Unboxing the Meade LX850

We just unboxed RTU's newest telescope (and now also RTU's largest), the 14" Meade LX850. This telescope is designed as a sophisticated automated astro-imaging system. I've been given instruction to have it field tested soon and I can't wait to try it out.

Sky-Watcher Skyliner 300P - Review

Rizal Technological University's Department of Earth and Space Sciences is home to three dobsonians from the Sky-Watcher Skyliner series.

I chose to do a review of the largest aperture of course, the 12-inch Sky-Watcher Skyliner 300P. I got to use this scope for an imaging session and was able to get pretty good results.

The Skyliner 300P has a focal length of 1500, giving it an f-number of f/5 which makes it ideal for deep-sky viewing. The eyepiece holder is a dual-fit for the standard 1.25" and also the 2". The scope also comes with T-threads for direct SLR connection via a T-ring. The finderscope attached is a 9x50. The dobsonian mount on the Skyliner series is a wooden mount that comes with an accessory tray at the front. The main OTA is connected to the mount by two tension-knobs which also serve as the telescope's lock and handle. The entire scope is also pretty heavy because of its size.

I attached my Nikon D3100 two ways: via prime focus and with a variable T-adapter. The added weight on the OTA did not cause problems in centering on a particular target. The large aperture provided good light gathering ability for observation.

Here are some sample images taken with the Skyliner 300P:

Astroart - Chibi Astronomers

Just for fun. I doodled some chibi version of me and my batchmates in the MS Astronomy degree program. Here we are carrying our respective telescopes. From the left, you have Lieza with a Meade ETX90, Pamela with an Astromaster70, Vanessa with an Astromaster130, and me with a Sky-Watcher Explorer 150PL. :)