Can't someone make a moderately priced, reasonably large reflector on a clock-driven, computer-controlled mount? The answer is yes, they can. One company leading the way is Celestron, with their recently introduced line of "Advanced Series GT" telescopes. The Celestron Advanced Series C8 N-GT pairs an 8-inch f/5 optical tube assembly with the redesigned CG-5GT German equatorial mount. The end result is a telescope that is easy to set up, pleasant to use, and a very good value. The original CG-5 mount was adequate for relatively small instruments, but its tripod legs were too weak to hold a substantial instrument. The legs with the new CG-5GT are greatly improved, and similar in design to those used with Celestron's more expensive NexStar and NexStar GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. The redesigned CG-5 mount's axes are also smoother and more stable than the original. Further, the GT version adds a NexStar computer control GoTo system that includes a database of more than 40,000 sky objects both near and far. Throughout my tests, the NexStar GoTo system has performed very well night after night, provided it was initialized correctly (which means that the equatorial mount has to be approximately aligned with the celestial pole). Once all was set, each subsequent target was within the field of the C8-N's 20-mm eyepiece (50x). For the best views, however, I often substituted my own eyepieces. The 10-mm Tele Vue Radian, for instance, proved to be a favorite. The C8-N has some of the finest optics I have ever seen in a Newtonian reflector. Star testing proved that the primary mirror was a nearly perfect paraboloid. That let me enjoy some wonderful observations of Saturn as well as great detail within Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere, both at 357x using my own 7-mm Pentax eyepiece (similar to this one) and 2. 5x Tele Vue Powermate. The telescope's 8-inch aperture is large enough to view all of the planets, as well as thousands of deep-sky objects. The Orion Nebula glimmers beautifully in the field, while its Trapezium multiple star is easily resolved. The C8 N-GT also shows hordes of stars in globular clusters M3, M5, and M13; the faint glow of planetary nebulae M57 and M27; and the sparkling beauty of open clusters M35, M11, and many others. I have very few complaints about the C8 N-GT. If anything, the focuser is a little quirky. Most 2-inch focusers only require a 1. 25-inch adapter, but the C8 N-GT also needs a 2-inch adapter. Both adapters look like top hats, with broad, tapered bases serving as the hat's brim. The bases are tapered to prevent the adapter from falling out of the focuser should either of the two locking thumbscrews accidentally loosen. In both cases, the eyepiece itself slips into the adapter's long tube, which protrudes about 1. 5 inches above the "brim. " Although it works, this dual-adapter design means having to remember yet another piece of equipment when heading out. I also found it necessary to degrease the focuser's rack and pinion gearing. Many imported focusers come with thick, almost glue-like grease that impairs function, rather than improve it. After getting as much of the grease off as possible and spraying the gears with dry silicone lubricant, the focuser worked smoothly. Overall, the Celestron C8 N-GT is one of the best moderately priced telescopes on the market today. Its combination of excellent optics and functional mount will combine to give users years of enjoyment. -Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch Pros: Excellent optics Accurate GoTo control Sturdy tripod Cons: Quirky focuser Sticky grease used as a lubricant.

No longer will you be bent over your telescope, squinting with one eye - the CCD-1 will make you feel like more than just an amateur astronomer. The eye-piece comes with an easy-to-install driver. Once your computer is set up and you've connected the CCD-1 to your computer by way of the included USB cable, you'll be ready to snap and store images on your hard drive. The eyepiece sends photo data from the CCD module to your computer. Once stored, you can use photo editing software to make changes or edit the photo. Digitally place aliens or spaceships for humorous images, or simply use the CCD-1 to capture and store your favorite shots of the great beyond. Regardless of your intent, this eyepiece is an excellent accessory for any stargazer. What's in the Box CCD-1 digital color eye-piece, USB cable, and CD-ROM driver.

Wide angle. Rubicon-coated objective lenses. Carrying pouch and neck strap. With fully coated optics for exceptional light transmission and Rubicon-coated objective lenses for brilliant daylight viewing, the Tasco Sonoma series binoculars are widely praised for offering outstanding optical performance and minimizing reflection. Covered by the Tasco limited lifetime Warranty, Sonoma offers optical quality combined with an attractive, contemporary exterior. The Tasco SN1050 Sonoma 10 x 50 binoculars feature powerful 10x magnification, making them ideal for birding and wildlife observation. Wide angle, Rubicon-coated objective lenses, a carrying pouch and neck strap round out the SN1050's outstanding features. What's in the Box SN1050 binoculars, carrying pouch, and neck strap.