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Archive for 2023

Omegon astrographs: a special promotion for astrophotographers

June 3 2023, Marcus Schenk

Eric Clapton is a well-known musician, and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. But that was not always the case. He spent a lot of time in his earlier years searching for the right guitar that matched his style. He tried many, but was said to be frustrated by his search. He was a gifted musician, but was unable to reach his full potential because he could not find the perfect instrument.

Then, in 1965, he acquired a Gibson Les Paul guitar, known for its warm sounds. It was perfect for Clapton and, with it, he was able to develop his own distinctive sound. He had finally found the perfect instrument. And his music is legendary. (Here he is seen with a Stratocaster)

But what has this got to do with astronomy?

Astrophotography is a subject that moves us. But we also often find ourselves looking for just the right instrument. Perhaps you have already gone down the path of many amateur astronomers and have tried out many different telescopes. Just think about all the time you have invested in doing so. But what if you could go straight to an instrument that has been especially created for your needs. For astrophotography.

We are talking about an astrograph. It has many advantages for astrophotography, and is ideally suited for astrophotographers who are serious about their hobby.

The Pro Astrograph N 150/420 OTA telescope on a CEM26 LiteRoc mount

Omegon’s Pro Astrograph series consists of Newtonian telescopes that have been especially designed for astrophotography.

Fast: thanks to a focal ratio of f/2.8 to f/4, the astrographs are very fast, enabling shorter exposure times.

Stable focus: the Omegon models with red colour accents feature a carbon tube which ensures good focus stability, and the focuser is equipped with an M48 thread, so that cameras can be mounted directly onto it. Another special feature of the focuser is that it can be tilted. This is useful because there is a common problem with reflecting telescopes that parts of the image are blurred due to a skewed light path. Tilting the focuser can correct this aberration. In addition, the red models have a built-in coma corrector.

Large image field: thanks to a short focal length, you can attain photographically large image fields. This is ideal for large objects. Potential tracking errors are significantly reduced by the fast system and the short focal length.

Our Omegon astrographs are especially affordable until 15 July 2023. You can get up to 20% off the regular price for selected models.  If you want to take the next step in astrophotography, now is your chance.

Dobsonian telescopes: great offers for visual observers

June 2 2023, Marcus Schenk

An inexpensive path to the universe: immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the stars with our discounted Dobsonian telescopes. Whether you prefer the compact 76mm Dobsonian for spontaneous observing, or a 10″ galaxy wonder for deep sky observations and faint objects – we have the right product for every amateur astronomer.

And you can enjoy great discounts on selected models until the end of June. Don’t wait for the next major astronomy event, explore the universe now and notch up some summer observation hours!

Just click here and get a Dobsonian telescope at a special price.

Infographic: Astronomy Highlights of Summer 2023

May 31 2023, Marcus Schenk

Observing in summer! This means warm temperatures, but also some interesting constellations and the visible part of the Milky Way. In this infographic you will find all the important astronomical events in the summer of 2023 that you really should not miss. How about Saturn at opposition, or the Perseids shooting stars which we can enjoy this year without any interference by the Moon?

Whether you are an experienced amateur astronomer or a complete beginner to the field of astronomy: the astronomy events in our infographic offer something for everyone.

We wish you lots of observing fun!



02/06 Mars near M44

There is an interesting encounter in the evening sky at the moment: Mars, the Red Planet, can be found close to the M44 cluster, and the pair offers a beautiful view. The constellation is easy to see, especially at dusk close to the western horizon. But it is not only Mars that is attracting attention: at a distance of around 10 degrees, Venus is also close by.

09/06 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn 

A very special performance is awaiting us in the sky this morning: the Moon and Saturn meet in the constellation of Aquarius and provide us with an impressive sight. Jupiter can also be seen nearby which rounds off the spectacle perfectly.

13/06 Venus near M44 

On 13 June, Venus will be in close proximity to the open cluster M44, which is also known as the Beehive Cluster. It’s great when you can combine such an astronomical event with some deep sky observation.

14/06 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

On 14 June, just four days after its meeting with Saturn, the Moon will be spending some time with the planet Jupiter. This beautiful dawn sight is worth getting up early for, because the Moon appears as a delicate sickle and will soon reach its new Moon phase.

21.06 Beginning of summer 

Summer begins with the summer solstice on 21 June. In the northern hemisphere this means that the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. We cannot actually observe this astronomical event, but we are now experiencing the longest days and the shortest nights.

21/ 22.06 Conjunction between Venus and Mars 

21 June is a day that you should be certain to make a note of in advance. This evening, above the western horizon, Venus and Mars meet up with the narrow crescent Moon. This trio is especially impressive when it is not yet completely dark, and we can also enjoy the twilight sky.

27.06 June Bootids 

From 23 to 28 June you can observe the June Bootids meteor shower. These shooting stars radiate from a point in the constellation of Boötes and fizzle comparatively slowly across the sky. The number of meteors is small but also variable. This means that it is particularly interesting to take a closer look.

01.07 Conjunction between Venus and Mars

Our two neighbouring planets, Venus and Mars, meet on 1 July. These two celestial bodies differ greatly in brightness, which makes them especially interesting to observe. You should not miss this opportunity if you are a big Mars fan, because the Red Planet will disappear from the celestial stage this month, and remain invisible for the rest of the year.

07.07 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

The Moon and Saturn rise above the horizon at the beginning of the second half of the night, and accompany us through till sunrise. Both celestial bodies can be found in the constellation of Aquarius.

09.07 Venus at its brightest

Venus reaches its maximum brightness on 9 July, and looks almost like a spotlight in the sky – an impressive spectacle for amateur astronomers.

12.07 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

Jupiter rises on 12 July at 01:23, and reveals itself beside a slim, waning crescent Moon.

20.07 Conjunction between the Moon, Venus, and Mars

Another fascinating event awaits us in the night sky on 20 July. The wafer-thin crescent Moon approaches Venus and, together with Mars, forms an attractive group of three. However, you will need an uninterrupted view towards the horizon to successfully observe this. If you want to enjoy this sight or even take pictures, you should find a good spot as early as possible. A tip for the professionals: the planet Mercury is also located around 10 degrees west of Venus.

22.07 Pluto at opposition 

An astronomical event for more advanced astronomers: Pluto, the dwarf planet former classified as a planet, is at opposition to the Sun on 22 July. With a brightness of magnitude 14, you can only detect and observe it with a large telescope. A location map is advisable! Astrophotographers can take advantage of a good photo opportunity since Pluto is close the M75 cluster.

27.07 Golden Handle 

We can see the Golden Handle on the Moon on the evening of 27 July. It appears when the waxing Moon is exactly 83 percent illuminated, which happens around 10 days after the new Moon. As the light phenomenon takes place, a handle shape emerges on the dark side of the Moon’s terminator.

30.07 Delta Aquariids 

The Delta Aquariids is a meteor shower that originates from the region of the constellation Aquarius, and is visible from 23 to 28 July. We will be able to marvel at up to 25 shooting stars per hour! The optimal observing window is in the early hours of the morning, after the Moon has set.

03.08 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

An interesting encounter: the Moon nears the planet Saturn. The ringed planet will reach its opposition to the Sun this month and is therefore an especially good target to observe.

08.08 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter 

In the early morning hours, we can enjoy the autumn and the first winter constellations in the night sky. Our largest planet, Jupiter, is to be found right in the middle of them. On the 8th of the month, the Moon approaches the gas giant and they make an arresting pair in the night sky.

12-13.08 Perseids

A view of the Perseids is the top astronomy event not just for astronomers, but also for anyone who is interested in the night sky. An especially large number of meteors fall from the sky over the course of an evening, and everyone can enjoy guessing which direction the next light trail will appear from. It’s finally time to see them again during the night from 12 to 13 August. Grab a blanket or a lounger and something warm to drink, and enjoy the starry sky. If you’re lucky, you’ll see up to 100 meteors per hour this evening. This year there is an added plus: it is almost new Moon, so the night is particularly dark.

27.08 Saturn at opposition

The ringed planet Saturn is at opposition to the Sun on 27 August and can be observed all night long – an absolute highlight for any amateur astronomer.

30.08 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

In the night from 30 to 31 of the month, the Moon and Saturn meet at a distance of around 3 degrees. Despite the full Moon, it is always worth observing Saturn.

New Homestar planetarium from SEGA: the Matataki Blue

May 30 2023, Stefan Taube

Planetarium Homestar Matataki Blue

 

SEGA, the Japanese manufacturer, is expanding its Homestar series of planetariums with a new model. The Matataki planetarium simulates the twinkling of stars and has an integrated loudspeaker that produces atmospheric natural sounds. Choose the sound of the sea, river, or mountain as your soundscape.

As with all Homestar planetariums, you can change the  Matataki’s projection disc and choose a new theme from a wide range. It comes supplied with two discs so you can enjoy your new planetarium experience immediately.

The planetarium also features a timer, so it can be used to lull children young and old to sleep.

The Matataki planetarium has a built-in battery that is recharged using a USB cable. This battery means that the planetarium can be used independent of any power supply.

More information, prices, and ordering options can be found here in the shop.

Planetarium Homestar Matataki Blue

Filter promotion: astronomy filters at special prices!

May 8 2023, Stefan Taube

Filter-Aktion

As part of our filter promotion, we are offering you a large selection of astronomy filters at very special prices!

For example, you can buy the very popular variable polarising filter from Omegon for EUR 54. You save EUR 15 compared to the normal retail price. This filter is perfect for observing the Moon.

Another highlight is Omegon’s CLS filter, which reduces the interference from urban artificial lighting. We are now offering this very useful filter for EUR 109, saving you EUR 20!

Among the large selection included in our filter promotion are also line filters for photographing nebula regions:

Filter wheels and other accessories are also included in our special offer!

You will find the entire selection here at Astroshop.

This special offer is only valid until 31 June 2023 and only while stocks last: so grab a bargain now!

Redshift 9 Premium: the latest version of the popular planetarium software

April 19 2023, Stefan Taube

Redshift 9 Premium astronomy software delivers a true-to-life representation of the night sky on your computer.

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Of course, the software offers much more besides: simulations of the movement of celestial bodies, 3D models, flights to celestial bodies and many other amazing possibilities! For example, you can observe the night sky from the perspective of an imaginary observatory on Phobos, the Martian moon. The integrated encyclopaedia and 29 interactive guides offer a didactic approach to astronomy.

With Redshift 9 Premium  and an Internet connection, you always have the latest data to hand: newly discovered comets, huge star catalogues (e.g. Gaia DR3) or the trajectories of satellites and other spacecraft.

Redshift 9 Premium offers an observation planner and even an ASCOM-standard telescope control for real-world observations. The software can be switched to red light mode for outdoor use.

Redshift 9 Premium is a comprehensive software program with many possibilities, which can be used for learning about astronomy or simply having fun!

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Note: Software is for Windows 10 und 11. A DVD drive is needed for installation.

New Baader UHC Filter

March 28 2023, Stefan Taube

10861_1

 

UHC filters are very useful aids in the fight against light pollution and natural sky brightness. They suppress artificial light but are transparent to wavelengths emitted by nebulous celestial objects. The effect of this for the observer and astrophotographer is considerably greater contrast.

The new Baader UHC-L filter is an all-purpose anti-light-pollution filter which also blocks LED lamp emissions in the blue part of the spectrum. Both passbands allow all of the light emitted by well-known nebulae through (the H-alpha and H-beta spectral lines of excited hydrogen as well as the OIII spectral lines of oxygen).

You can find all available filter sizes and formats here in our shop.

cmos-filter-groessen

The Baader UHC-L filter offers all of the advantages of the CMOS-optimised Baader filter:

  • Adapted for typical CMOS camera sensors
  • Reflex Blocker™ coating
  • Blackened edges
  • Every filter is individually polished and coated for optical precision
  • Life Coat™ coating for high durability

    Baader-Filter-Technologien

 

New Omegon apochromats with Hoya special glass

March 27 2023, Marcus Schenk

Four new telescopes which turn astronomy into something exceptional. Available in four different apertures of 85mm, 96mm, 106mm and 140mm and fitted with Hoya special glass, the images produced by the new Omegon triplet apochromats are amongst the best in class.

Our new Omegon apochromats offer many advantages. Here is an overview of the top four:

Special glass built into the lens Thanks to large technological advances, Hoya has successfully optimised the production of the FCD100. This optical glass has extremely low dispersion, equivalent to that of the well-known FPL-53 glass. As a result, you get high-contrast images with excellent colour purity, even at high magnifications.

Adjustable mount: Thanks to high mount stability, alignment stays set, even with regular transportation. But you can also be prepared for all eventualities as professional readjustment is not a problem for this mount. Our workshop service provides professional support at all times. Get the best out of your telescope even years down the line.

Large, sturdy drawtube with transmission gearing: The Crayford hybrid technology and rack ensure heavy accessories are securely held whilst settings can be very smoothly and precisely set using the ball-bearing mounted inner tube.

Mounting rails for accessories: One thing is clear, the new apochromats are creations for astrophotographers or fans of fantastic planetary observations. But astronomers who are on a photographic journey, often require more accessories, such as a guiding scope or a guiding camera. Simply and quickly attach your preferred equipment using the pre-installed Vixen-style mounting rails.

The Omegon apochromats are available in four versions:

Pro APO AP 85/510 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 96/575 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 106/700 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 140/910 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

 

Thinking about buying an apochromat? A smaller, more transportable device or a more powerful beast with an 140mm aperture? Then let the Omegon apochromats with Hoya glass convince you with their excellent image quality.

Video (with English subtitles): the Vaonis Vespera telescope – smart photos of nebulae and galaxies

March 20 2023, Marcus Schenk

Do you want to take pictures of objects from outer space, but with absolutely no effort?

Welcome to the world of a new generation of telescopes. In this video we introduce you to the Vaonis Vespera. With this device, you can take beautiful photos of the universe – really easily with your smartphone, an app and without much technical knowledge. We explain what smart telescopes are, the Vespera’s advantages and how you would use it in practice to observe the night sky.

Besides the telescope, the Singularity app is the central control unit and offers a simple and intuitive way to operate the telescope and take photos. In the video, you can follow a step-by-step demonstration of how to activate the telescope and take photos of an object of your choice.

Watch the video and get a first impression!

Products used in the video:

Omegon APO 94mm

Vaonis Vespera

Vespera backpack

Infographic: Astronomy Highlights in Spring 2023

March 1 2023, Marcus Schenk

Spring is a great time to take a look at the stars: it’s getting warmer, and the weather in Central Europe is better. And, as always, there are plenty of interesting celestial events to see: a minor planet at opposition, the only time the planet Mercury is visible in the evening, and some beautiful conjunctions between planets and the Moon. In this infographic you’ll learn about the top astronomical events in the night sky during the spring of 2023. There’s no better reason to get outdoors again with your binoculars or telescope.

Events in March

01/03 Conjunction between Venus and Jupiter

On 1 March, you can observe a very special astronomical event: at dusk, Venus and Jupiter draw closer to one another, until they are around a half a degree apart. This is approximately the same distance as the diameter of a full Moon. The encounter is a rare opportunity to marvel at these two bright celestial bodies in the evening sky.

10/3 Ceres near M91 

Today Ceres intersects the bright spiral galaxy known as M91, thereby offering us the rare opportunity to admire both the minor planet and the galaxy simultaneously with our telescope. Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The planet has a diameter of around 950km which is about the length of Spain. Ceres was considered to be a planet following its discovery in around 1801, and it was only later re-defined as a minor planet. Ceres thus faced a very similar fate in its classification as Pluto did in 2006.

A closer inspection by the Dawn Spacecraft discovered many craters, most of which are only small. Water vapour was even discovered there in 2015, and further research suggested that there may be liquid water under the surface. So, we can say with certainty: it’s a very interesting celestial body! Use your telescope to enjoy the rare sight of Ceres and M91 together!

14/03 Conjunction between the Moon and Antares 

Today is a good day for early risers: the Moon nears Antares, the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpio, at a distance of just 1.5 degrees. You can only observe and enjoy the meeting of these two in the morning hours. So, maybe on your way to work?

21/03 Ceres at opposition

Have you ever observed a minor planet? Ceres, which was discovered in 1801, is the largest object in the asteroid belt. It’s at opposition now, and its brightness reaches a magnitude of 7. You can locate it with small telescopes and, theoretically, even with binoculars. Have fun!

24/03 Conjunction between the Moon and Venus

The delicate sickle Moon rises above the western horizon, serving as the perfect complement to gleaming Venus. With a brightness of magnitude 4, Venus is a wonderful sight at dusk and will entice you outside to look at the stars tonight. Less than 3 degrees separate these two celestial bodies, which guarantees a particularly beautiful sight. It’s always an impressive natural wonder when the Moon meets Venus, especially if you’re planning to capture it with your camera.

25/03 Conjunction between Ceres and M100

Make a note of date: the minor planet Ceres crosses another deep sky object! Its path takes it past the breath-taking galaxy M100 in the constellation of Coma Berenices. Using a finderscope, you can locate it above Denebola, the star that marks the tail of the constellation of Leo.

28/03 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

Tonight, the Moon and the planet Mars can be found very close together. Observing these two celestial bodies framed by the stars of the Winter Hexagon is a truly impressive sight.

Events in April

03/04 Mercury in the evening sky 

Mercury is a nimble planet as its orbit is located close the Sun. This usually makes it difficult to observe, because it only rarely escapes the brightness of our central star. The only evening visibility this year occurs in April: Mercury reveals itself a few degrees above the western horizon between 3 and 15 April.

10/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Antares 

Tonight, the Moon is in the constellation of Scorpio and nears the bright supergiant star Antares. This occasion takes place in the morning hours. But a further event awaits us: the occultation of the magnitude 3 star by our Moon. At 04:52, the bright side of our satellite moves towards the star and occults it for around an hour. We will not be able to see the star’s reappearance on the other side of the Moon, as, by this time, it will already be daylight.

16/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn 

Keep an eye out if you’re an early riser: this morning we are greeted by the waning crescent Moon and the planet Saturn above the eastern horizon. You’ll need to choose a place with a good view of the horizon to observe this.

22/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Venus

Tonight, we can observe a really special spectacle: a conjunction between the Moon and Venus. The Moon is just 2.5 days old, so we only see a slender sickle form. Venus, on the other hand, shines brightly at more than magnitude 4, so it appears especially bright in the evening sky.

22/04 The Lyrids

On 22 April, at its maximum, the Lyrid meteor shower produces up to 20 meteors per hour.  The meteors can be observed undisturbed by moonlight during the best observation time which is between 22:00 and 04:00 next morning. Their point of origin, also known as the radiant, is located in the constellation of Lyra.

25/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

Today, the Moon and Mars can be seen in the constellation of Gemini. This is a rare sight not to be missed.

Events in May

13/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

This morning the Moon nears the planet Saturn. Such a lovely sight is certain to get us motivated for the day ahead.

23/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Venus 

Venus – almost as bright as a spotlight in the night sky – together with the slender crescent Moon. This is exactly what you will see if you look up at the sky this evening. What’s more: a little higher you’ll find Mars too. When compared to its two colleagues, it seems to be really dimly lit.

24/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars 

Whereas the Moon visited Venus yesterday, today it is calling on the planet Mars.

26/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Regulus 

If you have been observing the Moon in recent days, you will have noticed how quickly it moves against the background of stars. Today it meets Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation of Leo. The name Regulus comes from Latin and means ‘little king’.

31/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Spica

Today, the Moon meets the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo: Spica. We owe this coincidence to the path of the ecliptic, which repeatedly leads the Moon into the vicinity of this star. The best observation time starts in the late twilight, because Virgo will disappear below the horizon in the second half of the night.