mySky

[beren]

The art of starhopping is under attack again , looks like Meade has introduced a electronic tour guide like Celestrons Sky scout called mySky

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=9552&kw=mySKY&st=2

[Draig]

Hi Beren,

Looks like an intresting item. As of yet there is no listing on it on the Meade web site though.

Cheers Colin

[Radar]

Whilst I think everyone should use a planisphere and a push to scope for a few years when they first start out, these kinds of gadgets are loved by the masses and probably make astronomy easier for people to get into. Plus kids are more likely to learn the stars with fun gadgets like this as opposed to a star atlas.

I like the way you can hold this at arms length and view the lcd screen. I think this is a better way to go than the Celestron one, not that I have used either yet.

[Draig]

Yes it certainly looks like it would be comfortable to hold. And a lot more user frendly.

Cheers Colin

[wakaleo]

As Radar says, these sorts of devices would be handy for enticing kids and other novices into astronomy.

This one looks to be a more user-friendly device than the Celestron job. Proof of the pudding is in the eating though.

[Radar]

I hope that it comes with a night vision mode and a dimmer switch. There is no way people that take astronomy seriously or who drive out to dark locations would be using something that ruins their night vision.

I'm sure the feature is on there somewhere though. :pipethinker:

[rogerg]

Awsome. Forget the night vision, I'm all for an extra LCD screen in my setup :-)

... but would likely never spare the cash for an unnecessary toy of this extreme...

[beren]

[QUOTE][Plus kids are more likely to learn the stars with fun gadgets like this as opposed to a star atlas.
/QUOTE]

I have great memories as a kid getting outside at night with a simple planisphere or a Wil Tirion stellar map armed with a red cellophane filtered dolphin flashlight, binoculars and a wobbly 60mm refractor :Chessy_Smile: . The excitement of finding something this way using your own ability is a lot more meaningful {err yes I do have a GoTO scope now :pipethinker: } but times have changed and if these things attract kids/adults to view the sky its a positive

[Radar]

Who is that in your avatar Beren?

[Draig]

[QUOTE][Plus kids are more likely to learn the stars with fun gadgets like this as opposed to a star atlas.
/QUOTE]

I have great memories as a kid getting outside at night with a simple planisphere or a Wil Tirion stellar map armed with a red cellophane filtered dolphin flashlight, binoculars and a wobbly 60mm refractor :Chessy_Smile: . The excitement of finding something this way using your own ability is a lot more meaningful {err yes I do have a GoTO scope now :pipethinker: } but times have changed and if these things attract kids/adults to view the sky its a positive

Yes sweet memories are like that, and your parents sitting inside thinking that one day you will turn into the world's greatest scienctist/astronomer/mathematian.

But I agree with you, anything that makes easier for the average family to use and more importantly want to use, is a great positive. It may even help them to start thinking of light polution and turn off a few more lights. AN added positive.

Cheers Colin