ASTROGEAR

Equipment Editor Steve Ringwood casts his discerning eye of the very latest astronomy products

EQUIPMENT

Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100ha H-Alpha solar scope

Current observations confirm that the Sun is tipping away from 2025’s maximum of its 11-year activity cycle. However, this by no means indicates a reduction of magnificent H-Alpha features to be observed. The relative quiescence of solar minimum is still 5 or 6 years away! Good to see then that Sky-Watcher have extended their range of dedicated solar telescopes with this larger aperture 100 mm hydrogen alpha instrument aimed at serious Sun worshippers.

Similar to its 76 mm sibling, this telescope utilises Sky-Watcher’s Trifid tuner and Solis etalon technology to deliver a narrow bandwidth of less than 0.5 angstroms, centred on a wavelength of 656.28 nanometers, the wavelength known as H-Alpha. Usefully, this narrow window is accomplished without deploying a doubled etalon, commonly used to achieve this. This system requires the use of the supplied solar prism and should not be used with a conventional diagonal.

The generous 760 mm focal length (f/7.6) delivers a useful prime focus image 7.6 mm across, yielding the potential for high-resolution imaging with a CCD, for which there is a plentiful imaging back focus of 60 mm.

For visual observers, a wide-field (70º) 22 mm focal length eyepiece delivering 34.5 × is supplied. The Sun is always a beautiful object to observe and with this telescope you can get up close and personal.

Details: www.opticalvision.co.uk Price: SRP £4,499

RVO Horizon Smart Wi-Fi Telescope Camera

Probably only the second or third occasion I have said so on these pages, but it is about time! Although similar devices have been floating about the internet for a while, at last RVO are offering an affordable group-viewable camera that can not only display on-screen what the telescope can see but port the image to nearby smartphones via its Wi-Fi connection. Viewing, capturing and sharing in one single package – wonderful!

Designed to slot into the standard 1.25" eyepiece fitting, this camera offers an easy route into astro-imaging. But where it will excel is in its ability as an outreach tool, capable of making a telescope’s view available to a group of admiring onlookers.

It is completely self-contained. You need no cabling as it is powered by its own rechargeable battery.

The sensor is capable of showing Solar System objects and the brighter nebulae. And if you ever tire of the sky (impossible), you can deploy it for terrestrial observing, such as for capturing wildlife.

Details: www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk Price £50

Customisable Constellations Moon Phase Clock

One of the most useful ‘at a glance’ devices in my home is a moon-phase dial. With just a look, I can determine the current lunar phase – by which I mean its relationship to the Sun and its current observability. More than once it has sternly persuaded me to rise from the proverbial comfy chair, especially when it indicates a waxing gibbous phase. This is my favourite lunar aspect because the shadowed details in Copernicus crater can be seen with its magnificent ray system. Also, the enigmatic lozenge of lunar terrain called the Aristarchus Plateau is in deep relief, revealing a confusion of features of vastly different ages.

This version from ClimeMET is a good size, with a stylish ‘constellationish’ dark face adorned by twelve Moon phases. The indicator rotates in 29.5 days, thus (once synchronised) keeps pace with our orbiting Moon.

The lunar clock’s bezel comes in a choice of three colours and there is also a facility of having it personally inscribed. I can think of some choice phrases for the phases, but will decline from sharing them.

This is a very useful item that can be deployed inside or (suitably sheltered from the elements) outside. And if you are a sailing buff, you can probably work out the tides from it too – or buy the Moon and Tide Stargazer Gift Set.

Details: www.notonthehighstreet.com Price: (depending on bezel type and engraving) approx. £40 to £58. Moon and Tide Stargazer Gift Set: from £60.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Watches

2026 Limited Edition (SSH187 & SSJ039)

Generally speaking, it is the stars that move and the astronomer who stays put beneath to observe them. But observers have itchy feet, and it does not take much to have them leaping across the globe to reach better skies or to stand in the Sun’s shadow at a solar eclipse.

The circumstantial king in all of this rushing around is time. All phenomena have their appointed moment, fixed in space and especially time to be witnessed and recorded. In a sense, the Universe (and we) are slaves to it. It is essential therefore that we always have access to its accurate determination.

Should anyone have replenished their pecuniary resources following the largesse of the Christmas period, here from Seiko is a stylish way of carrying the time around. They are releasing two versions of their Astron Solar series

The SSH187 (with a multi-dial face) is a 1/20th second chronograph style, with the non-chronographic sibling being the SSJ039. Both are solar-charged and offer automated GPS time adjustment and time zone switching.

But you will need to rush whilst stocks last, as the more expensive SSH187 is limited to just 1,500 pieces worldwide, although the SSJ039 is a non-limited release.

You may end up not knowing where you are, but you know the time at which you got lost with certainty and style.

Details: www.seikowatches.com Price: SSJ039 €2,500. SSH187 €3,000