A few weeks ago I got my copy of the Clementine Atlas of the Moon from Cambridge University Press. This atlas is the first that shows the entire lunar surface in uniform scale and format (144 maps). It also claims to have the most comprehensive database of lunar crater nomenclature in existence. After using it for a few weeks I can say that this is not an atlas for the casual lunar observer. However, if you are a lunatic who wants to know everything about the Moon, or wants to study the Moon in detail, maybe this book is something for you. My advice is as with all books and equipment: have a look at it before buying. It can save you a lot of money!
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Last night I observed two interesting open clusters with the 15x80 binoculars and the Sky Window. At 21.48 UT when I started my observing session, it wasn’t really dark yet, but Collinder 399, also known as “The Coathanger”, was already easy to detect. This fine open cluster in Vulpecala contains .......follow this link to read the full story
Last year Coronado launched the PST solar telescope. At the moment the first reports and images are coming available on the internet. If you are interested in this 500 dollar (or 800 Euro!) solar scope with a < 1 Angstrom H-Alpha filter take a look at the following links.
1. Images taken through the PST on the Coronado website.
2. Rudolf Reiser’s hompage with a report and images on the PST (german language).
3. Andre Cassese’s website with some great images (French language)
Yesterday TAL launched its newest model, the TAL 250K. The 10-inch Klevtzov Cassegrain has a focal ratio of f/ 8.5 and the OTA weighs about 16 Kilograms. The telescope is equiped with a 2 inch focusser and an 8x50 finderscope. The complete telescope will cost about 2600 Euros and the OTA will prbably be priced between 2250 and 2300 Euros. For more information follow this link to the official TAL site.
Thanks to Ton Baten, a fellow lunar observer from the Netherlands I’ve found a link to an online paper about Geologic History of the Moon by Don Wilhelms. This is great news for all lunatics because this paper, which is considered as one of the most important publications on lunar geology, is out of print and only available online. The book is divided into 18 PDF files. Follow this link and start downloading!. Thanks again Ton!
The Venus transit was just amazing. Follow this link to look at some digital images and read a the observing report:
Later this week I hope to be back with more images and some Video footage.
Enjoy!
If you are looking for a case to store your eyepieces, filters, camera and all other accessories you should consider a Pelicase with soft-padded dividers. On the image below you see the Pelicase 1504. For more detailed information on all the models go to the website of Pelican Cases. The cases are very sturdy. They keep your equipment dust-free. You can arrange the soft padded dividers any way you like. They are ideal for transporting your equipment in your car, airplane or train.
Today I added a short observing report with a big digital image of a nine-day-old Moon to the Solar Sytem section on my website. The image was shot with the Coolpix 4500 mounted on a 10-inch Synta skywatcher Follow this link to read the full story.