoculars. Its 32mm multicoated optics provide crisp, bright views at 8x magnification. And molded right in between the twin optical barrels is a 2.1 megapixel digital camera, complete with a 1-7/16" color TFT/LCD flip screen for previewing and reviewing shots. The included 32MB SD card stores 24 high-resolution (1600x1200 pixels) or 128 low-resolution (640x480 pixels) images. (Memory is expandable with optional SD card.) What's more, the eView captures video clips up to 80 seconds in length and can even function as a real-time PC/web cam! Downloading the images from the eView to your computer is a snap with the included USB cable. The Photo Manager/Editor software makes it easy to edit and archive images, then print them or email them to friends or family. Includes soft case and neck strap. Requires four AAA batteries, not included.

Source: Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This microscope is another affordable item for the home-study which combines ease of use and adequate specs. 'With multiple illumination options, you can illuminate even the most difficult specimen.The fluorescent in-base light and frosted glass stage plates show true colors in translucent specimens such as thin rock slices.The 10-watt incident light has an adjustment for aim and a rheostat to control intensity allowing you to achieve the most appropriate illumination for any opaque specimen making this microscope ideal for specimen dissection.Combined, this unique lighting system will provide enough light to show every detail of even the most thick and irregular object. The extra long working distance gives you plenty of space to maniplate your specimen. The rotating nosepiece with 2X and 4X objectives and 10X eyepieces make switching from 20X to 40X a snap.'

Features:
*Three-way illumination lights even the most difficult specimens
*20X-40X Magnification
*Coated Glass Optics
*Rack & Pinion Focus with Slip Clutch
*Rugged die-metal cast construction
*Wide Field 10X Eyepiece
*2X-4X Objectives
*100mm Stage Size
*82mm @ 40X Working Distance

Source:ScientificsOnline

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Televue telescopes are of a very high quality albeit at a premium price. 'The TeleVue TV-102 is a 102mm (4-inch) f/8.6 refractor that coaxes apochromatic performance out of an ED glass doublet objective lens. The scope body is ivory, with black trim, and is very solidly built. It has a retractable self-storing dewshield and a 2” rack-and-pinion focuser with helical-cut gears. The focuser has a silky-smooth motion and oversize knobs that make it easy to achieve sharp focus, even at very high powers. The TV-102 comes with a 2” Everbrite dielectric coated star diagonal with 99% reflectivity and a 1.25” accessory adapter. Focuser, diagonal, and 1.25” adapter are all equipped with non-marring brass clamp ring accessory holders. The supplied hardshell carrying case has cutouts to cradle the scope, diagonal, and a number of eyepieces.'

Source: Astronomics

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Credit for this entry has to go to the indefatigable Gadgetizer, [Paul Short], who brought my attention to the Scobleizer's report on the Sky Scout. This deivce I have to admit will have to be viewed to be believed. It will be available sometime in April for $400 from amazon. 'Recipient of a 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show "Best of Innovations" award, the Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium is a handheld digital planetarium that automatically identifies and locates thousands of stars, planets, constellations and more. About the size of a camcorder, this innovative "point and shoot" device can quickly transform the night sky into your own personal planetarium.'

Description:
SkyScout utilizes patented technology that combines measurements of both the magnetic and gravitational fields of the Earth, along with data from an internal GPS and a substantial celestial database. A "locate" feature allows you to select any object you wish to view--Mars, for instance--and with the help of illuminated arrows in the viewfinder, the SkyScout will actually point to the object. And when you point to an object and click the "Target" button, SkyScout instantly displays the name of the object along with a treasure trove of fascinating scientific and historical information about the object. Another feature includes SkyScout's unique "Tonight's Must-See List." When the SkyScout is turned on, it will tell you the 10 coolest things to look at in the sky and will even use it's internal GPS to tell you where each object is located. But that's not all. Once you identify or locate an object, you can add an optional SkyTour SD card (sold separately), plug the included earbuds into SkyScout, and listen to an interactive audio presentation that describes the history and mythology of what you're observing.

At less than 16 ounces in weight, SkyScout is portable enough to take anywhere. Its durable construction makes it safe to take along with you on rugged backpacking adventures. Best of all, its easy-to-use interface makes it ideal of family members of all ages. Just turn it on, and you're ready to go. Once you're connected, you'll have instant access to the SkyScout database of over 6000 stars, all 88 constellations, 200 galaxies, 100 nebula, 40 star clusters, 20 comets, 10 asteroids and much more. You won't find a more convenient astronomical learning tool anywhere.

A USB connection allows you to connect to your PC and quickly download new firmware and updates to the database, keeping you up to date with the latest astronomical discoveries.The unit's three-inch wide red backlit LCD display makes the information easy to read under any conditions. The SkyScout operates on two 1.5-volt AA batteries (not included) and has an operating time of 10 continuous hours.

Sources: Gadgetizer: Scobleizer: Celestron: Amazon

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Even if you only have a casual or passing interest in the science of astronomy, you would not be intimidated by the introductory r