Astronomy

We try not to play favorites here at Optical Mechanics, but we have to admit: astronomy is definitely nearest and dearest to our hearts! We explore the solar system, viewing techniques, galaxies, space travel, and much, much more.

orion nebula

Orion Constellation – The Ultimate Guide to a Classic Beauty

google.com, pub-3944954862316283, RESELLER, f08c47fec0942fa0 Lying on the celestial equator, the constellation of Orion is one of the most recognizable and well-known constellations in the night sky. It is visible in both hemispheres from November to March, hitting the meridian at sunset in January. The areas in and around Orion are home to one of the …

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Refractor Telescope next to Reflector Telescope

Refractor vs Reflector Telescope: What is the Difference?

google.com, pub-3944954862316283, RESELLER, f08c47fec0942fa0 Refractor vs reflector that is the question…  Most people seem to have a fairly generic idea of a telescope that they picture in their minds, particularly when shopping for one: A long, skinny instrument with a lens at one end mounted on a spindly but elegant tripod, with the eyepiece at …

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Six Top Star Gazing Apps

6 Top Stargazing Apps

google.com, pub-3944954862316283, RESELLER, f08c47fec0942fa0 When you start with astronomy from your backyard, you might not know where to start pointing your telescope in order to view the stars and planets. A star map is said to be useful because it can help you out, but it’s not very practical, and sometimes star maps you can …

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The moon shining in space

Why Does the Moon Shine?

google.com, pub-3944954862316283, RESELLER, f08c47fec0942fa0 Why does the moon shine? is one of those seemingly simple questions that people tend to assume they were born with the knowledge to answer, like ‘why is the sky blue?’ That is until someone – usually a young child – asks them the question.  But fear not, nobody is born …

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What is a Dobsonian Telescope and How Does it Work?

google.com, pub-3944954862316283, RESELLER, f08c47fec0942fa0 The Dobsonian telescope has gone through a wide variety of iterations and innovations since it was first invented at the dawn of the Space Age, as well as a great deal of criticism.  However, today Dobsonians dominate observing fields, are common even at astronomical observatories, and are widely considered the best …

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Image of a Meade telescope on grass

How to Focus a Telescope (Visually and Photographically)

google.com, pub-3944954862316283, RESELLER, f08c47fec0942fa0 Focusing a telescope may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a remarkably easy process. In this article, we will explain what how to focus a telescope actually means, how focusers work, and why it’s important. Most telescopes have an external focusing device that physically shifts the eyepiece or camera back and forth …

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