Celestron, a manufacturer of telescopes and related type optical products, has combined a little twenty-first century technology with one of their latest stargazing devices. Not at all your dad?s telescope, the cool-looking Celestron SkyScout uses GPS to help you understand the night sky.
The SkyScout essentially works by aiming the device at a star in the sky and selecting the ?target? button for identification. The device is capable of locating over 6,000 stars, planets and constellations from a built-in database. If you?d prefer, you can also select a star or planet by choosing the object?s name from an onscreen menu and following directional arrows through the SkyScout?s viewfinder so that you can locate that object in the night sky.
Popular items seen in the night sky can be learned about through the SkyScout?s built-in ability to deliver audio and text information about what is being viewed. This information can include facts, trivia, history and mythology. This is on top of delivering a daily list of the 20 best objects to view based on one?s exact date, time and location anywhere in the world.
Moving beyond just these basic features, the SkyScout can provide an in-depth guided tour of selected constellations, including seeing an on-screen map of that constellation. It is also capable of providing a great deal of information about the field of astronomy, including a six part audio lesson on its origin and history, a glossary of popular astronomy terms and text on some of the greatest astronomers of all time.
The SkyScout is also capable of delivering information on man made space objects as well as selected comets. This is in addition to having a SD card slot for optional audio which provides additional entertainment and educational options to learn about the stars.
Physical features of the SkyScout, besides the SD card slot, also include a large display which is red LED-backlit, volume and brightness controls and rubber ?armoring? and a high-impact plastic body for outdoor use. It weighs around 15 ounces and is powered by two AA batteries. The Celestron SkyScout can be found for around $399.
Check out the company’s website for more information.
