Astronomy buffs will really dig the Meade RCX400 Telescope With Robotic MAX Mount. This uber cool telescope takes an out of box approach when it comes to design and one can choose between either a 20-inch aperture model or a 16-inch model. The aperture model is then attached to an innovative robotic stand called the MAX Mount and you are set to enjoy the wonders of the sky!

The MAX has all the controls you need for your OTA and modern cameras up on the saddle plate. This makes a cable free installation of most instrument packages. However all this brilliance comes at a cost and one would need to shell out $39,999 for the Meade RCX400 20-inch telescope and $19,999 for the MAX Mount.

Via OhGizmo

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NASA scientists announced the replacement to the legendary Hubble Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope has IR capabilities and features over 62,000 microshutters to capture up to 100 objects in space and allow scientists to observe distant stars and galaxies.

“The James Webb Telescope will look further back in time,” said chief engineer of the Instrument Systems and Technology, Dr. Murzy Jhabvala of the Goddard Space Flight Center in an interview with DigitalCameraInfo.com.

The Microshuuter contains 62,415 tiny shutters, each measuring a tiny 100 x 200 microns and they can pen and close by applied voltage and magnets for approximately 50,000 times.The telescope also must operate at a frigid -388°F (40 Kelvin), which is the temperature of the Near Infrared Spectrograph, according to a Jan. 24 NASA press release.

“It could enable science, revolutionize the way we look at the universe,” said Jhabvala, “challenging the human imagination and future generations.” Although the advantages of the Webb Telescope are hard to quantify, Jhabvala said, “the benefits that will emanate are extraordinary.”

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PENTAX Imaging Company has unveiled two new lightweight spotting scope with a 63mm compact objective lens, the PENTAX Spotting Scope PF-63ZOOM and the PENTAX PF-65 series. The former is a compact, lightweight spotting scope and features a bright field of view, rubber coating and JIS Class 6 waterproof construction. Where as the PF-65 series features Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and includes models PF-65ED II (straight-line type) and the PF-65ED-A II (angled type).

The PENTAX PF-63ZOOM will be available under $400 and the PENTAX PF-65EDII/PF-65ED-A II will be available under $650. All products will ship in February 2007.

PENTAX PF-65ED II/PF-65EDA II FACT SHEET

High image performance
The new 65mm spotting scopes have been improved over our previous models by modifying all optical systems and improving lens quality and layout. This new optical design enhances the overall performance of the spotting scopes but specifically assures high quality results when attached to a PENTAX digital camera.

65mm objective lens
The 65mm objective lens is the perfect combination to give the maximum light gathering ability in a compact form factor.

Possible to use traditional eyepieces
The 65mm spotting scopes feature a standard 1.25 inch (31.7mm) sleeve that allows the use of a traditional zoom eyepiece as well PENTAX's complete line of fixed eyepieces.

Angled and Straight versions
The 65mm spotting scope is available in a straight version that allows quick subject acquisition as well and in an angled version that is ideal for viewing objects at greater heights or when in a group.

Waterproof Construction
The 65mm spotting scopes can be used in all weather conditions due to their waterproof construction equivalent to a JIS Class 6 rating allowing them to be submerged to a depth of 3.3 feet (1 meter).* This makes these scopes ideal for viewing even in the most extreme conditions. *The scopes should not be used underwater.

Nitrogen-filled for clear field of view
The bodies of the scopes are nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging due to temperature differentials.

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With the advent of digital photography, it has been hard for the average digital user, to indulge in some good old telephoto photography. However the TC 245 by Gadget Universe seeks to change this as this telescope is outfitted with a 3.1MP camera and can achieve 15-45x zoom with a 60mm lens!

Not really for the purists, the TC 245 captures images in JPEG format, which can be transferred to an SD card. The Video Capture Telescope also sports a 2.5” TFT LCD display and includes a remote button to snap the shot. So if you fancy one these be ready to shell out $449.95. It’s available on the Gadget Universe Website.

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