Tag: Stargazing

Nikon 5×15 HG monocular review

NeRD

With the promise of its stablemates, the Nikon 5×15 HG Monocular has a lot to live up to. We were amazed by the quality of this little monocular’s images, which were clear and very sharp. The chassis is very solidly made and feels very comfortable. Although the unit isn’t waterproof, it’s so tiny that it can be stowed in a plastic bag and placed in a pocket, where it will be safe on beaches and long walks. With a magnification of 5x, the Nikon 5×15 HG is more for casual…

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Major telescope makers hit by class action lawsuit over alleged price fixing

NeRD

Skywatchers who purchased telescopes from leading suppliers may be entitled to a payment from a $32 million class action settlement. The settlement is a result of a lengthy legal saga involving telescope manufacturers controlled by Chinese family firms Synta Technologies and Ningbo Sunny, which, according to allegations in available documents, actively conspired to monopolize and divide up the U.S. amateur telescope market to fix prices and push out competitors. The brands covered in the class action include the popular Celestron, Meade, Olivon and Sky-Watcher telescopes, which have for years been…

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The 7 best total solar eclipses of the next 10 years

NeRD

Eclipse-watchers have plenty to look forward to in the next decade. Over the next ten years, Earth will experience seven total solar eclipses that will see skywatchers in Australia, Egypt, Spain and Sudan peer up at the central shadow of the moon. The first of these eclipses will take place on Aug. 12, 2026, and the final one will be on March 20, 2034, with the maximum durations of totality of each total solar eclipse ranging from 1 minute, 8 seconds to 6 minutes, 23 seconds. Here are the important…

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Total lunar eclipse March 2025: When and where to see the next ‘Blood Moon’ lunar eclipse

NeRD

On the night of March 13-14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will be visible from Earth, and North America will be in the prime position for the spectacular event, which will also feature a “Blood Moon.” Lunar eclipses happen when Earth is between the sun and a full moon. During the event, the moon moves through Earth’s umbra, the dark center of its shadow. Where will the March 13-14, 2025, total lunar eclipse be visible? The best views will be for those in North and South America. According to Time…

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Mars is bigger and brighter this weekend than it will be all year. Here’s how to see it

NeRD

Mars will make its closest approach to Earth this weekend while rising to its highest point in the night sky. On Sunday (Jan. 12), the Red Planet will make its close approach of Earth at 8:32 a.m. EST (13:32 GMT). This event, known as perigee, causes Mars to appear bigger and brighter in the sky than usual, offering skywatchers an excellent viewing opportunity, according to In-the-Sky.org. Mars will be visible from New York City beginning around 5:43 p.m. EST (2243 GMT), when it reaches an altitude of 7 degrees above…

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Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 monocular review

NeRD

The Opticron Explorer 8×42 is packed with premium features that are typically found in much more expensive monoculars. It boasts not only BAK-4-coated prisms for superior image clarity but also ED-R-coated glass with Opticron’s latest high-light transmission coating. With a wide, 7.5-degree field of view and a wide-angle eyepiece offering long eye relief for people who wear glasses, this monocular ensures an immersive viewing experience. The multistage, retractable eyepiece features a pleasant and damped action to accommodate both spectacle and non-spectacle wearers with ease. We found the focus wheel to…

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Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 15mm f/1.7 ASPH review

NeRD

Key specs Type: Prime lens Focal length: 15mm (30mm equivalent) Maximum aperture: f/1.7 Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds Weight: 4.06 oz / 115 g Dimensions: 1.42×2.26 in / 36×57.5 mm Filter thread: 46mm Release date: March 2014 In the fast-paced world of photography where new kit is constantly released, you may wonder where a 10-year-old lens fits into the equation. The Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 15mm f/1.7 ASPH remains a fantastic prime lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras thanks to its compact size, light weight, and solid overall performance.…

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Image of the Day 2024 Archive

NeRD

Space can be a wondrous place, and we’ve got the pictures to prove it! Take a look at our favorite space pictures here, and if you’re wondering what happened to today in space history don’t miss our On This Day in Space video show here! Suni beaming with an Astrobee (Image credit: NASA) Wednesday, December 18, 2024: What could be better than NASA astronaut Suni Williams floating aboard the International Space Station with Bumble, the blue, bunny-eared Astrobee. Bumble is one of three cube-shaped robo-helpers developed by NASA to assist…

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Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S. review

NeRD

Key specs Type: Prime lens Focal length: 200mm (400mm equivalent) Maximum aperture: f/2.8 Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds Weight: 43.92 oz / 1245 g Dimensions: 6.85×3.44 in / 174×87.5 mm Filter thread: 77mm Release date: November 2017 One of the undeniable advantages of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) systems is the range of compact, lightweight lenses that are available. Sure, the cameras can be as hefty as full-frame, but the lenses significantly reduce the overall size and weight of your kit. The Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S. is…

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DJI Neo drone review

NeRD

It’s not often that DJI is behind the curve, but even the world’s leading drone manufacturer isn’t going to be leading the pack all of the time. The DJI Neo is a sub-250 g beginner drone that can be flown autonomously, with the DJI Fly app, using the DJI RC-N3 Controller, and even flown as an FPV drone when connected to DJI’s FPV controllers and goggles. Key Specs Weight: 4.76 oz / 135 g Dimensions: 5.12 x 6.18 x 1.90in / 130 × 157 × 48.5mm Battery: 1435 mAh /…

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