Wish List: Stargazing gadgets 2020
Stellina
Bring the power of a stellar observatory to your back garden with Stellina by Vaonis. This next-generation telescope allows stargazers to select a planet, star or nebula, and Stellina will locate its position and begin imaging. As a highly sophisticated piece of technology, this compact telescope comes equipped with a rain sensor and will power down when weather conditions become harsh. This allows you to leave Stellina outside for long-exposure shots and mesmerising timelapse videos. Stellina also makes stargazing a social experience by removing eyepieces and sending observation images straight to your smartphone or computer for you to share on social platforms.
Homestar Flux
Bring the night sky indoors with the Homestar Flux by Sega Toys. This home planetarium can project more than 60,000 high-definition stars straight onto your ceiling. The Homestar Flux also lets you explore different regions of the universe with interchangeable scenic discs. Simply place a disc of the Northern or Southern Hemisphere into the Homestar Flux and watch as the ceiling comes alive with stars and celestial bodies. However, the Flux is not restricted to your living room thanks to its USB power outlet, allowing the planetarium to
be portable.
Skymaster Pro 20X80 Binoculars
You don’t always need a giant telescope and a tripod to view the stars. The Skymaster Pro binoculars by Celestron can be a great handheld way to observe the cosmos with its 80-millimetre lens. Made for all weather conditions, these polycarbonate and aluminium binoculars are lightweight and can be easily transported in a backpack. The Skymaster Pro is also equipped with a red-dot finder to bring astronomical objects into view.
Meade Green Laser Pointer
Stargazing can be a great hobby, not just as a solo pastime but also one to enjoy with friends and family. However, when you’ve caught a glimpse of something exciting in the sky, it’s often hard to communicate where you’ve trained your telescope. This compact pen is capable of generating a bright green dot at a distance of around 7,600 metres to easily identify constellations and planetary locations.
Meade Infinity 70mm refractor
Finding the right telescope can be tricky, especially if you’re just starting out as an astronomer. Meade Instruments has a wide range of telescopes to select from, but its Infinity is a great starting point. These refracting telescopes are a straightforward way to stargaze, with interchangeable eyepieces for varying magnifications. Models with an aperture of 60 millimetres and above come equipped with a red dot viewfinder, making it easier for you to find your favourite planet or star.
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