Tag

Telescopes

All articles tagged with #telescopes

Elite skywatching gear for 2026: smart telescopes, stabilized binos, and AI-powered mounts
space9 days ago

Elite skywatching gear for 2026: smart telescopes, stabilized binos, and AI-powered mounts

Space.com’s premium skywatching gear guide for 2026 highlights high-end, automation-rich equipment—from image-stabilized binoculars (Canon 18x50 IS UD; Fujifilm TS-L 16x40; Canon 10x42 L IS WP) to smart telescopes (Unistellar Envision, eVscope 2, Odyssey Pro, Vaonis Vespera Pro, Celestron Origin Mark II) and GoTo mounts (Celestron StarSense DX 130AZ, Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi, Benro Polaris Astro)—emphasizing how better optics and software let you find, capture, and share celestial targets, albeit at premium prices.

Comet 3I/ATLAS Nears Earth: How to Spot It This Friday
science2 months ago

Comet 3I/ATLAS Nears Earth: How to Spot It This Friday

Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered in July 2025, reached its closest point to Earth last night and is now moving away. It can be viewed via a live webcast or with backyard telescopes, though it appears as a tiny star-like point at magnitude 11. The comet offers a rare opportunity to observe an interstellar object, with additional images released by NASA from the Europa Clipper spacecraft.

Scientists Develop Method to Detect Supernovas Hours After Explosion
science6 months ago

Scientists Develop Method to Detect Supernovas Hours After Explosion

Scientists have developed a new protocol using the Gran Telescopio de Canarias to identify supernovae within hours of explosion, enabling detailed early observations that can reveal crucial information about the star's structure and explosion mechanics. This method involves specific criteria to distinguish young supernovae from other transient objects, and the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory will further enhance early detection capabilities, potentially allowing routine observation of supernovae within 24 hours of explosion.

Saturn Returns to Night Sky: How to Spot It This Week
science7 months ago

Saturn Returns to Night Sky: How to Spot It This Week

Saturn will return to the Northern Hemisphere's late night sky this week after months as a morning star, becoming increasingly visible in the evening sky until its opposition on September 21, when it will be observable throughout the night. Stargazers can enhance their viewing with telescopes, and should check local timings for optimal observation. Saturn's reappearance marks an exciting period for skywatchers until it passes close to the sun in March 2026.

Exploring the Secrets of Galactic Archaeology
science1 year ago

Exploring the Secrets of Galactic Archaeology

The podcast episode discusses the concept of galactic archaeology, which allows scientists to reconstruct the history of the Milky Way and the universe by analyzing data from various telescopes, both large and small. By examining different wavelengths of light and rare star species, researchers can piece together the galaxy's past, including its merger history. The episode highlights the contributions of smaller telescopes in this field, emphasizing their significant impact alongside major observatories.

Astronomers Capture Record-Breaking Image of Tiny Asteroid
science1 year ago

Astronomers Capture Record-Breaking Image of Tiny Asteroid

Astronomers, led by Teddy Kareta, raced to observe the smallest asteroid ever tracked, 2022 WJ1, before it entered Earth's atmosphere and became a fireball. Discovered on November 19, 2022, the asteroid was only 16 to 27 inches wide and was observed using the Lowell Discovery Telescope in Arizona. Despite its small size, the event provided valuable data on asteroid characteristics and behavior. Although most of the asteroid vaporized, recovery efforts for any remaining fragments were unsuccessful. The event highlights the potential for future advancements in asteroid detection and observation.

Top Black Friday Telescope Deals: Save Big on Premium Models
science-and-technology1 year ago

Top Black Friday Telescope Deals: Save Big on Premium Models

An experienced astronomer shares insights on the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday telescope deals, catering to both novice and seasoned skywatchers. The article emphasizes the importance of considering budget, target interests, and experience level before purchasing a telescope. It also highlights top picks that offer excellent optics, build quality, and portability, ensuring a great skywatching experience.

How Scientists Add Color to the Universe's Canvas
science1 year ago

How Scientists Add Color to the Universe's Canvas

Astronomical images often use colorization techniques to convey information not visible to the human eye. Scientists assign colors to different wavelengths of light captured by telescopes like Hubble and JWST, which may include non-visible spectra such as infrared or X-rays. This process helps highlight specific features, such as the presence of certain elements or energetic phenomena, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of celestial objects. The choice of colors is not fixed and can vary depending on the data and the features scientists wish to emphasize.

"Telescope Duo Unveils 10 Mysterious Pulsars"
science1 year ago

"Telescope Duo Unveils 10 Mysterious Pulsars"

An international team of astronomers has discovered 10 new exotic pulsars in the globular cluster Terzan 5 using the NSF Green Bank Telescope and the MeerKAT Telescope. These findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, add to the 39 known pulsars in the cluster and include rare binary systems and "spider" pulsars, enhancing our understanding of neutron stars and globular clusters.