ALAN DYER’S PICKS
INTERSTELLARUM DEEP SKY ATLAS (CDN$127 );
http://www.deep-sky-atlas.com
When Ronald Stoyan showed me an early German edition of the star
atlas he cocreated, my jaw dropped. Wow! I’ve owned many similar
works over the years, but this one is unique. And now it’s available
in English from Cambridge University Press.
Yes, this atlas is detailed and beautifully produced; however,
what really makes it different from other star atlases is its clever
use of symbols and label styles to indicate how suitable the
plotted deep-sky objects are for telescopes of various sizes—
at a glance, you can tell which targets are likely to be visible in
your telescope. Furthermore, these classifications are based on actual
observations instead of being inferred from catalogue values. In an age when
digital atlases are becoming increasingly the norm, the Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlasand
its new companion catalogue stand out as a particularly useful set for avid observers.
SPIKE-A BAHTINOV MASK (US$80 for 9-inch model);
http://www.spike-a.com
Here’s a gadget that makes such a bold promise, I was initially suspicious. I’m now
a convert. The “bold promise” is achieving quick, easy and exact focus for
astrophotography. Bahtinov masks go over the front of a telescope tube
and create a special diffraction pattern that takes the guesswork out of nail-
ing focus. I have masks for my 4- and 5-inch refractors and could use one for
my C9.25-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope too. I’ve purchased
other masks from Spike-a and have been very pleased.
Several sources, including Orion Telescopes & Binoc-
ulars, offer a full range of sizes.
TONY PUERZER’S PICKS
ORION DYNAMO PRO 155WH AC/DC/USB
LITHIUM POWER SUPPLY (US$170);
http://www.telescope.com
Perhaps it’s a little early to be thinking about summer star
parties, but Orion’s Dynamo Pro just might be the perfect
solution for powering my astrophotography gear at remote
locations. The unit packs a substantial 155 watt-hour bat-
tery into a tiny package weighing less than 1.5 kilograms.
Its svelte size makes it much more attractive than the
hernia-inducing, deep-cycle marine battery I currently
use. The Orion power supply includes an AC outlet (rated
for 100 amps), three USB ports, three 12-volt DC sockets and a built-in red
flashlight. Given the option of charging it up with a solar panel, my astrophoto rig
can stay powered even at weeklong events. The Dynamo Pro would make a great
stocking stuffer (I have very big feet).SKY-WATCHER ESPRIT 100MM ED TRIPLET APO REFRACTOR
(US$2,500, not including mount); ca.skywatcher.com
I've been a very good boy this year, so I deserve something extra-special for Christmas. The lenses
I now use for astrophotography don’t have the reach necessary to capture fine details in smaller
deep-sky objects. While large telephoto lenses are available, they sport price tags best described
as “astronomical.” A compelling alternative is a high-quality astrographic refractor telescope,
such as the Sky-Watcher Esprit 100mm apochromatic refractor. The instrument’s 550mm focal
length is a nice step up from my 300mm lens, and its 102mm f/5.5 triplet objective is fast enough to
record dim objects with reasonably short exposures. As a bonus, the scope, when collapsed, is only
18.3 inches (46.5 cm) long, making it an appealing travel companion.Tony PuerzerAlan Dyer
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 •SKYNEWS 15