Artificial Star - SKU# AZ-1600

by Astrozap

$110.00

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Astrozap Artificial Star

The artificial star is designed to provide a steady, stable reference for star collimation to be used in lieu of an actual star. This device will allow collimation without the worry of star drift or seeing conditions. This very bright, small point source of light will provide a consistent brightness and produce beautiful diffraction rings when de-focused in any eyepiece.

This new and improved design features a brighter 18,000mcd ultra white LED focused on a 100 micron precision laser drilled stainless steel aperture.

The Importance of Proper Collimation

Collimation, in its simplest terms, is the alignment of the mirrors or other optical surfaces in the telescope. A telescope that is out of collimation will typically not perform as well as a lesser telescope (25-50% less aperture) that is in collimation. If you put the extra money into a larger telescope, you are not reaping any benefits of it unless the scope is collimated. Also, no telescope will allow you to reach a crisp focus at the high power end unless collimation is perfect. It is well worth the time and effort.

The picture below (Fig 1) represents an optical system that is in perfect collimation. The rings themselves make collimation easy to perform. Note the complete lack of any atmospheric disturbance. This photo was taken with an eight inch SCT using a modified webcam at prime focus. Star distance was approximately 50 feet from the telescope. This picture was taken on a 95 degree summer day just before dusk! (Fig 2) is an example of an optical system that is out of collimation.

The star can be mounted on a table, or attached to a standard photo tripod using the ¼-20 adapter provided on the bottom of the unit.

These can be used at star parties to provide a star for everyone. It never moves, so there are no tracking or centering issues to worry about. It is unaffected by atmospheric disturbances so you can get an accurate collimation under any seeing conditions.

The placement of the star depends on the telescope. For an 8" SCT we recommend approximately 100 feet. The further away from the scope, the better until you start loosing contrast in the eyepiece. Indoor use is a possibility although we recommend collimation with the scope in position.

The procedure for collimating your particular telescope should be outlined in its manual. Please read the instructions there first. It will tell you the location of the collimation screws and any cautionary notes concerning collimation adjustments.

Fig.1. Perfect Collimation

Fig.2. Out of Collimation

Artificial Star - SKU# AZ-1600

Download a PDF of the Astrozap Artificial Star Information and Instructions

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