Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: celestron, telescope | Themes: Digital Cameras, Digital Entertainment
10. Celestron SkyScout
This is the device I wished I had as a youth, in an astronomy club, studying celestial navigation, or when trying to learn to spot constellations. Of all the devices I have ever seen at CES or Comdex, this is one of the best. Sometimes called a “planetarium in a box,” I think it is more like a “personal astronomer”. For beginning astronomers, and others interested in the night sky, it is northing short of revolutionary. SkyScout identifies any object in the sky from its database of 6,000 objects. Using a navigation menu, and directional arrow LEDs, it can locate any selected object.
How it works is clever. Though assembled overseas, the ROM loading and calibration are done in Torrance. By incorporating a GPS and fixing on GPS satellites, SkyScout acquires its position nominally within one to two minutes. SkyScout also has tilt and position (magnetic) sensors, so it can measure the elevation angle and heading to identify what object is selected in the viewfinder. By comparing those measurements to an internal database, SkyScout finds where the data input places an object, and displays the object’s name; this is similar to projecting a map.
SkyScout’s database can be updated by download. Two hundred of the most common objects have audio descriptions, narrated by Sandy Wood, the voice of StarDate radio for the McDonald Observatory. SkyTour audio presentations are available on extra cost SD cards-two of these have been announced, and should be available now.
The SkyScout, acquiring the GPS satellites
The unit comes with a carrying strap (for the case, unfortunately), software on CD, a warranty card (two years), USB cable, a quick start guide, ear buds, a wrist strap for the SkyScout, and a multi-compartment zippered case. Because many astronomers dangle their binoculars while observing, a neck strap rather than the wrist strap would be ideal. The SkyScout requires two AA batteries, and claimed battery life is approximately six hours, varying with use and temperature. I found about four hours plus to be more realistic. If no user activity is detected, SkyScout will shut down in five minutes to conserve battery life.
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Many amateurs started by using a GoTo. IMHO, the more astronomers the better. Talking to denizens of LAAS and reading cloudyskies.com, there is little sense of elitism. All amateurs are welcome, even and esp. those with GoTos.
I didn't have room to talk about the wedges that covert yoke mounts to equatorial mounts, but they exist for many yoke types. That way you can have the best of both worlds.
Finally, one of the books I recommended does just what you suggest: tries to teach the night sky so you can find stuff without using (or even using) a GoTo. Hope this addresses your comments.
Doug
The fact is that these new generations of scopes make astronomy so much more accessible to people who find astronomy interesting but don't have the time or ability to invest. They also make it simple to introduce new people to astronomy by quickly showing them lots of interesting things.
Plus, as a computer geek, there is nothing more fun than plugging your telescope into your laptop, hooking up a camera and driving it around from your computer. Do an easy DIY project like adapting a webcam to use with the scope and you have yourself tons of fun *and* you learn the night sky, you just don't waste months of time trying to figure out how to see anything.
I really praise the point of your article. I also love to teach everything I know about the topic to anyone who's interested in the subject, like most amateurs.
Like you said, there's no to little sense of elitism in those groups. But I also know this: Like all the really rewarding things in life, Astronomy requires persistence and solid interest.
I decided to comment your article since I disagree on some things you wrote and that contrast may help people who read it, look at the picture from another angle.
Trying to find Deep Sky Objects or the planets (very easy with little experience and knowledge) in the sky, is where most of the fun is! Having a computer doing it for you is like you own a Porsche and let a chauffeur drive you. The only difference here is that, unlike the chauffeur, the computer has no fun at all!
I didn't find anything interesting on cloudyskies.com, apparently is just a domain for sale. Did you mean www.cloudynights.com?
If your interest is solid, you've got nothing to fear, understanding the sky is a lot easier than most people think.
Diogo.
My bad! Yes of course I meant www.cloudynights.com. It's a great site for advice, and mostly cogent tips on purchasing and use.
I think we can agree that for some, starting with GoTos is a great way of getting into astronomy. Then you can progress to star charts and maps, relying less on the GoTo. I want to encourage people to begin this exciting hobby.
Amateur astronomers are one of the few science disciplines where amatuers can and do make professional level contributions!
And even though I understand how the SkyScout works, it is unbelievable to actually use it and watch it ID an object, or have it guide you to some random star in its database...Awesome product. For me, this really helped me better learn the night sky. It's like using a crutch (or a chaffeur) then weaning yourself away from it and driving yourself. Much less pain, and kick butt fun.
Hope this answers your concerns.
Clear skies!
Doug
I am a beginner in the field of astronomy and astrophotography and I would like to purchase some equiptment. Im not exactly sure what types of telescopes and astrophotography equiptment would be best for a beginner and it would be great if you could offer me some advice. I have done a lot of research on telescopes preferably under $500 and CCD cameras along with laptops. If you have any advice that would be great! Thanks.