Centred between the constellations of Hercules and Cygnus lies a small constellation with a very distinctive star pattern, Lyra (the lyre). Four stars form the main “body” of the Lyre: Beta, Gamma, Delta and Zeta Lyrae. Together they make a kind parallelogram. At the northwestern corner of this parallelogram a triangle of follow this link to read the full story........

Yesterday I tested the Baader AstroSolar Photographic Filter in combination with the Baader Kontinuum filter. This combination only lets a small part of the spectrum (540nm) get through and should give high contrast in the sunspots and granulation. Here are the first results. The images where taken with the Nikon Coolpix 4500 mounted on

Yesterday I constructed a new solar filter for photographing the Sun with my Coolpix 4500 and the webcam. I constructed the filter from cardboard and Baader AstroSolar PhotoFilm with a neutral density of 3.8. This filter is only for photographic use! Do not use Astro

On april 1st 2004 I observed the 11-day-old moon with the TAL 200K. For an observing report with digital images please follow this link. There you will find not only a detailed report but also an overview image of the moon and some detailed images of Sinus Iridum, Mare Humorum and the Schiller-Tycho area.

Enjoy!

Last night my new telescope, the TAL 100 RS, a four inch refractor (achromatic) got its first light. I mounted the tube (4.4 kg) on the EQ 6 and started with Vega. I immediately noticed a few differences with my TAL 200K. The field of view is twice as wide with the 100RS. My 200K has a ......follow this link to read the full story

Last night I observed some interesting double stars, an open cluster and a planetary nebula with my 15x80 binoculars and the Sky-window. All objects are situated in Lyra. I started around 22.00 hours 22 and ended the session around 23:45 UT. I used the SkyAtlas 2000 to locate the objects.

I started my observing session around 22:10 UT with .....follow this link to read the full story

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!

For some editorial and customers reviews please follow this link .

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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