Why Does My Telescope Lens Cap Have a Hole in It?

If you’ve ever popped the dust cap off your telescope and noticed a smaller hole staring back at you, it’s not there by accident. Those openings are a built-in feature...

Why Does My Telescope Lens Cap Have a Hole in It?

If you’ve ever popped the dust cap off your telescope and noticed a smaller hole staring back at you, it’s not there by accident. Those openings are a built-in feature...

Troubleshooting the "Bootloader Invalid Package" Error on Your Celestron Telescope

Troubleshooting the "Bootloader Invalid Package" Error on Your Celestron...

If you’ve powered on your Celestron telescope only to be greeted by a cryptic “Invalid Package ####” message on your hand control, don’t panic. It may look concerning at first,...

Troubleshooting the "Bootloader Invalid Package" Error on Your Celestron...

If you’ve powered on your Celestron telescope only to be greeted by a cryptic “Invalid Package ####” message on your hand control, don’t panic. It may look concerning at first,...

Types of Telescope Eyepieces: From Kellner and Plössl to Modern Designs

Types of Telescope Eyepieces: From Kellner and Plössl to Modern Designs

When you look through a telescope, you’re not just using the telescope—you’re using a partnership. The eyepiece is half of that equation. Think of it as the final storyteller in...

Types of Telescope Eyepieces: From Kellner and Plössl to Modern Designs

When you look through a telescope, you’re not just using the telescope—you’re using a partnership. The eyepiece is half of that equation. Think of it as the final storyteller in...

Understanding Wedges for Alt-Az Telescopes

Alt-azimuth mounts are popular for a reason. They’re intuitive, quick to align, and excellent for visual observing. But when astrophotographers begin taking longer exposures, a new challenge appear...

Understanding Wedges for Alt-Az Telescopes

Alt-azimuth mounts are popular for a reason. They’re intuitive, quick to align, and excellent for visual observing. But when astrophotographers begin taking longer exposures, a new challenge appear...

Understanding Focal Reducers

Understanding Focal Reducers

A focal reducer, sometimes called a Shapley lens, does exactly what its name promises: it shortens a telescope’s effective focal length. In that sense, it is the optical opposite of...

Understanding Focal Reducers

A focal reducer, sometimes called a Shapley lens, does exactly what its name promises: it shortens a telescope’s effective focal length. In that sense, it is the optical opposite of...

Back Focus for Astrophotography: How to Get Perfect Spacing

Back Focus for Astrophotography: How to Get Perfect Spacing

Most full-frame and APS-C DSLR and mirrorless cameras have an industry-standard 55 mm of internal back focus when paired with a lens or a T-ring. The thickness of the T-ring...

Back Focus for Astrophotography: How to Get Perfect Spacing

Most full-frame and APS-C DSLR and mirrorless cameras have an industry-standard 55 mm of internal back focus when paired with a lens or a T-ring. The thickness of the T-ring...