Author: Chris Lee

  • Lowell and Mars written by William Graves Hoyt

    by Kevin Beamer I recently finished reading ‘Lowell and Mars’ by William Graves Hoyt, and I’d like to recommend it to anyone interested in the history of astronomy. The book is primarily focused on Percival Lowell’s theory that the canals that he saw on Mars were proof that intelligent life existed on that planet. Lowell’s theory, and the scientific and public debate surrounding it are covered in detail. ‘Lowell and Mars’ is really about much more. It begins by describing Lowell’s intense concerns Read more […]

  • Review of the Orion Electronic Eyepiece (Color Model)

    I purchased this interesting accessory to record the 2003 Martian Opposition. It’s not nearly as good as one would hope; but the Orion description is fairly accurate. The image scale from the eyepiece itself is about that of a medium power eyepiece – something in the 10-12 mm range. I used it mainly with my 7 inch f/10 Maksutov Cassegrain. Read more […]

  • TeleVue NP-101

    For the last several months I have been looking for a wide field telescope to complement my Starmaster. Since I’m still years out on the AP list, I decided on the NP-101 and placed an order through Anacortes. One week later the telescope, a Gibraltar mount and Star Beam was delivered. Read more […]

  • Ceravolo 5.7-inch f/6 Maksutov-Newtonian

    The thought process that led to purchasing this scope started years ago at a lunch meeting of the Analemma society in Great Falls, where I was an invited speaker. Marty Cohen of Company 7 was talking about the steadily increasing demand for Astrophysics refractors, and the steadily lengthening wait lists. Read more […]

  • Skywatcher HDT Mount

    Here with the tripod is fully extended, with the Synta 150 (6″) f/8 refractor, properly balanced. The pivot point of the DEC axis with the tripod fully extended and pointed north is at 67.5″ in height. Read more […]

  • Coronado SolarMax 60mm Hydrogen Alpha Filter

    You can’t go to a star party these days without bumping into one of Coronado’s Hydrogen Alpha (Ha) Filters. All it takes is one look and your hooked. Seeing the solar chromosphere come alive in Ha light is thrilling. I have had the opportunity to look through and compare the 40mm, 60mm and 90mm versions as well as a stacked 40mm and a stacked 90mm. When it came time to purchase one, I bought the 60mm. Read more […]

  • Meade ETX-60AT

    The Meade ETX-60AT digital, computerized, go-to, 60 mm telescope was recommended to me by a nameless, but respected, member of NOVAC, who said they were a lot of fun. However, my experience with it is that it is a pain in the neck that makes funny whirring noises in the dark and is much less useful than a decent pair of binoculars. Read more […]

  • Meade LXD 55 6″F8 Refractor

    This telescope came delivered for $995. With all the features it proclaims, I was apprehensive to say the least. I have been both pleased and dismayed. I am going to divide up between OTA and Tripod/Autostar. Read more […]

  • Orion SkyQuest XT4.5

    Some recent online comparisons between the Meade ETX90 and Orion 90mm Mak-Cass telescopes motivated me to capture my thoughts about another small telescope that warrants attention if you are looking for a inexpensive, but capable, grab-and-go telescope. Before diving into the details, I’ll point your attention to Guy Brandenburg’s review of the Meade ETX-60AT. Except for the obvious differences in aperture, I suspect similar comments could be made about the ETX90. Read more […]

  • Review of the Intes Micro Alter M703 180mm Maksutov Cassegrain

    This is a 7.1 inch f/10 Maksutov Cassegrain manufactured by the Russian company Intes Micro. I purchased this scope from ITE Telescopes in February, 2003. It arrived a few weeks later after a stop-over in Jupiter, FL for a collimation and certification by Mike Palermiti. The scope is the standard coatings version with a certified final wavefront error of one-sixth wave and 0.7 arc second bench-test resolution. Read more […]