Archive for the 'Astronomical Instruments' Category

Hubble Space Telescope Upgraded

Published on May 20, 2009 in Aerospace and Astronomical Instruments. View Comments Tags: , , , , .

hubble-space-telescope-from-atlantisHubble Space Telescope

Our beloved Hubble Space Telescope (HST) launched 19 years ago has now been upgraded by NASA space shuttle mission STS125. The Servicing Mission 4 is Hubble’s last repair mission, so the crew members of STS125 riding on space shuttle Atlantis are the astronauts who touched HST one last time. After the refurbishment of  HST, it is expected to work fine until 2014 and by then, it will be replaced by James Webb Space Telescope (only on infrared).

Hubble Space Telescope is now equipped with 2 new instruments, Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) and Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Its Advanced Camera for Survey down in 2007 and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph failed in 2004 are now back to online. HST is also reloaded with new batteries, six new gyroscopes, a refurbished fine guidance sensor, a new outer blanket layer and a soft capture and rendezvous system.

The WFC3 has higher resolution and wider field of view than Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2). It will be used to study dark energy and dark matter, formation of individual star and discover extremely remote galaxy which helps us know more about the early universe. The COS is key to understand galaxy evolution, the formation of planets, the rise of the elements needed for life, and the “cosmic web” of gas between galaxies as spectrograph can reveal the elements by breaking lights into spectrum.

Direct-proof-of-dark-matter

Direct evidence of dark matter. Imaged by HST.

Hubble Space Telescope has long been delivering Earthlings amazing astronomical discoveries and stunning pictures. Now, its ability has been enhanced to a further step that it can do 10x better than before. The secrets of the dark matter and more exoplanets may soon be revealed. We shall anticipate more jaw-dropping discoveries by HST.

I am sure that the info above is not able to satisfied your hungers, read NASA SM4 Essentials. Don’t miss it!

By the way, I am curious about the privacy that the only female astronaut, K. Megan McArthur has. What do you think?

Self-DIY Dome Observatory & THE BEAST

Published on January 6, 2008 in Amateur Astronomers and Astronomical Instruments. View Comments Tags: , , .


No great bank savings for an observatory? Build it yourself like Tom do in the video above. Watch out for THE BEAST in the video!

Review: Starfinder – Best Handheld Night Sky Learning Tool

Published on December 22, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments and Review. View Comments Tags: , .
Starfinder
Starfinder by DK Publishing

When I received this planisphere, my first impression was “Wow, this is a big guy!”. Well, it definitely is. Starfinder is published by DK Publishing which retails for USD30. Starfinder contains a mounted planisphere, a 72-page hardback beginner’s guide to the night sky, a red light and 44 constellation cards. For USD30, they sound cost-effective.

Continue reading ‘Review: Starfinder – Best Handheld Night Sky Learning Tool’

Denkmeier’s S2 Diagonal Tested

Published on May 28, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments
S2 vs Meade stock diagonal

This diagoanl is probably the best investment I have done so far. The instant changing of magnification is really handy. Since a high quality 2″ diagonal with 97% transmission silver coating (dielectric coating available at $120 more), a SCT to 2″ adapter, 2″ to 1.25″ adapter and a dovetail connector is included in the package, S2 is really worth the price and is highly recommended for SCT users, especially those doing visual observing.

So far, I have only tested it under lousy skies condition. When either the reducer or multiplier arm is pushed into the end, the focus will be out for sure. So, you have to adjust the focus everytime when you switch the arm. There isn’t any clearance problem with my 8″ LX90. The only thing that I am worry about is the diagonal+eyepiece that weights around 1 kg. The DEC gear’s threads may be stripped.

I will only compare S2 and Meade stock diagonal when the sky is very good in condition. I don’t want the sky to be the limit during the comparison. However, these days are quite cloudy.

New Equipment May 07 – Denk’s Power x Switch Diagonal

Published on May 23, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments
Denkmeier Power x Switch Diagonal
From top left counter-clockwise: 2″ to 1.25″ adapter, dovetail connector, SCT to 2″ adapter and the Denkmeier Power x Switch S2 diagonal

I bought the S2 (refer to the whole assembly) from OPT at USD389 before a 5% discount. I replaced my stock diagonal with this. I haven’t had the chance to try it under the starfield yet. The curse of clouds just come after I received the parcel.

The whole assembly (with the SCT adapter and 2″ to 1.25″ adapter) is really heavy. It’s so nicely crafted that you would take it as a decoration of your scope. What made me buy S2 instead of the Astro-Tech 1.25″ dielectric diagonal which is very hot these days? It’s its Power x Switch mechanism. It allows you to easily change the effective magnification. It will certainly come in handy when you are doing visual observing, especially binoviewing.

Front
S2 with the eyepiece holder removed

Let’s study about its specification. The 2″ diagonal is made by WO and enhanced with silver coating with 97% transmission. The mirrors are 10 mm thick and have a Lamda/10 wave flatness. The S2 with 2″ to 1.25″ adapter weight at 0.73 kg. Used with single eyepiece with the Reducer arm in, the focal reduction is 0.83X to 0.66X. When the Multiplier arm is in, you can archieve a 1.5X-2X. Used with binoviewer with the Reducer arm in, the focal reduction is 0.59X. With the Multiplier arm in, the magnification is multiplied by a factor of 1.7X. The factors are greater if the eyepiece(s) is farther the S2.

Due to its weight, I am going to get a balancing system just in case my DEC threads will be worn out earlier. Maybe a Scopestuff Balancing Kit. Ouch, I just spent too much in this hobby…

Meade Stock Diagonal VS S2
Meade Stock Diagonal VS Denkmeier Power x Switch S2 Diagonal

Finally, a comparison photo with the stock diagonal is uploaded. Personal review will be done when the weather permits. Do you know that above is just a preview? :D

Coming up next, 8″ LX90 with Baader Visual Solar Film and Bob’s Knobs installed.

New Equipments Arrived

Published on May 22, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments

Hello guys, I just got my Denkmeier PowerXSwitch diagonal, Baader Visual Solar Film, Bob Knobs, Telescope Optics and New CCD Astronomy yesterday from the Custom. I am going to post the photo and let you know more tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last day of my exam and I will be back with full force! :D

Tips Learned From Optics Cleaning

Published on April 23, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments

If you want to know how to clean a mirror or a lens, I suggest you read Dr.Clay’s article first.
I learned all these after I just did my second cleaning (just for fun) again. It’s totally not advisable to clean the optics without absolutely need.

  • Don’t clean the mirror or lens if there is absolutely no need
  • If you can clean the optics with very soft brush, do it. Afterthat, you judge whether it’s still necessary to clean the optics.
  • Dr.Clay judges the capability of the brush by pushing the tiny ends of the bristles hard against the cheek of your face, if you don’t find it pricking, the brush is suitable for optical cleaning. I find this very good.
  • I did my cleaning under 0 air flow condition (Fan turned off). I was worried about the dust got onto the surface again.
  • Do the cleaning under bright light source condition so that you can see the stains or anything left on the surface of the optics.
  • When cleaning, you are advised to clean the optics by doing rotational motion in one direction. Never ever reverse.
  • Don’t rub, just softly press through.
  • Everything is done softly, no pressure applied.

Meade Max Mount Price Rises Again!

Published on April 12, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments

If you remember, the price of Meade Max Mount rose from $29,999 to $39,999 this January. The price has been adjusted again and it’s effective from 1 April onwards. Not an April Fool job though.

The new price is $49,999. Why did they decide to raise it again? Meade had their Max Mount shown during CES 2007. Several stupid visitors said that the price of this gigantic mount must be around $100,000. The new Meade president was there… you know… their words made the president make this decision. Luckily the price is not $99,999. #:-s

I Bought The Best Optical Cleaner [Updated]

Published on February 28, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments
Purosol 1

It’s just too good to have the best optical cleaner.What do you guess? Lenspen? No, it’s just too small to be efficiency in cleaning telescope. It’s the Purosol Optical from Origin Lab. It’s a must-have for every amateur astronomer to keep their lenses and mirrors clean. Don’t forget to get Purosol Mircofiber to enhance the cleaning result.

Purosol 2

Advantages of Purosol Optical

  1. Contains no ammonia, alchohol, glycerin or silicone. PUROSOL is completely solvent free.
  2. Non-toxic, 100% hazard free, no CFC’s, non-flammable, completely biodegradable, environmentally safe.
  3. PUROSOL Optical is a sterile and hypoallergenic solution. It’s bacteria free and excedds Federal EPA and OSHA Health and Safety Standards.
  4. Neutralizes static, repelling dust and dirt, keeping your lenses clean longer.
  5. Manufactured in a pharmaceutical clean room.
  6. Neutral Ph, non-conductive to well overr 2000k ohms – cm.
  7. Streak-free cleaning for a crystal clear finish.

Species of Fungi Growing on Optical Instruments

Published on February 6, 2007 in Astronomical Instruments. View Comments

Below is the species of fungi that grow on lenses and mirrors.

Enicillium spinulosum, Thom.
Penicillium commune, Thom.
Penicillium citrinum, Thom.
Aspergillus niger, Van Tiegh.
Trichoderma viride, Pers. ex-Fr.
Mucor racemosus, Fres.
Mucor ramannianus, A. Moeller.

Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus candidus
Penicillium sp.
Paecilomyces sp.
Syncephalastrum sp.
Sepedonium sp.
Cuvulvaria sp.
Fusarium sp.
Monilia sp.
Cladosporium sp.

P.S.

  • sp means species.
  • The name before the comma is the genus and the latter is the particular species. This is the nomenclature of micro-organisms.
  • Fungi is the plural form of fungus.
  • The information is collected by AlvinSCLee at Singastro.org.

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