Set up for Stargazing
From coffee to telescope, set up right for a night of stargazing with innovative gear from Celestron, ALITE, Smith & Wesson, Wood Wonders and Blue Bottle.
As space theories evolved over time, so has the equipment used to view the heavens. Optical refractor telescopes – simple magnified lenses which bend light to be viewed directly – are still used, along with Newton’s optical reflectors, which utilise a concave mirror to reflect light back to a central eyepiece. With the technological advancements of the Second World War, radio telescopes were developed. For the first time in history, humans could observe cosmic matter that did not emit light.
These days, it is hard to imagine life before the portable technology we carry so readily at our fingertips. Modern stargazers are blessed to be able to hike into the most remote locations on Earth and find any information we desire with just a single touch of a mobile phone or tablet. The myriad star-finder apps available now are like traveling with a planetarium in one’s pocket—just point up at the stars and wait to be told exactly which heavenly bodies are on display, no astronavigation training required. Set out on a stargazing adventure with…
Celestron Advanced Telescope
For those looking to get into astro photography, the Celestron Advanced VX with 8” Edge HD Optical Tube is a must. It has an Advanced Series VX Mount with Permanently Programmable Error Correction, ensuring that photos will be flawless every time. A combination camera mount and telescope, it delivers excellent tracking and flat field views of the night sky.
ALITE Sexy Hotness Sleeping Bag
What makes ALITE’s Sexy Hotness sleeping bag so sexy? First, its quick-cinch hood, arm zippers, and new kangaroo pocket k allow it to double as a long coat, providing the ability to literally roll out of bed and go. Second, its unique zipper system can attach two or more sleeping bags together, making it perfect for couple (or group) slumber parties.
Celestron Skyscout Personal Planetarium
No stargazer should leave home without a Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium. This hand-held viewer works like a GPS to identify any celestial body that it is directed towards. Earphones and accompanying audio recordings of interesting facts about the major stars and planets are provided, making it just like having a planetarium in the palm of one’s hand.
Smith & Wesson Galaxy LED Flashlight
The Smith 8 Wesson Galaxy 28 LED Flashlight goes beyond the call of duty in terms of versatility, providing an array of options for standard, night vision, or low-light viewing. The 20 Ultra Bright White LED’s operate on a separate switch than the 4 Red and 4 Blue LED’s for optimal handling. Additional shatterproof technology makes this a worthy investment.
Wood Wonders Catsperch Observing Chair
Designed for ‘the discriminating astronomer’ by astronomers, each Wood Wonders Catsperch Observing Chair is hand-built and custom-made. With a variety of styles available for every shape and size, these beautiful wood chairs offer custom staining, carving, engraving, and cushions. For those who like to build their own, do-it-yourself plans of the original and pro models are also available for purchase.
Blue Bottle Timbuk2 Travel Coffee Kit
The Blue Bottle Timbuktu Travel Coffee Kit takes to-go coffee to a whole new level. This stylish grey and black travel bag is packed with a portable silver hand-grinder, ceramic drip, two enamelware tumblers with grey felt tea cosies, 50 coffee filters, and a bag of coffee beans. Simply add hot water for an artisanal coffee experience anywhere.
Now that the kit is sorted, all that’s missing is inspiration. Click through to find the best stargazing destinations around the globe.
