Stargazing With Someone Else's Telescope!

SLOOH is a robotic observatory on the Canary Islands. Every Monday, whenever conditions permit viewing, you can participate in mulitple SLOOH "missions" over the course of an hour-long session.

What does SLOOH stand for? Apparently it's about putting the OOH into SLEW!

High atop Mount Teide, on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the telescopes of SLOOH stand nestled among the facilities of a professional astronomical observatory. SLOOH is a subscription-based web site that streams live images of dozens of celestial objects viewed by its telescopes each clear night over the Internet.

SLOOH currently uses several 3-megapixel CCD cameras and four telescopes (in two domes):


a 14-inch diameter Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (focal length 2160mm) high magnification scope and and Wide Field Lens System with a focal length of 135mm at f/5.6 in Dome 1
14-inch diameter Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (SCT) with a focal length of 4,000 mm, and an 85-mm diameter APO refractor telescope with a focal length of 480 mm in Dome 2

The organization will soon be adding an additional 14-inch SCT with a focal length of 2,100 mm, as well as a 34-mm diameter refractor with a focal length of 135 mm. Members are allowed to control the scopes from their own computer. Bringing the rhythms and wonder of space exploration to people of all ages, SLOOH's telescopes are the centerpiece of live interactive missions to the wonders of the universe.

The site is good for someone who knows nothing about astronomy and for avid, enthusiastic hobbyists, for first-time observers of all ages and parents wanting to introduce their kids to the cosmos without buying, assembling, and learning to use telescopes. Would-be astronomers can gaze at live images of the night sky, but in the comfort of their homes. The preset missions are broadcast live, with only brief intermissions as the telescopes and CCD cameras are slewed from one celestial body to another.

The annual $49 basic membership package gives you unlimited access to group missions and the ability to log on any time you like during mission hours. This basic package also gives you 15 minutes per year of solo time in which you decide where to point the scopes. While the basic membership has some restrictions, an "all-you-can-eat" option is avaliable for $99 yearly.

To guarantee its visitors only the best experience, SLOOH tests the speed of your Internet connection and accepts only visitors with connection speeds of 40 kbps (40k) or greater.

SLOOH makes extensive use of the latest Macromedia Flash Player, a web-browser plug-in. Before you arrive at your interface, SLOOH checks to see if your browser has the latest Flash Player installed and directs you to download it if you do not.

While missions are running, SLOOH's operators often chat with visitors in the SLOOH Chat Room. You can join them if you have AOL's Instant Messenger (AIM) software installed. This is an optional feature only. For details, you need to click the Chat button on the mission interface.

If you arrive early, the mission will start automatically at the scheduled time. If you arrive while the mission is running, you will join it in progress.

SLOOH also run a Users Group on on Yahoo so you can check out what people have to say about it.

Version 2 of SLOOH went live on March 18th, 2006. A year in the making, this version has been inspired its users' commitment to live astronomy. In addition to existing features, SLOOH 2 offers some bold and novel new elements

that will attract an even greater membership from around the globe.

SLOOH 2.0 is designed to empower its users (from over 60 countries) to share their enthusiasm for

astronomy with the greater public. Foremost among the changes is the new Member Channel, which enables members to broadcast their solo missions to the rest of the viewing membership. A new desktop alert system will also be introduced, which will notify members when special missions are lined up with a live host who will narrate specifically about the celestial object in view.

When you consider the price of buying a telescope comparable in size to those used at SLOOH against the low fees they charge, it's really a no-brainer. And, while it may be cloudy outside, where you live, the skies in the Canaries are virtually guaranteed to be clear. SLOOH can give you your skywatching fix, wherever in the world you live.

Gary Nugent recommends you check out the SLOOH review at http://www.nightskyobserver.com/Articles/SLOOH.php where you can also see photos of the SLOOH interface, the observatory and some sample images taken by the SLOOH telescopes.

Gary Nugent has been involved with astronomy as a hobby, either running astronomy clubs, publishing magazines or writing astronomy software for over 30 years. He runs one of the best-known astronomy and space news websites - the Night Sky Observer [http://www.nightskyobserver.com] which has been online since 1997.

The Universe in the Palm of Your Hands - Stargazing With Binoculars

Do you like the idea of exploring the universe from your own backyard? The truth is that you don't need a telescope to get started! Lots of people find that simply buying some astronomy binoculars will help you get the view of the heavens that you are after. When you are looking for telescope binoculars and if you are in a place where you want to really figure out what your options are, you'll find that there are a number of different options available to you. Check out some of the specifications that you can use to ensure that your astronomy binoculars are precisely what you are interested in.

Magnification

When you are looking at the magnifying power, you will see it given as two numbers, maybe something like 6 x 30 or 7 x 35. The first number is how many times the object that you are looking at is going to be magnified, while the second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. What sort of magnification do you need when you are thinking about doing some star gazing? While a higher magnification will let you cut through light pollution more effectively, remember that ti will also narrow your field of vision, making it much harder to figure out "where you are." Higher magnification will also heighten the movement of the stars. If you are working with hand-held astronomy binoculars, a magnification of 10 is usually the highest level recommended.

Objective Lens Diameter

The second number refers to how wide the lens is. The wider the lens, the more powerful the telescope binoculars' ability to gather light. It gives weight and bulk to the objects that you are seeing, and you'll find that this adds a very real, very 3D effect to objects you are seeing. This measurement is also known as the aperture, and the larger the aperture, the brighter the image is, and the better the resolution is.

Roof vs Porro Prism

The prism is essentially a triangular piece of light-reflecting glass that has polished edges. It serves to fold the path of the light and it flips the image so you don't see it upside down. The traditional prism that you will have available to you is the porro prism, which is shaped like a Z. It's great for astronomy, and it will reflect the path of the light three times. A roof prism model, on the other hand, is more compact, the path of the light is longer as it will fold four times. Like a porro prism is good for astronomy, a roof prism is preferable for things on the ground.

BaK-4 vs BK-7 Phase Coating

You should also have a look at what is used to coat your astronomy binoculars' prism. BK-7 refers to a coating made of boro-silicate glass, while BAK-4 uses barium crown glass. The latter is usually preferred for the purposes of star gazing is it has a higher density and because it reduces the amount of light scattering. Using BAK-4 phase coating gives you a sharper picture.

Take some time to figure out what handheld astronomy binoculars are best for you!

For more information on handheld astronomy binoculars, please visit Telescope Binoculars.

Stargazing and Planetgazing With Binoculars

For the newcomer to stargazing or indeed planet gazing, a good pair of binoculars are a major step up from scanning the skies with the unaided eye.

You will be able to develop your astronomical ability by looking at stars, viewing planets and locating constellations before going to the relative expense of purchasing a telescope.

There are many benefits to using binoculars for stargazing.

* The cost, good binoculars can be a lot less expensive than a telescope

* They are much easier to handle and use for a less experienced skywatcher. They are smaller, lighter and don't require any setting up.

* Binoculars provide a much larger field of view than the vast majority of telescopes. This makes finding objects easier. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by the beginner.

* Locating constellations, and observing comets is much easier with binoculars, as you can scan a lot of the sky quickly.

* Binoculars have lots of other uses and so you will get value from your purchase.

As well as your binoculars you will also need an astronomy sky chart to help you find your way around the skies.

A red flashlight is also handy. This allows you to look at your charts or any books you may have with out ruining your night vision. If you can't purchase a red torch, just cover a normal white light torch with red cellophane.

If you have developed your sky watching skills with your unaided eyes, you will find it a lot easier to pick things out using binoculars. Planet gazing will be within reach with binoculars too.

A visit to your local library will be very beneficial. Try to find a book that will show what a certain planet or object will look through binoculars.

Also remember that when going out on a clear night for a spot of sky watching that the temperature can soon drop. So always wrap up warm.

If you have decided to use a large pair of binoculars, you may find a tripod with a binocular mount a great help.

It isn't much fun finding a planet or constellation and then having the views ruined by your trembling hands.

A notebook is another good thing to carry. You can the write down and make notes about the things you have seen.

As with all things, the internet is absolutely fantastic for finding information about astronomy, and a quick Google will yield enough results and reading material to feed your hungry brain for a long time.

But even if your interest in astronomy only runs to learning the names of the stars in the sky,

a nice, small and compact pair of binoculars make stargazing and planet viewing more interesting.

Take a look at my binocular discount centre below and happy viewing.

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Stargazer - Evernight Book 2 by Claudia Gray

Fans of Stephenie Meyer and P.C. Cast will enjoy Stargazer, the second book in Claudia Gray's young adult series. The gothic vampire romance has a likable cast and Gray deftly portrays teenage angst in the heroine as she tells the story in first person. It brings some cleverly plotted twists to a genre that seems flooded with teenage vampires.

Summer is over and sixteen year old Bianca returns to Evernight Academy where her parents are professors. Not yet a full vampire she doesn't fit in with the humans or the vampire students at the gothic boarding school. In the previous book she fell in love with another outcast, Lucas, who turned out to be a vampire hunter. When the truth about his identity was revealed, he fled the school. Now he and Bianca meet secretly. She will do anything to see him again, even if it puts her in danger from the Black Cross, a group of vampire hunters.

In Stargazer the plot thickens and the story is more engrossing than it was in book one. Bianca is becoming stronger and it's only a matter of time before she becomes a full-blooded vampire. All the characters are more developed and new revelations raise the stakes. A love triangle develops between Bianca, Lucas and Balthazar. Which one will she choose? Ghostly wraith hauntings are aimed at Bianca and her parents have been keeping secrets from her. There are enough loose threads to make me eager to read book three of this darkly entertaining series.

Reading Level: Young Adult

Publisher: HarperTeen; 1 edition (March 24, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0-06-128440-3

Hardcover: 336 Pages

Price: $16.99

Gail Pruszkowski reviews for "Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the "Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.

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Stargazing Through an Online Telescope

In today's modern hi-tech world, we are able to converse with people half way around the world with a click of the computer mouse. The Internet has opened up a whole new world of information and communication. Well, the field of astronomy is no exception and has ushered in a new way of viewing the heavens - through an online telescope.

Online telescope viewing is relatively new, but can be a real benefit to those who do not own a telescope, or a telescope with photographic capabilities, and have a real interest in stargazing. Through the comforts of our own homes, we can now capture, view and study images that are obtained through observatories of celestial bodies throughout the cosmos. The Internet has provided us the opportunity to view new worlds beyond our own by accessing an online telescope.

How Does an Online Telescope Work?

The process of using an online telescope for viewing the stars and planets is relatively easy once you understand what information is required. You first will need to coordinate the viewing times and dates. Participating observatories will coordinate your request, generally initiated through an email from you, and schedule the event. You should receive an email back from the observatory confirming the subject sighting, date and time.

The online telescope camera will record the viewing of the requested location or object and post them at a particular website address. You will be notified via email of the location to view your pictures. Usually, you can just simply click on the imbedded link in the email and you will be sent to the viewing page for detailed photos provided by the camera of the online telescope.

Just having access to some of the top observatories' telescopes for your own personal stargazing needs is incredible. The only thing better than viewing the universe through the online telescope images would be to have your own live online telescope. Unfortunately, this option would cost millions of dollars and, for most of us, exceed our stargazing budgets.

Different Online Telescope Viewing Options

When you make your request to the observatory, you can ask that the online telescope be utilized in a few different ways:

Specify Certain Astronomical Coordinates

The first viewing method will be specific to certain coordinates. The coordinates may correspond to the position of a specific star, planet, solar system, etc. If you are confused about the specific coordinates to provide the online telescope observatory, catalogs are available of the celestial bodies and their respective locations.

Request a Specific Planet, Star, or System

Another method that might be slightly easier is to request a specific star or planet be photographed by the online telescope. The observatory can also provide a more general image of larger areas of space. In addition, the participating observatory may grant requests for the use of different colored filters for your images.

If you are an amateur astronomer and want to experience the power and quality of a multi-million dollar piece of astronomy equipment, go to the Internet and search for 'online telescope' or 'camera online telescope'. There you will find participating observatories that are willing to open up the universe to you through their telescope's exceptional images of the cosmos!

Bill Wilson is a researcher and writer for online publications. To learn more about online telescope viewing, visit http://www.a1-telescopes.com where you will find tips on how to use an online telescope service for your astronomy needs.

Backyard Astronomy - Gazing Into The Past

Astronomy continues to be one of the more popular hobbies. One of the major reasons is because you can stargaze just about anywhere. Although country settings away from city lights are best, everyone can see the moon. And even though the closest star (after our sun), Alpha Centauri is over 4 light years away, can be seen easily with the naked eye.

While simple stargazing with the naked eye is great fun, using a telescope can be awe inspiring. The view of the heavens through even a small telescope is something that has to be experienced to be appreciated. Even though modern technology allows us to view the celestial realm with images on tv and through the internet, there is nothing quite like seeing it though a telescope.

Different Telescopes

There are basically three kinds of telescope. The refractor and reflector and catadioptric. The refractor telescope collects and bends light with a convex lense and eyepiece. This bending or refracting concentrates the light rays to a small focal point making things appear larger or brighter. The reflector telescope on the other hand, as its name suggests, reflects light from a convex mirror in the back of the telescope to another mirror in the front and finally to the eyepiece. The convex shape of the mirrors "scoop up" and concentrate the light to a focal point thereby magnifying an object. Caution: Objects in a telescope appear closer than they really are!

The third type, called Catadioptric, combines features from both reflecting and refracting telescopes.

Which one is best? For image quality and portability, my choice is the catadioptric. It's easily transported and has the best features of both the reflector and refractor telescopes. Because of the design, catadioptric telescopes are almost completely free of the coma found in reflectors and the chromatic aberration in refractors. Chromatic aberration is the distortion of color due to a lenses inability to bring various colors in the light into focus. Coma is the distortion of an object at the edge of your field of view.

Convenience is another factor to consider. If you have to transport your telescope as I do you'll appreciate the catadioptric's compact size, light weight and how easy it is to set up and take down.

Travel Through Time

We all know light travels at an unimaginable speed of 186,000 miles per second. Even our sun's light takes about 8 minutes to reach us once it's left the surface. Now think about our closest neighbor, Alpha Centauri. It's over 4 light years away so the light from its' surface began its' journey over 4 years ago. We are actually seeing it as it was more than 4 years in the past. In a very real sense we are looking back in time. Think back to what you were doing 4 years ago. Whatever it was, while you were doing it, light eminated from the surface of Alpha Centauri and came screaming along at 186,000 miles per second on the long journey toward earth, arriving here just a few minutes ago. Alpha Centauri is actually part of a star system. 3 separate stars, Alpha Centauri A and B form a binary while Alpha Centauri C is 13,000 Astronomical Units (AU) away. This is part of the reason it's easily seen with the naked eye, you are actually looking at 3 stars instead of 1.

Closer To Home

One need not look outside our own solar system to find amazing sites in the night sky. The moon may look smooth when seen with the naked eye but train a telescope on it and prepared to be wowed. The level of detail will depend on your telescope but the craters and jagged mountains are clearly visible. The best viewing, in my opinion is when the moon is in a crescent stage as the shadow created by the earth allows for much more detail to be seen. I saw the moon for the first time through a telescope years ago. I watched as it slowly drifted past my field of view and could almost feel its' movement. Of course I knew it moved along its' orbit around the earth but to actually see it moving was an incredible experience.

Saturn, probably the most fun to observe because of the rings, makes for spectacular stargazing. Depending on the time of year, the rings of Saturn are visible and to this observer, quite breathtaking. While I couldn't discern any colors or variations in the rings, they appear quite distinctly from the planet itself, something I'd seen only in books prior to that.

Stand on the shores of any ocean on earth and get a sense of the sheer enormity of it. Then realize that it's not even a drop in a bucket by comparison to the size of the sky it sits beneath. Looking up at the stars at night makes you realize just how massive everything really is. There is no number that can truly measure or even estimate its' size or dimensions. The only thing that can even remotely compare to the wonder of space is the imagination of those who view it.

Ron Berry is a freelance journalist who writes for Essay Street Article Directory and operates ScopeDoggie.com - The universal choice for telescopes online.

Professor Haro and His Passion For Stargazing

Indeed, the passion of a man can change the course of history in whatever field he is in. This is proven by the story of the renowned Mexican astrologist, Professor Guillermo Haro who have made great contributions in the development of astronomical research and studies in his country; and whose influence in the same field, continues to this very day.

Even if he studied and graduated in Philosophy, Guillermo Haro's interest was more inclined to that of stargazing. So after his Philosophy studies in the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), pursued his passion for astronomy and astrology. His love for the craft was intensified when he was hired as an assistant at the Observatory of Tonantzintla in 1943. It opened an opportunity for him to fulfill his passion for stargazing because of the available equipments he could use then.

He went to the United States in 1943 and worked as a scholar at the Harvard College Observatory until the end of the year 1944. After his training at the Harvard Observatory, he decided to return to Mexico in 1945. Due to his furthered knowledge and training in Astronomy and his good records, he was rehired at the Observatory of Tonantzinla. Armed with a 24-31 inch Schmidt camera, Haro made his most famous discovery (the same discovery made by George Herbig). The now known as Herbig-Haro objects was detected by Professor Haro during his stay at the said observatory. These objects are high density clouds which are actually non-stellar condensations near regions where a recent star formation happened. His other discoveries and studies include the detection of flare stars found in the region of the Orion nebula, studies on extremely red and extremely blue stars, and many other astronomical documents.

Because of his life's works, Professor Haro received numerous recognitions and was granted many awards during his lifetime. In his honor, an observatory found in Sonora Mexico is named after him.

Time Management Strategy - Stargazing Got You Procrastinating?

This time management strategy is for those of you who procrastinate because you're stargazers. As a stargazer you'd rather think about doing something than actually just doing it. The problem is that nothing ever happens until you take action, so the longer you stargaze about what could be the more you prolong not getting the possible.

There isn't anything wrong with stargazing, in fact it can help you to formulate great thoughts. A time management strategy that will allow you to have the joy of stargazing plus help you to get things done is to establish a clear objective. What is the ultimate result you want? The more clearly you know the desired output the easier it will be for you to move to action.

There's a time and place for everything. Do your stargazing or day dreaming during your leisure time rather than during your productive time. Use your leisure time to really gain in depth clarity about the exact output you want from completing a specific project or goal.

As with any time management strategy you need to set a deadline for action. Notice I didn't say a deadline for completion, but rather a deadline for action. Once you've gotten complete clarity on the output you'll want to break it down into all the necessary action steps. Then set your deadline for when you will start and commit to consistently working through each action item until the whole project is finished.

The fact that you are a stargazer makes you better prepared to think big picture than many others. You know from previous experience and time management strategies that the devil is in the details. That's why it's so important for you to get the full picture and then work out all the necessary details, so when it's time for action you'll be ready to steam roll right through each and every step.

Now you understand how this time management strategy will help you to turn what you may have thought was a weakness into a strength. One of the best and quickest ways to succeed at anything is to build on your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Allow yourself to think big with your stargazing and then bring your thoughts down into the details and you will enjoy both the pleasure of your dreaming and the satisfaction of getting things done.

Would you like to learn more about your time behaviors? Try this Time Management Analysis and find out where your opportunities for improvement are.

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Astronomy Village - The Astronomers' Mecca

Sharon, the State of Georgia

The most important rule at this remote vacation spot is simple: no white light. Even a sliver of the pupil-contracting rays coming from the window of a cabin at Deerlick Astronomy Village could ruin a neighbor's view of the Milky Way. The 39 hectares village situated in the outskirts of Taliaferro County in Georgia s designed for amateur stargazers looking for total darkness and wide-open spaces to build weekend homes.

"It's like a lake house for geeks," said Chris Hetlage, co-founder of the village, as he tromped through the darkness toward his observatory. He believes that such type of rest has a bright future. There are only two other similar communities nationwide - one in Florida and one in Arizona - and he said the demand for dark skies is soaring as suburban sprawl produces more light pollution.

Star lovers have snatched up all of the 17 plots less than two years ago. The business plan aimed for those plots to sell in seven years.

The grassy field lined with trees holds six homes and nine observatories, which look like tiny cabins with retractable roofs.

Next to the houses is a 4-hectare hilltop observation field where stargazers who don't want to buy property can pitch a tent and scan the sky for free. The field is the new home of the Atlanta Astronomy Club's telescope and the 300-member group's annual stargazing festival.

All those who live here are very careful with the white light; houses emit only soft red light. Windows must be lined with light-blocking materials to prevent rays from escaping.

Drivers can only use their parking lights at night. Star gazers who wander about the property after dark use flashlights with red bulbs.

Five years ago, Hetlage and friend Donovan Conrad began hunting for small plots of land where they could build their personal observatories. The two are amateur astrophotographers who take hundreds of frames with high-powered cameras attached to telescopes and layer them on a computer to create images of galaxies 10,000 light years away.

On finding an appropriate place, they bought the surrounding lands and decided to build an astronomy village here. They named the village Deerlick after a cluster of galaxies called the Deer Lick Group.

The first few years these two men accompanied by a small group of initiators spend all their spare time here, clearing the land for the development, installing electrical equipment and water-supply. Conrad resorted to the help of three his sons whom he also moved here.

"The place is visited by remarkable people, the sky is wonderful here", says Dave Lasco who visits his observatory three to four times a year. "It's just a unique community".

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel Services site is http://www.travelime.com

Stargaze From a High Altitude at the Mauna Kea Observatory

At a remarkable 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island is one of the best places in the world to stargaze. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain the world today when measured from the seabed and at 33,000 feet is in fact taller than Mount Everest. It is home to a 500 square mile area of astronomical research facilities known as the Astronomy Zone, which was established in 1967. There are twelve telescopes around the summit and more than a few different nations sponsor telescopes at Mauna Kea Observatory, including the USA, UK and Japan.

What makes the locality of Mauna Kea Observatory all the more ideal for stargazing, as well as its height, is the mixture of high altitude, clean air and lack of light providing perfect conditions for this activity. Many international observatories can be found on Mauna Kea including the W.M. Keck Observatory on its summit, which is home to the twin Keck Telescopes, the world's biggest optical and infrared telescopes. The Onizuka Centre for International Astronomy Visitor Information Centre gives guided tours and visitors can learn about Mauna Kea.

Hawaii may see an growing number of British amateur astronomers this year as The International Year of Astronomy, which took place during 2009, is thought to have kick started a wave of curiosity among people with no formal scientific education. Many will be headed to Mauna Kea Observatory, known as one of the places on earth which are a must see place for stargazers. For most, their target will be the visitor centre positioned at 2775 m above sea level. The actual observatory itself is at such a high altitude that the scientists who work there have to stay for 8 hours or more at Hale Pohaku first, in order to adapt themselves for the altitude change.

Like all the mountains of Hawaii and certainly the islands themselves, Mauna Kea is volcanic. The volcano on which Mauna Kea Observatory is located is still designated as active and last erupted in 1984 even as Kilauea Volcano, the world's most active volcano, has been erupting for more than 25 years and is a wonder to observe. The volcano, the name of which means "much spewing", can be experienced in all its strength as its lava spills into the Pacific Ocean. The Volcanoes National Park offers hikers a variety of exceptional walks including Waipio Valley, the "Valley of the Kings" so there are many reasons to visit the area and stay a while during times when key astronomical events are expected.

The destination offers an all round tourist experience. The natural beauty of the place and the wildlife is truly out of this world, while Hawaii's Big Island is also known as the Healing Island, a place where a strong tradition of wellness combines with the aloha spirit to nurture the soul. The island is famous for its spa offerings where tropical fruits, indigenous nuts, spices, oils and flowers are used. There is a excellent range of facilities to enjoy these treatments including large resorts, shoreline sanctuaries and peaceful retreats.

Stargazing at the Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island is an unforgettable experience. Thomas Cook offers a 14 night stay with flights staying at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort on the Big Island from ?1,899 per person, from 1st May - 30th June 2010. Visit http://www.tcsignature.com for more information.

Stargazing With a Laser Pointer

During a clear night sky, stargazing can be the best past time that we can do before we go to sleep. It can even be more fun if we are with our loved ones or our friends looking at the stars and watching them glitter. Watching meteorites during a meteor shower can also be exciting especially when we have prepared our wishes for the falling stars.

Stargazing has been a hobby to many especially to those who are fascinated with space and heavenly bodies. Just like the astronomers, we have the privilege to watch the world beyond us by looking at the night sky. Astronomers use powerful telescope to observe the night sky and we can also bring our own telescopes or binoculars to have a closer look at the heavenly bodies that we are observing.

To make the stargazing even more fun, we can plan for a stargazing party with friends or people that are close to us. We can bring in some snacks that we can nibble while doing the sky observation. Aside from that we can also use a powerful laser pointer to help us in pointing at the stars.

A laser pointer is so powerful that it can stretch up to 80 miles. This has become an ideal instrument not only for stargazers but also to the astronomers themselves. The green laser pointer is the most visible color among the available colors which include red, violet, blue, and yellow. At present, anyone can own these powerful laser pointers because they can be ordered online from trusted retailers. The green laser pointer has become the fastest selling model which leads to the growing number of manufacturers of this laser color. Before you purchase, you have to be more careful with the brand because you might not get the best. To get the best, you have to check on the feedback of the customers and see if they are impressed with what the product can truly offer.

Dolphen Raigen, an internet marketer and seo specialist. She loves to used laser pointer by Techlasers as her tool in presenting her projects. Those cool gadgets like green laser pointer can be found at Techlasers.com.

The Great Indian Meditation Method - Stargazer Style

The Indian Method of meditation is really just a technique for beginners to get started and experience some small result immediately. It is intended to spark interest in those who have trouble and to discourage giving up on meditation practices. It is proactive and yeah active it is. There are some small considerations for safety concerns but they are really common sense and easily comprehensive.

Here it is, my favorite past Time growing up was Gazing up at the galaxy of stars in the nights sky. I always wondered what the stars where thinking and if they could share communication between each other. You never know? Well, at least it doesn't hurt to imagine.

The method is really pretty simple actually. You just go out into a field of tall grass or wheat,You will want something soft to fall down on ground. Stare at the stars above and start slowly spinning around in circles while doing it. Then when you are comfortable enough slowly do your best to walk in a circle while spinning is a circle. There are some people that are very good at this process.

It is called Circumambulation To spin in a circle whilst spinning in a circle. Same as a planet does when revolving around the sun. Many cultures from around the globe do this and it is an art form. Some experienced at it can propel themselves very high into the air. It is a dance, and symbolic act representation of the Universe and the act of nature.

When your spinning and staring at the stars you will get dizzy quick the trick here is to try to prolong this as long as possible you want maximum dizzy-ness build up. Well, once you are at top speed and have done all you can just stop. For me it is almost always falling to the ground in relative exhaustion and too dizzy to stand. Then just relax and enjoy the view.

Needless to say the stars will not stop spinning. Your physical eye will continue to send them spinning round and round at a very high or fast rate. It will slowly subside. Just take note of all of this and what you are experiencing. It can be fun but it can be a wise decision to have someone with you for safety reasons. Just in case you never know. Always better safe than sorry. Good luck and have fun.:O)

There you have it, the great Indian Stargazing Meditation Method. For meditation help and all things mystical, metaphysical, And Spiritual.

A Residential Skylight is Great For Stargazers

A residential skylight is a great way to add light to an otherwise dark area. Not only that, but the added light does not add anything to your electrical bill. These lights are installed in your roof. Usually professionals install them as well. It is very important that the window be properly sealed so that water does not seep in. Some people like them so much that they have several installed in their home.

If you are a stargazer, installing a residential skylight in your bedroom is a wonderful idea, especially if you can lie in bed at night and gaze out at the stars. Another benefit of these roof windows is that they can be opened to allow fresh air to filter through your room. This is especially nice after a long winter.

There are several different shapes and styles of residential skylights available. The flat style is the most common one used today. They are usually rectangle or square in shape. They can be set in place without the option to open, or they can be setup to open from the inside, whichever you want. There are skylights that are round or dome shaped as well. The pyramid style obviously resembles a pyramid and extends out of the roof of the home.

Before you purchase a residential skylight, it is important to know exactly what you want and where you want it. If installed properly and in the right location they can make your home look very stylish. Cleaning your skylight is not too difficult on the inside. However, keep in mind that cleaning it on the outside requires someone to climb onto the roof.

Remember that one of the main benefits of a residential skylight is that it reduces the amount of artificial light that you will need to use in that particular room. Homeowners have them installed in bedrooms, bathrooms and even in kitchens in single floor homes. The window itself can be made of glass or plastic. Research the positives and negatives of each material before making a final decision.

Our site contains information for all your lighting needs including solar yard lighting along with residential skylights
by D. Karlson

Stargaze in Style With a Celestron Telescope

Why a Celestron Telescope is Right for You

Many people are fascinated with the night sky and dream of going to space but for most people, the closest they will get to their dream is by looking through a telescope. The best telescope you can find is a Celestron telescope. This telescope has been in production since the 1950s.  Celestron is known for the quality telescopes it makes. Celestron telescopes are good enough for even professional astronomers.

Celestron telescopes offer base models for as little as $100 as well as professional quality telescopes that can be controlled by a computer for as much as $2000. You can find a Celestron telescope to fit your budget that will allow you to explore the night sky and have fun doing it. A 500mm Celestron telescope with a lens size of 80mm will allow you to see bright images from the sky. The Celestron ExploraScope80 is easy to use because it has a portable stand or you can wear it around your neck.

One of Celestron's great models is the FirstScope. This Celestron telesscope is inexpensive but offers great quality viewing and is perfect for the novice astronomer. It can be used during the day or at night so it has many different potential uses. Celestron telescopes come standard with glass optical and a high quality stand to keep the telescope steady during use.

Computerized Telescopes

Celestron offers a very technologically advanced telescope, the NexStar model, which allows you to program in the specific time to view an object in the night sky and you will have a great view of the aligned stars. You can use the star pointer to automatically find any of the millions of stars in the night sky. These amazing telescopes cost around $400.

The more advanced model of the NexStar telescope has even more features. The NexStar8 SE version of this telescope has a focal length over 2000 and has the best views you can get of the night sky. You can set it up easily by entering all the objects in the sky you are interested in and it will take you to them for viewing automatically by simply telling the computer which one you want to see. These Celestron telescopes are available for between $600 and $1600 and the price depends on the features.

Celestron telescopes are available for all skill levels and in a variety of price ranges but all Celestron products are high quality telescopes that will provide years and years of fun and learning. You can work your way up from a beginner's telescope to a more advanced model as you study astronomy.

If you are looking to take your astronomy to the next level and learn more about Celestron telescopes drop by TelescopesCafe.com

Ski in Colorado - Stargazing in the Rocky Mountains

If you Ski, Snowboard or just enjoy watching those that do, then booking a Colorado Ski Package is a perfect option for you. Colorado offers some of the best slopes and resorts in the US. Telluride, Aspen and Vail are the most recognizable names no matter where you go. These resorts have everything from Black Diamond to beginner slopes and offer some of the best accommodations available.

The views from the gondola are magnificent. The glow of lights shining off the fresh snow at night can transports you even further into the winter wonderland.

Booking a Colorado ski package isn't only great for the skiers and snowboarders but non-skiers have an abundance of activities to choose from too. For those who hope to someday see their favorite actor or actress, their dream could come true in any of these resort towns. Many Celebrities own homes in these towns and the best time for stargazing is when the slopes are at their best. Sleigh rides, ice skating and sledding can round out any family adventure. Shopping is another past time that is to be enjoyed. Chanel, Prada, and Gucci are available as well as the more affordable fashions that are the current trend.

Ski competitions take place throughout the winter on the Colorado slopes. The Winter X-games area a huge event that the avid skier doesn't want to miss. Just remember to book early to get the accommodations you desire.

Packages can include round trip airfare, condo, or hotel accommodations, lift tickets, and event tickets. Flights into the area are increased during the ski season to accommodate the ski resorts so getting there is not a problem.

The atmosphere at any of these Colorado ski resort towns is good for a family or for someone looking for a great vacation with a nightlife to go with it. Enjoy some of the best scenery as well as the best ski conditions anywhere.

Myloer is a hobby writer who usually updates his blogs every day and writes about all kinds of topics. His latest project is about Key West vacation-packages and you can also read his articles about Alaska vacation packages by following the links.

September Stargazing - The Archer the Scorpion the Serpent Bearer

September Skies offer some good opportunities for deep sky observing, especially here in the dry season skies of the NT in northern Australia. Wait till the skies are clear and moonless and you can seek out the same delights of the night sky.

Globular Clusters -

Prominent in the early evening in the southern sky (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere), and at or close to the zenith if you are in the far southern hemisphere, is the Constellation Sagittarius (The Archer), better know as "The Teapot". Once you have picked it out in the night sky you will see the familiar teapot shape easily and certainly much easier than you will see an Archer ! This constellation and the adjacent constellations of of Ophiuchus (the serpent bearer) and Scorpius (the Scorpion) are rich in deep sky delights, especially globular clusters. The most prominent of these being the Messier Cataloged M4, M28, M22 and M55 just to name a few of the brighter ones.

What's A Messier Catalog? -

Well it goes like this: Well known Comet hunter Charles Messier of 18th Century France, needed to catalog objects that could be confused with comets in the small telescopes of the day. So he identified the brightest 100 or so objects in the night sky (from Paris) these became M1 to M110, with the last few being added by his colleagues after is passing. So the upshot for us in the 21st century is that we now have a simple list of Galaxies, Nebulas, Star Clusters and more, that are quite delightful when viewed thought Amateur Telescopes using optics that good old Charles could only dream of in the 1700's. For those of us in the southern Hemisphere the catalog has some very obvious gaps, with many delights of deep space seen from here being bigger and brighter than 3/4 of the objects in the Messier list ! (They will be the subject of a future article)

Beyond Globular Clusters -

Of course the delights of deep space to be seen here are not limited to Globular Clusters though, with the Lagoon Nebula (M8), the Trifid Nebula (M20), the Eagle Nebula (M16) and the Sagittarius star cloud (M24) are surely in the top 20 of all deep sky objects.

So how do you find & see these these amazing deep space delights?

If you are just starting out in the richly rewarding pursuit of Astronomy & Space Science, or even if you have been at it for a while, why not visit http://www.nightskysecrets.com and download your free copy of my Audio "Master the hidden secrets of the night sky". In this Audio you will find the tools you need to allow you to find the deep sky wonders written about in this article.

Ian Maclean - Astronomy Author and Presenter
Homepage: nightskysecrets.com
Blogpage: http://www.askthescienceguru.com

Materialism or Spirit

"If you begin to watch your life from the perspective of the Stargazer, you'll find that simple materialism is pitifully inadequate to describe your own experience." Martha Beck

The Stargazer is a name Martha uses to describe the deep part of ourself that holds the knowledge of our destiny, or North Star. It can't be grasped by the intellect. Finding our Stargazer and remaining grounded in it can be a challenge. I know what gets me there, as I suspect you do, but I tend to take a laissez-faire approach, letting my Stargazer appear randomly rather than self-initiating. Paying more attention to my spontaneous voice within makes a significant difference in my life nowadays though. I always feel happier when I follow it's direction. At times the message is to begin something new, other times it tells me to stop what I'm doing and refocus. For example, yesterday, I was 'told' to cut greenery in the garden for my studio. I always know I'm on the right track when I get that excited feeling, the sense that what I'm creating is just perfect for me in that moment.

The abundance and vibrancy of India had a profound effect on me on my recent trip...from the bright colours to the residents and fellow travellers we encountered, to the dirt, dust and poverty. What impacted me above all were not the material things but the connections I made with people, animals and nature. After waiting 30 years to visit India I embraced it with an openness that made me receptive to all it had to offer. During every stage of our trip my partner and I attracted people and circumstances that fed our spirits. The splendour of the Himalayas, the cycle of life & death in Varanasi, the abandoned babies in Delhi's Paharganj district, the disenfranchised Tibetans, the red sands of southern Kerala and the gentle groundedness of the elephants...these are the things that inspired me and changed me.

What was reinforced deeply for me in India was the theme of spiritual interconnectedness. Our hearts open and our spirit soars when given the right opportunities. I've realized that my daily interactions with friends, family and clients now that I'm back home seem different. I feel that I've been able to bring that feeling of connectedness back with me.

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love says that we have access to God through the "thin places" and that we need stillness each day to find those sacred moments. The thin places are different for each of us. For some it may be nature, for others meditation, for others closeness with friends and family and for yet others creating beauty through an artistic endeavour. Marianne Williamson, one of my favourite authors calls this process "a spiritual stillness that takes root in our souls."

I hope you find your "spiritual stillness".

Copyright 2008 Ellen Besso

Through her 'Odyssey of Change' coaching program, Ellen Besso offers Midlife Women the opportunity to navigate the midlife maze and find joy & fullness in their lives.

Personal action plans include strengthening the body-mind connection; releasing beliefs that limit growth; & specific actions to move you forward into your ideal life.

Ellen is uniquely qualified to be your guide because she has personally journeyed through perimenopause and into an inspired life as a menopausal crone! Her professional credentials include certification as a Martha Beck Coach and an M.A. in Counselling from City University.

To find out more about Ellen's work and read articles written by her contact:
http://www.ellenbesso.com or ellenbesso.com/midlifemaze
info@ellenbesso.com 800 961 1364 - N.Am. or
604 886 1916 - Gibsons, BC

An Introduction to Astronomy and Stargazing

Mankind has always been fascinated with the heavens since time immemorial. Stargazing was not just a pastime on lovely nights. People navigated the seas and crossed continents with stars as their guide. They even thought the constellations charted their fates. But that was before the giant leap from astrology to astronomy.

Astronomy literally means 'law of the stars,' from the Greek words 'astron' (star) and 'nomos' (law), but astronomers would rather accurately define it as the 'scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation), and is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.'

However long-winded Wikipedia's definition seems, don't let it tick you off. There's more to astronomy than theories, calculations, and tedious observations. One thing's certain though: astronomy is not for jocks.

Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, was controversial in that it challenged long-held religious perceptions. Copernicus and Galileo Galilei paid dearly for holding on to their correct observations of the solar system - that the Earth revolved around the Sun, not the other way around, as the Catholic Church used to insist. Ancient civilizations recorded heavenly phenomena, albeit propped by superstitious underpinnings.

The invention of the telescope, however, provided the significant impetus for the transformation of celestial observations into a veritable science. 'Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy, the making of calendars, and even astrology,' Wiki says, 'but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.'

Today, professional astronomy is focused on either observation or theory. Observational astronomy acquires and analyzes data using basic principles of physics, while theoretical astronomy is mainly concerned with analytical models to describe objects and phenomena in space. These two branches, of course, complement each other.

However, don't get the impression that you need a Ph.D. in astrophysics to get suitably curious with the fascinating display of stars on a clear moonless night. Amateur astronomers have made many important astronomical discoveries. In fact, astronomical societies encourage the involvement of amateur observers, the sky being too wide for just professional astronomers to cover.

So start stargazing and don't just memorize the constellations. You can buy or make your own amateur telescope and watch the sky. To paraphrase the late Carl Saga: in the vastness of the universe and the immensity of time, it is an honor to share a planet, an epoch and a 'hobby' with Galileo Galilei.

Be reacquainted with the stars and the galaxy. It's a great way to find a connection with the world. For more information you can check this site: http://www.euso-mission.org/

If you want to look at them closely and be inspired with its majesty, learn more about the night sky with telescopes on this site: http://www.euso-mission.org/What_is_a_telescope.html

Astronomy, Star Gazing, and Green Laser Pointers

There is nothing more frustrating in astronomy that than unsuccessfully trying to identifying an object in the night sky to a companion by waving your arms, pointing fingers, describing and gestulating. An elegant, simple and very effective solution to this problem is to use green lasers pointers to point out objects in the sky.

Green laser pointers are high technology gadgets that are becoming more and more popular in astronomy. Not only are green laser pointers ideal for pointing out celestial objects, they are also very useful for aligning telescopes and for atrophotography.

Why green laser pointers

Green laser pointers are the preferred laser pointer color for astronomy because green is the most visible laser pointer color. The reason why green is more visible is the human eye is most sensitive to green light. The other reason is the effect of light in the earth's atmosphere. Light is visible in the sky when the atmosphere scatters it and higher wavelengths are scattered more than higher wavelengths. Green is a medium wavelength so it scatters more and is more visible than longer wavelengths such as red.

Other applications

Using green laser pointers to point out celestial object to people next to you is not the only application for laser pointers in astronomy. A green laser pointer can also be mounted on a telescope using a bracket or by holding the laser by hand in the groove parallel to the telescopes optical axis. The green laser pointer beam clearly shows where the telescope is pointing and the object being viewed through the telescope.

A green laser pointer mounted on a telescope can also makes aligning the telescope to a celestial object much faster and easier.

How powerful should the laser pointer be?

Green laser pointers can range in power levels from 1mW all the way to 200mW so deciding which power level to use can be tricky. The points to consider when choosing the power level for an astronomy laser are

-The number of people star gazing with you. If it is just one person, a low power such as 5mW will be suitable. If you are stargazing with a large group of people who will not be standing next to you, the laser needs to be more visible so a high power level such as 100mW would be suitable.

-The level of ambient light. If you are stargazing at dawn/dusk, during a full moon or in built up areas where there is a lot of light pollution, a low powered beam such as 5mW would be harder to see. You would generally need at least 50mW or more in this kind of situation.

Higher powered laser pointers are not always better because any glare from them can easily ruin your night vision and can provide a distraction. Many stargazing nights have been ruined when people have been paying more attention to the new and exotic high power laser used to point out objects than the actual objects themselves.

Caution

Deliberately pointing a laser at aircraft is a very serious offence in every country so avoid star gazing near airports and do not use a laser when there is an aircraft in the section of the sky being viewed.

Article is courtesy of Dragonlasers - No 1 lasers, laser pointer and green laser online store.

Frank is from Dragonlasers at http://www.dragonlasers.com

Why a Telescope Mount is a Necessity for Stargazing

If you have ever tried looking through a telescope without a telescope mount to steady your equipment, you understand the difficulty of focusing on a set object in the night skies. Compound that problem with a heavenly body that is actually moving across the sky and you realize that it is almost impossible to track this object. There is no doubt, stability of your telescope is key to enjoyable stargazing.

Purpose of a Telescope Mount

A telescope mount provides a stable platform for your telescope, whether it is a refracting telescope, reflecting telescope, Dobsonian telescope, or catadiotric telescope. A telescope mount will ensure that your viewing of a celestial body is not interrupted by unexpected movement. It also determines how you will position your body relative to the telescope to view the night's sky, determining how comfortable you will be over any extended period of stargazing.

Types of Telescope Mounts

Altazimuth telescope mounts are generally used on a Dobsonian type telescope. These telescopes look like a large canister and are mounted on a chassis that provides limited mounting capabilities. With this type of mount, the telescope can be adjusted in up and down or left and right positions. This range of movement in a telescope mount is generally fine for the beginner and intermediate astronomer.

Equatorial mounts are more advanced and allow for greater movement to coincide with the movement of planet Earth. As good as this sounds, there is a level of skill required by the user. The user will need to understand the planet movement and be required to make minor adjustments to the telescope mount. This type of mount is usually reserved for higher quality telescopes, so it is really geared for the intermediate to advanced astronomer. However, with a little experience and practice, the mount could be used by most stargazers.

In this hi-tech era, computers have become an integral part of astronomy and are used to move and track heavenly bodies. Well, an advanced telescope mount, though expensive, is available that provides this kind of computer tracking and superior viewing options. This mount even facilitates the viewing through the computer monitor as well as the eyepiece, with a few clicks of your mouse moving the mount into position.

Choosing the Right Mount

In choosing the right mount, you must first determine what the intended use of the telescope is. Other considerations are the skill level and specific needs of the operator. Determining the type of terrain the mount will be used on will dictate the stability requirements. And, of course, your astronomy budget will play a major role in what type of telescope mount you will purchase.

Choose a mount that will allow for a comfortable body position for times of extended viewing. Nothing can ruin a stargazing experience faster than being required to contort your body in unnatural positions to get a satisfactory view of your desired object.

So, to choose the right telescope mount, take the time and effort to research the different brands of telescope mounts and the various quality levels available. Then, and only then, choose the one that best suits your needs and falls within your budget limits. It can make the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable stargazing experience and a cramped, short-lived outing.

Bill Wilson is a researcher and writer for online astronomy publications. If you would like to learn more about telescope mounts visit http://www.a1-telescopes.com where you will find tips on how to choose a telescope mount for easier and more rewarding stargazing.

Stargazing Best Part of Camping - Clear Sky, Campfire, Good Company Make Memorable Nights

One of our favorite things to do when camping is to gaze up at the night sky. This bit of stargazing is something most of us rarely have time to do in our busy lives, and the short trip from the driveway to the front door doesn't give much more than a glimpse of the stars above. It's only when were are outdoors, in a contemplative mood, that the stars seems so much closer.

One recent Sunday night, we decided to light a fire in our backyard and just enjoy the crisp fall evening. No, we weren't camping, but it was a much-too-perfect autumn night to sit indoors. With the temperature in the 50s, one hardly needed a jacket as the fire popped and sizzled, throwing off just the right amount of warmth. Overheard, the stars shone in a clear sky, dancing in the funnel of heat rising from the fire. I could pick out the Big Dipper overhead, and the three stars that form Orion's belt.

The warm house, the TV and computer -- not to mention dinner -- beckoned, but we were reluctant to leave the warmth of our fire ring on this beautiful fall evening. Our son poked at the fire with a stick and our teenage daughter had left her cell phone inside so that we had a nice family-style conversation. We didn't talk about anything in particular, but talk we did. I guess you could say it wasn't the subject that mattered, but the conversation.

We reminisced about some of the great nighttime skies we had seen. Most of us live surrounded by light pollution that doesn't really enable us to see the night sky. It's only when we're outdoors that we can really enjoy it. Once, camping at the beach, we had taken a midnight stroll and seen the Milky Way in the utter darkness at the edge of the sea. Another time, we stretched out by the campfire and watched a meteor shower. Nature's fireworks, a million miles away.

Finally, it was time for us to go in. The fire was down to red coals. But at least for a little while, we had chased away all those distractions and gotten to enjoy a true autumn sky together by the campfire.

Ian Fitzell is the editor of Camping Sky, a blog dedicated to upscale family camping. Visit http://campingsky.net

Choosing the Perfect Telescope Binoculars For Exceptional Stargazing

Astronomy or telescope binoculars are quite different than those used for, say bird watching. There is not a "best" pair of binoculars, such as those rated by reviewers, however it is very important that you choose the best pair of binoculars for your specific needs. Unlike telescopes, binoculars automatically provide you with right-side-up representations as well as providing you with a wider field of scrutiny. Of course portability of astronomy binoculars rather than a telescope makes them ideal for stargazing.

Aperture

When considering a pair of astronomy binoculars you should first understand aperture. Aperture deals with the sizes of the front part of the lens on the binoculars. The bigger the lens, the more light will be collected, and since many astronomical subjects are murky, increased light will allow you to see them much better.  You can tell what the aperture is when looking at binoculars since the numbers printed on the binoculars tell you exactly the aperture size.  Thus, when you see a pair of binoculars that proclaims that they are 7X50's means they have a 50mm size aperture.  25X100 size for handheld telescope binoculars would be more than ideal! Any binoculars larger than 25X100 will require a tripod, as they would be too cumbersome to be handheld. Aperture is also referred to as the objective lens diameter and is always the last number printed on the binoculars themselves.

Magnification

The first number printed on the binoculars tells you the magnification. For stargazing you should look for binoculars showing at least 7 times, but no more than 10 times, or again you'll need a tripod for ease of handling.

Exit Pupil

This refers to the width of the light beam that leaves or exits the eyepiece. Figuring this number is quite simple as you simply divide the aperture number by the magnification number.  Hence, a 10X50 pair of binoculars would have an exit pupil size of 5 mm.

Because the human eye's average pupil size at night, which is when you'll be using them, is over 7mm, in order for your telescope binoculars to be comfortable when using them you should look for at least a 7mm exit pupil.

Prisms

Binoculars use prisms inside them to make the objects being viewed right side up. There are two different kinds available-roof and Porro. Roof prisms are more compact and may exhibit dimmer images. They are also more expensive. Porro prisms, on the other hand, use differently shaped prisms, are lower priced, but tend to be heavier and bulkier. For telescope binoculars weight and bulk need to be traded off for brighter images.

Conclusion

This article should take much of the mystery out of buying astronomy binoculars. It is recommended that you purchase binoculars that you find comfortable to use for what you intend to use them for.

After you purchase your telescope binoculars enjoy not only the moon and its lunar mountains, but multiple stars, asteroids, comets, open star clusters, and wide binocular star fields.

For more information on astronomy and telescope binoculars, please feel free to visit Telescope Binoculars.

Stargazers and the Benefits of Using Telescope Binoculars

As far as astronomical instruments go, you would have heard of the telescope and binoculars along with perhaps a few variations. However, one of the newest products in stargazing is the telescope binocular; not two separate devices but one complete instrument. Though the device has the body of a pair of binoculars, it functions as a telescope.

The main difference between a normal telescope and this new piece of kit is the addition of another eyepiece in the latter. This causes less strain on the eyes and eliminates the need squint in order to view the sky.

You might wonder what the big deal is with this instrument and why you cannot simply use a pair of binoculars instead. The fact is that while standard binocs magnify objects to a great extent, telescope binoculars are more efficient when it comes to viewing the night sky.

With a regular telescope, viewing objects for long periods of time can stress the eyes and even cause headaches. To avoid these problems, telebins, as they are sometimes called, should be used. They have a longer focal length and a more refined lens and prism system for better adjustment in dim light conditions.

The telebins available today are sleeker, easier to use and more comfortable. They are designed to help you in your astronomical exploits and make it a more satisfying experience for you. Telescope binoculars provide you with the best of both the worlds since they combine benefits of the telescopes vision with a binoculars ease of use.

Not only are telescope binoculars structurally different, but they are also conceptually unique. Unlike a binocular, which has only a single lens eyepiece, telebins give you the freedom to change lenses. You are not just limited to using a particular lens offering a particular view; you can switch the eyepiece based on your needs.

Since these devices are made of heavy weight components, the units themselves are very heavy. They are also more elongated than normal binoculars to provide a longer focal length. This can make them difficult to hold, particularly for long periods. It is best to mount them on a tripod to avoid hand shake, which would be inevitable given their weight. This is why they often come with a tripod to provide the support you need and get the most enjoyment from your sky watching experiences.

This amazing piece of optical engineering also provides a variety of views. Since the magnification can be changed, they have varying Fields Of View (FOV). A different FOV allows you to use the telescope binoculars to watch a close range star or even the moon.

Before you buy, learn more about telescope binoculars and choose a pair that is right for you so that you will enjoy many astronomical experiences for years to come.

You can find the finest telescope binoculars for viewing your favorite constellations at TelescopeBinocularsReview. You will also find a wide range of astronomical binoculars to meet your stargazing needs. Check out the catalogue today.

How to Get Started in Astronomy

What does it take to become an astronomer? Well, curiosity is a requisite. It's what fuels you to look at the night sky, wondering about outer space, its objects and energies, how the universe began and the sheer magnificence of its lights and vastness.

If you want to make a career out of 'stargazing,' it may not be enough to just look skyward at night or name the constellations. Being an astronomer entails a lot of work, observations and academic studies, and one has to network with other astronomers and secure funds for equipment purchase and upkeep and other expenses.

But astronomy, which has gained steadily increasing popularity among 'stargazers' the world over, is not just for people with PhD's in planetary science or astrophysics. There are a watchful army of observers armed with simple telescopes, keeping their eyes on certain sections of the night sky.

Amateur astronomers have in fact made some contributions to astronomical studies. Gazers in Cebu, Philippines, for instance, have discovered the two more red spots on planet Jupiter.

To help you get started in astronomy, here are some things you need to have:

Telescope(s). You may try good reflectors, which are far cheaper to start with and provide better viewing. If you want, you can try out the popular telescopes from Meade, Orion, Bushnell and Celestron. These are the leading manufacturers of quality telescopes for astronomy amateurs. If you want to make your own telescope, simply find some do-it-yourself instructions on the web and purchase the parts.

Map. You can download stargazing maps from some websites. You can't just point your telescope at any direction without any clue of what you're looking at. The sky is too wide and you need a good telescope to locate certain heavenly objects accurately.

Astronomy book. Studying astronomy is a lot of headwork. Your observations must be guided by theories and information on astronomy. Although there is a multitude of astronomy books out there in the library, you may also surf the internet, or try "Turn Left at Orion," which also teaches you how to use your telescope.

Notebook. Jot down your observations, impressions and discoveries, be it on a paper notebook, a handheld gizmo or a computer.

The stars look good from way up there at night. They beckon. And astronomy needs more eyes checking the wide sky for - take your pick - stars, planets, systems, galaxies, comets, meteors, asteroids, near-earth objects, and a lot more. But first, you have to be curious enough.

For those who would like to learn more about astronomy and telescopes: types of telescope

When you need more information about commercially available telescopes, try searching for it here: celestron telescopes

Telescope or Telescope Binoculars - What's The Difference?

The basic difference between binoculars and telescope binoculars is their intended use. A pair of field binoculars is generally used for magnifying a set object that is relatively close and within a certain field of vision. However, telescope binoculars are made specifically for stargazing and possess a much larger focal length than traditional binoculars.

Why Use Telescope Binoculars vs Telescope

The truth is that a person can see more of the night's sky with a good pair of binoculars than an inexpensive telescope. And another thing, it can be easier to peer through telescope binoculars with both eyes open than through a telescope with one eye closed.

Viewing the stars and planets through a telescope for any length of time can certainly tire your eye muscles and actually cause focusing problems. As a matter of fact, there are more and more amateur astronomers looking into the benefits of telescope binoculars because of the ease of use. These stargazing binoculars can be mounted on a tripod for additional stability, and a better view of the cosmos.

How Telescope Binoculars Work

Firstly, these binoculars are designed specifically for stargazing and feature a wider aperture opening which allows more light to enter the lenses. This provides for a brighter field of view and the object being observed. The prisms on telescope binoculars are different in that they are better suited for astronomy. Their prisms actually absorb less light making the viewed object stand out and appear brighter. They are especially useful when viewing in low light conditions.

How to Select the Right Telescope Binoculars

There are a number of different kinds of binoculars on the market today that can be used for astronomy. But one thing to insist on is that your desired telescope binoculars have what is called a porro prism. This prism is geared for low light viewing and ideal for stargazing.

The more common prism utilized in binoculars is called a roof prism and is not conducive to good nighttime viewing. But technological advancements have allowed for the upgrading of optical and lens capabilities and improved viewing quality. Despite these upgrades, you will still benefit by using the porro prism binoculars. Their quality is better for astronomical uses and generally cost less.

Stabilize Your Telescope Binoculars for Better Stargazing

When selecting telescope binoculars, make sure they have the capability to be mounted on a stable object, preferably a tripod. When looking at smaller objects in the skies, any movement of your binoculars will result in a blurred or shaky image.

Whether you are stargazing with telescope binoculars or a standard telescope, a fixed placement will enhance your viewing experience. It is really worth the cost of purchasing a tripod and avoiding all the frustration that comes with constant re-focusing on your desired celestial body.

Telescope binoculars are an alternative to the traditional telescope and can increase your stargazing pleasure. If you prefer viewing the night skies with both eyes open, this is the perfect choice for you!

Bill Wilson is a researcher and writer for online publications. To learn more about telescope binoculars visit http://www.a1-telescopes.com where you will find tips on how to choose telescope binoculars for easier and more rewarding stargazing.