Mercury

June 16th, 2010

The planet Mercury has the distinction of being the smallest planet within our solar system, being only 40% as large as the Earth.  With a name derived from Roman mythology due to Mercury’s rapid rotation around the sun, the planet travels through space covering almost thirty miles every second.  It is also the closest planet to the sun at just over twenty-eight million miles away, making it by far the warmest planet.  A full day spent on the surface of the planet would calculate to around one hundred seventy-six days on Earth; and since it takes fifty-nine days to complete one full rotation around its axis only two actual sunrises would be visible each year.  Although the Sun would appear twice as large if standing atop the planet Mercury, the sky would appear black because of the thin atmosphere.

Since Mercury is the closest planet within our solar system to the Sun, it has by far the hottest surface temperatures ranging from three hundred to eight hundred degrees Ferinheight, with the dark side of the planet reaching temperatures as low as -300 degrees because of the lacking atmosphere to retain warmth.  This is the biggest swing in temperatures present within our solar system and is an interesting study since the surface would actually be hot enough to melt most metals during daylight hours.  The sunlight from Mercury’s surface would appear 6.5 times more intense than we experience on Earth, which means even if a person would somehow survive the extreme heat and lack of oxygen they would be virtually blinded within the brightness.

It is believed that just after the Big Bang and the formation of the Mercury, the planet received massive damage from comets and, meteors, and asteroids.  Although the planet is one of only three within our solar system that is perfectly symmetrical, the smooth rocky surface is riddled with craters showing extensive cosmic damage that occurred up to 4.6 billion years ago.  The largest of these craters stretches over eight hundred miles across Mercury’s surface and the appearance is much like our own moon for comparative purposes. 

Sunlight never reaches the polar caps of Mercury and ice has been discovered there, but the lack of a functional atmosphere would make life on the planet’s surface impossible.  The solar winds sweep away what little atmosphere is present on Mercury almost continually, which means it has little protection from damaging objects in space.  The atmosphere is constantly renewing and creates a vacuum like effect so gravity could not be present for extended periods of time.  Its iron core generates a magnetic field thought to be less than one percent as strong as what is found on Earth, making the planets similar in overall interior composition. 

The reflection qualities of Mercury are similar to our own moon, sending only about six percent of the light that strikes the surface back into space.  Because of these qualities Mercury is difficult to view from our planet, and the best times to view the planet would be around sunrise and sunset.  With the assistance of a telescope Mercury can be witnessed going through phases much like we associate with the moon in regards to its positioning between our location and the sun.

The Sun

June 16th, 2010

The star that we refer to as the Sun creates the possibility of life on Earth and provides so many essential functions regarding humanity’s survival that it is often taken for granted.  Without water, almost every living organism would die within days.  Move us just a bit closer to the sun and our water supply becomes vapor; move us back just a bit and now it’s solid ice.  Neither form is readily consumable for our everyday needs, and the Earth’s precise distance from the Sun is the only reason liquid water exists at all. Likewise, that same distance just discussed allows the temperature of the Earth to remain within acceptable boundaries; Venus the next closest planet to the sun and averages temperatures up to nine hundred degrees Ferinheight.  Plants use the sun to complete a process known as photosynthesis, which simply means to convert carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen.  If just one of these factors were affected even slightly, such as the Earth changing its orbit or the sun becoming hotter or cooler, life on Earth would cease to exist.

The birth of our Sun occurred around 4.6 billion years ago with the collapse of a hydrogen molecular cloud, the same formation that eventually gave birth to our solar system and all of the objects contained within it.  Primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, the sun is a near perfect sphere that is fuelled by nuclear fusion reactions.  As far as stars are concerned the Sun is medium in size, but to give an idea of the sheer mass involved with these objects over one million planets of the Earth’s relative size could easily fit inside the Sun.  It is also classified as a population one star, meaning it has minerals present heavier than helium, and this is proven by the levels of uranium and gold found on the Earth when compared to other planets throughout the galaxy.  The Sun is thought to be brighter than about 85% of the stars within the Milky Way galaxy.

Of course, the Sun’s composition is much different from the Earth.  Within its core, temperatures are estimated to reach temperatures of twenty-seven million degrees Ferinheight and the nuclear reactions that take place keep the Sun’s outer form in constant evolution.  Within a single second over seven hundred million tons of hydrogen are converted into helium ash with the release of over five million tons of energy; which would be the equivalent of one hundred trillion tons of dynamite being detonated on Earth each and every second of the day.  This violent reaction can continue to take place as long as hydrogen exists to fuel this fission, which is expected to last another five billion years or longer.  Once the last traces of hydrogen and helium are depleted, the sun will begin to swell as it converts into a red giant.  This process will eventually swallow the Earth and all of the interior planets until suddenly the Sun will collapse and complete its life cycle as a white dwarf.

SkyMap Pro

June 16th, 2010

There are a host of software companies claiming to have the top of the line program for simulating the galaxy and providing the most user friendly experience, which makes it difficult for consumers to make a decision on where to invest their hard earned money.  For those seeking a powerful program to use alongside their computerized telescopes the decisions become even more complex since factors such as compatibility and being portable are introduced as potential problems or setbacks.  Since the average piece of astronomy software can reach prices of one hundred dollars or more, it is critical find the best fit for each particular consumer in mind.  The focus of this article is the software application SkyMap Pro 11, and how it stacks up against the competition.

SkyMap Pro released their eleventh version in March of 2007, and those familiar with the software responded with primarily mixed reviews.  Those who enjoyed the program in the past appreciated the added features packed within the exact same primary interface, while those who preferred the use of similar applications complained that not enough had changed to warrant an additional release. 

After downloading the software and launching SkyMap Pro, the interface screens will almost instantly remind the user of a 1990’s type Windows experience.  There are no flashy texts or stylish buttons to push; instead the appearance is fairly basic and unappealing.  Some basic features are usable through shortcuts though, like zooming in on a particular region or customizing some basic options like what magnitude or colors of stars to show on the main map.  To find any celestial object there is an input field where named stars and nebulas can be typed, and hopefully you’re good with spelling because mistakes do not grant partial credit in SkyMap Pro.  Overall the version did not seem to have evolved hardly at all since the early releases back in the nineties, but then again it completed whatever function was required and is on par with other software applications within the genre.

Since many will also want to use SkyMap Pro with their telescopes, this appeared to be the true test of its capabilities.  Those same simplistic features that frustrated users within their homes suddenly became much more beneficial.  When given the command to locate a constellation both the telescope and SkyMap react accordingly, centering the desired location within the telescopes view most of the time.  At first, the images were all off until the daylight savings time was manually adjusted; this was a bit of a disappointment that this primary function did not update automatically.

Other than that, my overall impressions of SkyMap Pro 11 were mostly positive.  Although in need of a serious makeover, Skymap has an extensive database of additional updates to download and many of the other features found with the other top software offered within this genre.  The low points were far outweighed by the good, and overall SkyMap Pro 11 is a solid choice for celestial viewing needs.

Redshift Software

June 16th, 2010

Maris Multimedia Limited introduces the innovative Redshift 7 software, an all-in-one planetarium software package chock full of real-time depictions and movement of celestial objects, star constellations, and galaxies of afar for the passionate astronomer to discover on their personal computer. The award winning software gathers the ingredients of the sky collectively in a comprehensive guide that includes hundreds of inventive ways for the accomplished star gazer to examine, analyze, and upgrade the database; easily making this software a best-seller among other planetarium programs. Redshift 7 is comprised of more than 2.5 million stars to enjoy in the downloadable version, and offers even more planets and deep sky objects in the purchased and installed program. The explorer of the stars can observe the newly added horizon panoramas for the Earth, Moon, and Mars, or follow the link to www.redshift-live.com in order to swap or record fascinating guided tours online and benefit from plentiful workspace on the World Wide Web. The star gazer can become a master of their own universe with this diversified software that puts the choice of where to go and what to view into the hands of the person using the software. The newest version of this scientifically accurate software has enhanced features to include more impressive observations for the star gazing fanatic, including a plethora of solar systems, celestial bodies, and dwarf planets. The 3D flights from star to star are impressive for the astronomer when they are combined with a realistic 3-D model of the galaxy and create the impression of conducting a space mission in the universe during a specific period of time. Time travel in space comes to life for the scientific astronomers using Redshift7, which presents views of the celestial objects and their alignments in the night sky at any given time between 4173 B.C. and 9999 A.D. With the addition of the recently improved tracking and visualization tools incorporated into the Redshift software, the avid astronomer can follow the churning course of asteroids, comets, and meteor showers or plot them on a chart while studying their pathways. Constructed with interactive functions, this software also provides controls for the most admired brands of computerized telescopes, allowing the user to compare their real-life observations to the pictures and visualizations depicted on the computer. Created with ease of use for the beginner astronomer first floundering their way through the depths of the universe, Redshift 7 contains limitless exclusive features including the incredible multimedia tours, astonishing journeys through the universe in the future, and tremendous access online to the Digitized Sky Survey and Google Maps. Redshift offers high quality videos and animations that are sure to contain new information expansive enough to make a thrilling and memorable experience for even the advanced astronomer that is planning on increasing their knowledge and education of the solar system and the millions of other wonders of the night time skies. Satisfaction is not far away for the ambitious space enthusiast while the Redshift software is installing on the home computer, promising voyages to points in the galaxy amateur astronomers were unaware of even existing.

Ioptron Telescope

June 16th, 2010

iOptron is a worldwide business headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts that is focused in the expansion, development and promotion of innovative astronomical telescopes, mounts & accessories and progressive optical instruments for various applications. A steady competitor in the astronomy industry and a subsidiary of Boston Applied Technologies, Inc., iOptron maintains their telescope manufacturing operations in China.  The iOptron telescope product line includes refractors, Newtonian reflectors, and Maksutov-Cassegrain scopes designed for any level astronomer to use during their expedition to the stars. iOptron scopes prove powerful enough to convey clear and sharp images for the expert astronomer, and they are intuitive enough for the beginning star hopper to start with ease.

On the bandwagon with other astronomy gear producing companies when it comes to revolutionizing the telescope, iOptron has patented their own GoTo technology, a software application installed in telescopes that takes star gazers on a guided tour of the solar system, called the GoToNova Controller. People are starting to purchase the GoTo enhanced telescopes more and more not just for the prestige of the name, but for the fun that the technology brings with it, putting the star gazer in control of what they want to view in the solar system and how they want to view it with a nifty hand controller.

Customer reviews on the iOptron line of telescopes are complimentary and mention key factors such as affordability to save wear and tear on the wallet, lightweight for portability, and magnificent optics. Their lightweight mounts get outstanding reviews from consumers that enjoy having the choice to move their telescope outside to catch the night time views.  The iOptron telescopes are priced affordably for budding astronomers who want to bypass the uninspiring department store brand scopes made with inexpensive accessories. The optics available in these scopes possess optics that produce apochromatic and crisp images that appeal to the skilled astronomer tired of the blurry or inconsistent views.

In comparison to other brand names in the astronomy business promoting telescopes of various sizes, weights, and categories, iOptron scores high with exceptional customer service, affordable prices, and out of this world optics. Outstanding deals on the iOptron brand scopes are available through a myriad of shopping websites that market technological products on the internet. Due the unfortunate amount of scammers that boast product availability and take the consumer’s money without furnishing the product, it is always important to verify the validity of any company before purchasing products in this manner. For those people that are new to the astrology field of technology, it would be advisable to shop at a local telescope store for a scope in order to receive the in-person customer service and the guidance necessary in ascertaining the proper model.

According to the reviews, comparisons, and deals available, iOptron telescopes are an economical investment for the avid astronomer interested in purchasing a model that is sturdy and user friendly. With the added excitement of the GoToNova Controller technology thrown into the newest telescopes that iOptron has on the shelves, astronomers are enjoying these products even more. Marketing intelligent telescopes starting in the $100 range, iOptron has figured out how to keep the prices low and the expectations high for everyone interested in their products.

The Sky

June 16th, 2010

Software Bisque has skillfully combined the concepts of computer software with advanced technology telescopes and produced a program called TheSky designed to provide exploring astronomers with the opportunity to discover the expansive universe on their desktop. A full-featured reference database, TheSky software is comprised of graphical features in its software that entice astronomers of all levels, including the early learner to the accomplished expert. TheSky software displays precise depictions of the universe from any locale on the Earth between the dates of 4713 B.C. and 10,000 A.D., allowing the galaxy explorer travel in time as well as in the sky.

Thousands of amazing comets, tiny planets, and astonishing asteroids can be effortlessly located and tagged with their name, magnitude, and position with this up-to-the-minute software published by Software Bisque. The CD-ROM versions of this software include over 700 outstanding images of NCG objects and amazing solar system objects for the enjoyment of the beginning astronomer first learning the solar system. The skilled astronomer maintains complete control over the objects they desire to view using filtering, while beginners can walk through the sky in the helpful tutorial. The tutorial is conveniently designed with tons of illustrations and a search tool that the innovative apprentice can utilize to obtain definitions of astronomy words by typing them into the search bar and pressing enter.

Adding destinations to the Auxiliary Objects by plugging in the declination and ascension is thrilling and challenging for the advancing star gazer that loves interactive features. Adjusting the Brightness and Contrast option allows the analytical space explorer the ability to alter the method by which the sky is examined by lighting up ingredients of the sky more or decreasing the light to fade others out. Novice astronomers having trouble finding their way around can get a helping hand from the 150-page manual or meander onto the online help section to jumpstart moving in the right direction.

Planetarium features display realistic representations of the sky and calculate the position of diverse objects in the sky. For the solar system studying student, the Three Dimensional Solar System Simulator illustrates the planet lineup from any position on Earth. For the scholar that studies the tides of the ocean in accordance with the moon, the Moon-phase calendar displays the moon phases and corresponding calendars. The phenomenal animation aspect of TheSky software allows the user to select objects that they desire to watch in motion. The animation of the objects that the exploring astronomer chose to view can even be observed in retrograde movement while going back in time. Animated events can be recorded by the star gazer in order to view astronomical events at a later date utilizing the Event Recorder.

Originally designed for DOS, TheSky software is now compatible to use with Microsoft Windows as well as Mac OS. The Pro edition of the software uses SGT system to interface with telescopes and is capable of handling a few of the GoTo scopes as well. Designed to accommodate a variety of observational and educational functions, the possibilities of this solar system-packed software is certain to please astronomers of all levels.

Starry Night Software

June 16th, 2010

The advancing astronomer that is interested in gaining further knowledge to blend with the use of their telescope will discover almost instant gratification in Starry Night software. Created for the PC, Starry Night software provides an entire planetarium to study and learn from the comfort of your desktop. The formations in the sky can be seen in stunning detail with this software, presenting to the observer stars, the moon, galaxies, planets, and even artificial satellites. With several different versions to choose from, there is a program to fit in every exploring astronomer’s budget.

The full package contains a CD-ROM made for the PC, a manual, and an introduction to astronomy book. The Basic version will run around $30. It contains fewer stars than the other versions and spans a shorter time period, but is great for the beginner that is just starting to enter the field of astronomy. The Backyard version, costing in the range of about $50, or $35 if you download it online, is the middle of the line bundle and contains a few additional features. In this version, there are more stars and a longer time period is covered for usage. The Pro version, hitting the wallet at $130 contains enormous star catalogs. It also covers a much longer time span, teaches computer operation for the telescope, admission to online libraries of stars, and several other more advanced features that everyone will enjoy.

Beginners will find the need to explore the manual a little bit before attempting to use the software, whereas advanced astronomers that know enough about astronomy to jump right in can skip most of the instruction. It should be understood though that there are a few features that may not be easily understood without the manual, and a few of the palettes and buttons are difficult to get the gist of without a bit of practice.

Starry Night contains a palette that consists of the planets, the planet’s moons, asteroids, and several more celestial objects. All the user needs to do is click on a name, and the screen will zoom in on the planet, centering it on the screen. If it is locked in place, the orbit and path the planet will be displayed.  There is also a fabulous feature that allows the user to move through time, and watch as the orbits of planets and moons change. The software also includes a list of major sky events to access such as limited events like eclipses and solar flares. Amazingly, Starry Night allows the viewer to not only view these occurrences from the Earth, but also gives other perspectives such as a view of the eclipse from the moon.

Starry Night allows the user to upload enhancements from the internet, including new spacecrafts, new comets, and updated orbits. Computer controlled telescopes can also be linked through the computer to Starry Night in order to find or track objects. The appearance of the sky in the Starry Night software can be modified to a night view to help with the adjustment of the eyes, and even change the images in the software to mirror image to mimic the way a telescope reveals images to the eye. Used in conjunction with the telescope or even as a stand alone viewing device, Starry Night software provides a cost-effective and clever way to experience the sky and everything it entails.

Starry Night Ceiling Projection

June 16th, 2010

Creating a starry night ceiling projection on your child’s ceiling is a rewarding project that will be enjoyed by the entire family for many years after its completion.  Not only does it peak a child’s interest in astronomy and the world outside our solar system, but a project of this type also will give the room stunning visual detail and encourage even younger children to sleep within their own beds at night.  Long past are the days were parents are forced to stand on ladders and tape glowing plastic stars to their child’s ceiling, although they are most definitely still around and a viable option. Some of the newer materials available on the market provide stunning color while being utterly invisible during daylight hours, and with a little bit of creativity rooms can take on fabulous evening appearances.

The newest fad to add twinkling stars to your ceiling come from the arising technology of fiber optics.  For the patient homeowner that wishes to create a majestic masterpiece detailing the sky, several do it yourself kits are available that mount right to your ceiling.  The actual lighting can be configured in endless patterns to show either random star locations or even exact replicas of our current celestial views, so it is completely up to the homeowner how much time and effort should be dedicated to this project.  With the aid of fiber optics, one light source can power several independent miniature points of interest and they can be located as far as six feet away from the base.  Since the average fiber optic kit comes with around 150-200 lights in almost any color combination imaginable, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to the creativity of this project.  There are also various prefabricated fiber optic kits available within the retail market that is ready to hang and illuminate any room in almost no time.

Another viable option would be to skip lighting altogether and take advantage of some old technology using newer methods.  Instead of pasting a bunch of stars around the room or struggling with complex wiring, why not instead order a few stencils of the universe and paint them right onto your ceiling?  Using specially formulated glow paint, this is entirely possible.  It is available in a variety of colors and the application is not any more difficult than when women paint their fingernails or when men stencil their house number onto their mailbox.  An added benefit is that once the paint cans and ladders are put away, the constellations are nearly invisible during daylight hours as the paint absorbs the room’s natural light.  Once the lights go out however, the room will literally come alive as each and every painted surface brightly shines well into the night.

For the determined enthusiast who wants the best of the best, even more spectacular views can be accomplished through the technology of LED lighting.  Programmed units are available to simulate comets and meteors racing across the skies, supernovas exploding in a final burst of glory, and other cosmic phenomenon that will leave your child breathless.  Entire constellations can also be replicated from a single unit and projected onto the walls and ceilings for a truly hassle free room changing experience.

Planisphere

June 16th, 2010

For those unfamiliar with a planisphere, it is simply a small circular star chart made in order to enhance an astronomer’s viewing experiences by helping them locate areas of interest throughout the universe.  For those who do not have extensive knowledge of the major constellations or where the brightest stars can be found, a planisphere helps them identify where celestial objects are compared to one another.  It also allows both amateurs and experts alike to quickly ascertain what angle and location within the sky they should be viewing to spot each object in question, which saves vast amounts of time when comparing multiple star systems at once.

Some of the features to look for on a planisphere are the quality of the object itself and how much detail it provides.  Some relatively inexpensive models may only point out the major star constellations, while some of the more elaborate ones may also include major nebulas and other astronomical areas of interest.  Other uses included within some planispheres are to calculate future astrological events, a means to determine the sunrise and sunset for the particular area in question, and a numeric system to tell where a constellation or other celestial object will be located at any time during the day or evening.  While most models of planispheres are made of a high quality plastic that should hold up for several years at a time, others are not as sturdy and will easily tear or crack.  There are also various sizes available with a nominal difference in cost, so make sure to review those options as well.

Of course, dependent on where you live will decide which planisphere version needs to be purchased for your own personal use.  They are each individually designed for specified latitudes; which means if one is purchased for viewing in Florida it would not be completely accurate when visiting Seattle.  Since each location would have a different relative viewpoint of the sky it is necessary to produce several types of planispheres for each individual region so pinpoint information can be provided.  Most companies have multiple latitudes available for each type of planisphere they carry, so make sure to verify that you are receiving the correct one (especially when ordering by phone or online).

The average price for a planisphere in a reputable store should be around $7-$12, with the deluxe models costing close to $20 or maybe even a little more.  Of course in every hobby there are items meant more for the serious collectors within the profession, and astrology and planispheres are absolutely no different.  There are a few reputable companies that produce fine planisphere watches that function much like their plastic counterparts, and since the time and date are already known by the timepiece the constellations are always accurate (provided you are at the correct latitude).  Likewise, for the serious collector there are also fine items like planisphere coins and other collectibles.  Of course, the largest and most dynamic planisphere of all is the one above us within the night sky, so be sure to use it often and enjoy the spectacular views.

Orion Telescopes

June 16th, 2010

Founded in 1975 by Tim Gieseler, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars produced quality telescopes and binoculars for the pleasure of beginner, intermediate, and advanced astronomers destined to discover the expansive sky.  For thirty years, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars sold Orion brand binoculars, telescopes, and accessories exclusively but in 2005 the situation changed for the company as Imaginova, a U.S. conglomerate founded by Lou Dobbs, purchased the Orion brand name.  Since Imaginova’s acquisition of Orion Telescopes, the company expanded its selection of products to brands outside of the Orion brand name, including items from Celestron and Schmidt-Cassegrain. Imaginova’s relations in multimedia proved positively for Orion‘s brand name, giving it far more recognition than it had ever received before, increasing sales and stepping up new-product advancement for the telescopes and binoculars.  Orion’s name brand has embraced compliments from consumers over the decades on its superior products, excellent customer service, and affordable prices.

Orion’s product line of diverse telescopes provides the opportunity for amazing star gazing to every level of astronomer, including the refractors, the Newtonian reflectors, the Maksutov and the Schmidt-Cassegrain catadioptric telescopes, and the Dobsonian reflectors. Orion manufactured products have been upgraded and enhanced over time, and today are boasted as some of the best telescopes on the market due to their improved accessories that produce the clearest images and computer software databases that specify celestial objects to the star gazer with ease.

Accessories that draw potential consumers of the Orion telescope line include primary mirrors that produce amazing images bound to excite the astronomer into further investigation of the galaxies and stars. A clever navigation knob takes the guessing out of finding the objects in outer space by automatically steering the viewer in the precise direction. Orion has even added focusers that contain up to 1.25” to 2” eyepieces capable of fabricating vividly clean and uncontrasted views of the elements in the evening sky for astronomers that are fed up with blurry images.

Orion has enhanced the Dobsonian telescope with the “IntelliScope” computerization that assists the astronomer with technology that is automatically programmed to locate thousands of celestial bodies in the sky with just a simple a push of a button. The characteristic mount of the Dobsonian telescope produced by Orion holds the telescope with the stability of an ox with the CorrecTension system, made of Teflon and UHMW polyethylene bearing pads, which are also used in prosthetics to aid in movement, to allow smooth and efficient movement from one planet to another.

All-weather binoculars for sailing or bird watching, sports binoculars for hunting, and waterproof astronomy binoculars for the viewing of the galaxies under less-than-perfect conditions accent the line of Orion binoculars made for optical viewing during the daytime or night time. For the sporting eyeglass wearers, the inconvenience of trying to use binoculars while wearing the necessary eyeglasses has been eliminated with the addition of extra eye space at the eyepiece.

With the merging of the Orion brand name under the power of Imaginova, Orion products continue to improve the technical qualities of their astronomical instruments and expand their market to a broader spectrum of consumers.  Combined relationships in both companies continue to provide the top notch class of customer service that the Orion name has, over the decades, established and maintained.


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