Astrozap artificial star (15147)

Collimation refers to the precise alignment of mirrors or other optical surfaces within a telescope. A telescope that is out of collimation will underperform compared to a smaller, properly collimated telescope, often losing 25-50% of its potential aperture performance. Investing in a larger telescope only pays off if it is correctly collimated. Additionally, achieving sharp focus at high magnification is impossible without perfect collimation, making the effort to collimate well worth your time.

The artificial star can be mounted on a table or attached to a standard photo tripod using the included ¼-20 adaptor on the bottom of the unit. It is ideal for use at star parties, providing a stable star reference for everyone without the need for tracking or centering adjustments. Atmospheric disturbances do not affect it, ensuring accurate collimation under any seeing conditions.

Placement of the artificial star depends on your telescope. For an 8" SCT, approximately 100 feet is recommended. Greater distances improve results until contrast loss becomes noticeable in the eyepiece. Indoor use is also possible, although collimating with the telescope in its usual position is preferred.

The procedure for collimating your telescope should be outlined in its manual. Be sure to consult these instructions first, as they will indicate the location of collimation screws and provide any necessary precautions for adjustments.

Specifications

• Colour: White
• Type: Alignment Accessories
• Type of Build: Artificial Star

This artificial star is a reliable tool for achieving precise collimation, unaffected by atmospheric conditions and offering consistent performance for both individual and group use.