Tutorials

There are many options to consider when choosing a CCD camera, but usually there are a couple majors factors which can make the decision easier. Admittedly cost is one of the most important factors, but there can be a variety...

Webcams Currently, the best planetary images are being taken with webcams. The techniques that these inexpensive cameras allow make the capable of achieving better planetary images than even the most expensive CCD cameras. For details on using these cameras, visit...

Have you ever visited a website with an impressive CCD image and wondered what it would take to get that picture with your equipment? This calculator will give you the necessary exposure time with a given CCD and telescope needed...

Knowing the field of view of a CCD camera on a certain telescope is critical when selecting targets for imaging. It is also a useful way of comparing cameras or combinations of cameras and telescopes. Pixel size factors into the...

This calculator allows you to determine the ideal exposure time for subframes that will be stacked. It requires that you take a test exposure using your CCD imaging setup and measure the background sky value. Please refer to the CCD...

Below are the most common accessories used by beginning CCD imagers to make life under the stars a little easier. Dew Shields and Heaters Moisture forming on the front lens of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope can easily ruin a CCD imaging...

Note: To select items from a list on the NexStar SE hand controller, use the UP and DOWN buttons (6 and 9) on the right side of the hand controller. Aligning the Telescope 1. Press ENTER to begin the alignment...

Light Grasp of a Telescope The primary function of a telescope is to gather light and funnel it into the observer's eye. The larger the telescope, the greater the amount of light captured. Light gathering ability is a function of...

The Best Way to Begin There is no better way to start learning the stars than with a planisphere. A planisphere is a flat, circular chart that can be set to any date and time. Once set, the charts shows...