{"product_id":"astrozap-artificial-star-az-1600","title":"Astrozap Artificial Star (AZ-1600)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAstrozap Artificial Star\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artificial star is designed to provide a steady, stable reference for star collimation to be used in lieu of an actual star. This device will allow collimation without the worry of star drift or seeing conditions. This very bright, small point source of light will provide a consistent brightness and produce beautiful diffraction rings when de-focused in any eyepiece.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis new and improved design features a brighter 18,000mcd ultra white LED focused on a 100 micron precision laser drilled stainless steel aperture.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Importance of Proper Collimation\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCollimation, in its simplest terms, is the alignment of the mirrors or other optical surfaces in the telescope. A telescope that is out of collimation will typically not perform as well as a lesser telescope (25-50% less aperture) that is in collimation. If you put the extra money into a larger telescope, you are not reaping any benefits of it unless the scope is collimated. Also, no telescope will allow you to reach a crisp focus at the high power end unless collimation is perfect. It is well worth the time and effort.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe picture below (Fig 1) represents an optical system that is in perfect collimation. The rings themselves make collimation easy to perform. Note the complete lack of any atmospheric disturbance. This photo was taken with an eight inch SCT using a modified webcam at prime focus. Star distance was approximately 50 feet from the telescope. This picture was taken on a 95 degree summer day just before dusk! (Fig 2) is an example of an optical system that is out of collimation.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe star can be mounted on a table, or attached to a standard photo tripod using the ¼-20 adapter provided on the bottom of the unit.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThese can be used at star parties to provide a star for everyone. It never moves, so there are no tracking or centering issues to worry about. It is unaffected by atmospheric disturbances so you can get an accurate collimation under any seeing conditions. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe placement of the star depends on the telescope. For an 8\" SCT we recommend approximately 100 feet. The further away from the scope, the better until you start loosing contrast in the eyepiece. Indoor use is a possibility although we recommend collimation with the scope in position.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe procedure for collimating your particular telescope should be outlined in its manual. Please read the instructions there first. It will tell you the location of the collimation screws and any cautionary notes concerning collimation adjustments.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFig.1. Perfect Collimation\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0010\/4094\/1100\/files\/Artificial_Star_Figure_1_480x480.jpg?v=1642434961\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0010\/4094\/1100\/files\/Artificial_Star_Figure_1_480x480.jpg?v=1642434961\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFig.2. Out of Collimation\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0010\/4094\/1100\/files\/Artificial_Star_Figure_2_480x480.jpg?v=1642434972\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0010\/4094\/1100\/files\/Artificial_Star_Figure_2_480x480.jpg?v=1642434972\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAstrozap Artificial Star\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWarranty \u0026amp; Manuals\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLimited One Year Warranty\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astrozap","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43133228450021,"sku":"AZ-1600","price":149.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/6245\/2965\/files\/astrozap-artificial-star-az-1600-astronomy-plus_67f0d4b4-23dc-4421-84f8-39c4de4a1827.jpg?v=1690484258","url":"https:\/\/istronomyplus.com\/products\/astrozap-artificial-star-az-1600","provider":"Astronomy Plus – Telescopes \u0026 Astrophotography Canada","version":"1.0","type":"link"}