GSO Dobson 12" DeLuxe 305/1500 M-CRF (model 980)

The GSO Dobson 12 "DeLuxe 305/1500 M-CRF telescope is a state-of-the-art instrument designed for capturing stunning celestial images. It features a high-quality main mirror with a rotary paraboloid shape, measuring 305 mm in diameter and boasting a focal length of 1500 mm (with a light intensity of f/4.9). Manufactured by the renowned Taiwanese GSO factory, this telescope is equipped with optics that are limited only by the nature of light, ensuring exceptional image quality. Whether observing objects within our solar system or exploring star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, the GSO Dobson 12" DeLuxe offers outstanding performance.

Building upon the traditional Dobson telescope concept, the GSO DeLuxe series incorporates several design improvements to enhance functionality and user experience.

Observation Possibilities:

The GSO Dobson 12" DeLuxe 305/1500 M-CRF telescope is a versatile tool suitable for advanced visual observations of various astronomical objects. While it performs well under different observational conditions, it truly shines in dark, rural skies. Some of the remarkable objects that can be observed with this telescope include:

• Moon Craters: Countless formations with excellent detail and depth around the terminator.
• Phases of Mercury and Venus: The delicate atmospheric formations of Venus can be particularly enticing.
• Martian Ice Caps: Highly visible features, especially when using red, orange, or yellow filters.
• Jupiter's Atmosphere: Detailed stripes, both "tropical" and circumpolar, the Great Red Spot, four Jovian moons, and moon shadows on Jupiter's surface.
• Saturn's Rings: Visible rings with breaks such as the Cassini break and Encke break, along with atmospheric belts.
• Uranus and Neptune: Observe the shields of these distant planets.
• Asteroids: Including notable ones like Ceres and Vesta.
• Comets: Witness the journey of these icy bodies through the Solar System.
• Double Stars, Multiple Stars, and Variable Stars: Hundreds of fascinating stellar systems.
• Deep Sky Objects: Several thousand objects from the Messier catalog, as well as the majority of NGC, IC, and the Caldwell catalog. Explore open clusters like the Crib in Raku, Hi Chi in Perseus, or the Ptolemy Cluster in Scorpio, globular clusters like the fragmented M13 or M53 in the Warkocz of Berenice's Hair, gas and dust nebulae like the well-structured M42 in Orion or the North America Nebula in Cygnus, galaxies like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with its two satellite galaxies (M32 and M110), and supernova remnants like the Veil Nebula in Cygnus or the famous Ring Nebula (M57) in Lyra.

Apart from astronomical observations, this telescope is also suitable for observing and photographing airplanes at cruising altitudes.

Tube:

The telescope features a sturdy metal tube that ensures rigidity and durability. The main and secondary mirrors are securely held in place, maintaining precise collimation over extended periods. The interior of the tube is matte blackened to minimize glare and light diffusion, resulting in higher image contrast. This is especially advantageous when observing the Moon, planets, and bright stars.

Dobson's Mounting:

The weight and dimensions of the telescope are well-balanced in relation to its observational capabilities and mirror size. The tube can be easily transported in most station wagons and SUVs. Operating the telescope is straightforward, and it can be effortlessly assembled and handled by a single observer. Similar to other telescopes with Dobson's mountings, this model utilizes two axes for object positioning: azimuth (horizontal) and height (vertical). Notably, it stands out from competing solutions due to its superior azimuth bearings, which employ roller bearings for smoother movement and enhanced precision. The azimuth's metal bearing tracks prevent damage to the wooden assembly, ensuring long-lasting durability. GSO has developed a new bearing system for the height axis, providing stability and ease of use. The telescope is maneuvered and held using two handles, and the desired pressure can be adjusted using knobs on both sides of the assembly. This feature is particularly useful when changing eyepieces to maintain balance and position. Additionally, the telescope offers the flexibility to adjust the balance by changing the mounting height.

Eyepiece Focuser:

The telescope is equipped with a high-quality Crayford microfocuser, featuring a gear ratio of 1:10. This precise focuser allows for accurate focusing even at high magnifications. It accommodates both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces.

Advantages of the Crayford Focuser:

• Smooth and precise movement for setting focus, surpassing simpler sliding and rotating focusers.
• Enhanced reliability and axiality of eyepiece fixation due to the brass ring (clamp ring), ensuring a secure hold and preventing damage to the eyepiece sleeve.

Cooling the Main Mirror:

To expedite the alignment of the telescope's mirror with the ambient temperature, a 12V fan is mounted at the end of the tube. When activated, it accelerates the cooling process.

Included Set:

The GSO Dobson 12" DeLuxe 305/1500 M-CRF telescope comes with the following components:

• Optical tube with Dobson mounting on ball bearings.
• Crayford microfocuser with a 1:10 micrometer.
• Wide 30 mm Erfle eyepiece (2" format) with a 70° field of view.
• Plossl 9 mm eyepiece (1.25" format) with a 52° field of view.
• 8x50 finder scope with a crosshair.
• Cooling fan for expedited mirror cooling.
• 35 mm to 2" adapter with a 2" filter thread.

The telescope is accompanied by a comprehensive package that includes all necessary accessories, providing an optimal starting point for astronomical observations right from the first night. It offers a complete optical system, eyepieces, and mounting hardware.

Technical Parameters:

• Optical System: Newtonian reflector.
• Mirror Diameter: 305 mm.
• Focal Length: 1500 mm.
• Reflecting Surface Efficiency: 94%.
• Focal Ratio: f/4.9.
• Mirror Performance Accuracy: 1/8 λ.
• Mirror Glass Type: BK7.
• Resolution: 0.47 arc seconds.
• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.5.
• Maximum Useful Magnification: 600x.
• Tube Diameter: 36.5 cm.
• Tube Length: 145 cm.
• Mounting Height: 64 cm.
• Mounting Base Diameter: 63.5 cm.
• Dimensions of the Original Packaging: 156 x 50 x 48 cm (24 kg) + 73 x 73 x 14 cm (19.2 kg).
• Weight: 33 kg (Tube: 19.5 kg, Mounting: 13.5 kg).

Warranty:

The GSO Dobson 12" DeLuxe 305/1500 M-CRF telescope comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind and support for your astronomical endeavors.