BBC Sky at Night - UK (2021-08)

August 2021 BBC Sky at Night Magazine 87

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Optics

The StarSense Explorer DX 6 optics

comprise a 150mm-diameter mirror and

front corrector lens with a focal length of

1,500mm, giving a focal ratio of f/10. The

corrector lens is multi-coated to improve

light transmission for brighter, crisper

views of a wide variety of targets, from

the Moon to the deep sky.

Optical tube

The optics are housed in an aluminium tube measuring 406mm in length

and 184mm in diameter, while the whole optical tube assembly weighs

only 4.54kg, making it relatively light, portable and easy to attach to the

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Tripod

The black, aluminium tripod is light, weighing just

1.72kg, and extends to a maximum height of 1.32m,

which gives a good range of adjustment. It comes

with a simple but useful accessories tray that can

take the eyepieces and other accessories, keeping

them handy for use.

Accessories

Two 1.25-inch eyepieces of 40mm

and 10mm are provided, giving

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with an erect-image star diagonal

that is useful in an altaz system.

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provided and this helps with initial

alignment, after which you can use

the StarSense Explorer app.