Photo credit: www.astronomy.com
Highlights from the Northeast Astronomy Forum 2024
The Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF) took place over the weekend of April 5 and 6 at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. Hosted by the Rockland Astronomy Club, this event stands as one of the leading astronomy conventions in the world. It serves as a gathering point for amateur astronomers, professionals, and industry innovators, offering a weekend filled with exploration and advancements in the field of astronomy. Attendees experience a vast exhibit area showcasing the latest telescopes, astrophotography equipment, and advancements in space science technology. Additionally, there are engaging lectures from prominent astronomers and astronauts, solar observing (weather permitting), and various STEM activities aimed at all age groups.
Among the plethora of impressive new products showcased, four items particularly stood out.
Tele Vue Nagler Type 7 Eyepiece Series
The newly introduced Tele Vue Nagler Type 7 eyepiece series takes inspiration from the acclaimed Apollo 11 eyepiece, featuring an expansive 82° apparent field of view and 19mm of eye relief for those who wear eyeglasses. This series includes four focal lengths: 5.5mm, 9mm, 14mm, and 19mm. Notably, the 5.5mm and 9mm models are designed with dual 2″ and 1¼” barrels, while the 14mm and 19mm eyepieces use 2″ barrels. All options maintain parfocality, ensuring the focal point remains consistent across the series.
Advanced optical coatings and refined baffling technologies are employed to improve contrast, providing vivid star colors and exceptional sharpness. The 5.5mm and 9mm models are compatible with bino viewers and work with DIOPTRX and FoneMate systems, while the 14mm and 19mm models are not recommended for bino viewers but still support DIOPTRX and FoneMate accessories. Availability through dealers is anticipated in early summer 2025, with pricing details to be released later.
ZWO Seestar S30 Pro
The ZWO Seestar S30 Pro stands out as a versatile, compact smart telescope designed to accommodate both novices and experienced astrophotographers. Building on the foundation of the Seestar S30, the Pro introduces a dual-lens system for increased adaptability. Its primary 30mm f/5 apochromatic ED quadruplet objective, paired with a Sony IMX585 STARVIS 2 sensor, produces detailed, low-noise images of deep-sky phenomena. Additionally, a secondary wide-angle lens with a Sony IMX586 sensor facilitates expansive Milky Way shots.
This telescope includes notable enhancements like 256GB of internal storage, refined AI noise reduction, and specific modes for capturing the Milky Way and star trails. Furthermore, it incorporates built-in dual-band filters and a magnetic solar filter. Weighing in at only 3.6 pounds (1.6 kilograms), it can operate for six hours on a rechargeable battery and can be controlled via a smartphone app (compatible with both iOS and Android), offering connectivity through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The telescope comes with a tripod, carrying case, and USB-C cable, with pre-orders expected to begin in May or June 2025, although pricing is still pending.
Starpoint Australis Portable Observatories
A unique attraction at the event was Starpoint Australis Observatories, which showcased their innovative portable observatories. Designed for ease of setup, these observatories can be arranged in either square or circular configurations.
The Phoenix Astro Observatory provides a compact yet fully functional space for stargazing. With a footprint roughly 8.6 x 8.6 feet (2.6 x 2.6 m) or a diameter of 9.3 feet (2.8 m), it weighs 40 pounds (18 kg) and folds down to a compact size of 3.6 x 0.8 x 0.8 feet (109 x 24 x 24 cm). It boasts a wall height of 4.9 feet (1.5 m) with a spacious 6.6-foot (202 cm) top opening, an adjustable windshield adding another 4.9 feet (1.5 m) for wind protection.
For those who need extra space, the Octans Astro Observatory offers a larger option with a footprint of approximately 11.5 x 11.5 feet (3.5 x 3.5 m) or a diameter of 12.5 feet (3.8 m). Weighing around 68 pounds (31 kg), this observatory has a 5.2-foot (1.6 m) wall height and an 8.8-foot (268 cm) top opening. Both models are made using durable 420D Polyester PU-coated material, ensuring a protected and conducive environment for astronomical observations.
Astro Labs-USA 12.5” Travel Dobsonian
Lastly, the Astro Labs-USA 12.5″ f/4 Travel Dobsonian caught attention with its design focused on portability without compromising aperture. Equipped with a primary mirror of 50 inches (1270 mm) focal length, it strikes a balance between light-gathering capability and a manageable design for transportation. The robust yet lightweight truss tube, crafted from aluminum, efficiently collapses into compact parts for easy travel.
This Dobsonian mount features smooth Teflon bearings for both altitude and azimuth movements, enabling precise tracking of celestial objects. The included 2″ focuser facilitates fine adjustments for achieving optimal focus. When disassembled, the entire telescope fits into transport-friendly cases, making it an excellent option for amateur astronomers who wish to venture to darker sky locations. Its user-friendly design allows for quick assembly and disassembly, typically achievable in just a few minutes, ensuring that users can maximize their time under the night sky.
Source
www.astronomy.com