Sky-Watcher LightChariot 130N-AZ: You'll Love this Go-To Light-Bucket
Newtonian reflectors have long been respected by amateur astronomers for their optical quality and ability to gather a lot of light for very modest cost. Compared to other LightChariot models, the larger 130mm aperture of this telescope is particularly advantageous for viewing fainter objects in deep-space. Each primary mirror is fabricated to exacting standards of smoothness and optical correction by a skilled optician ensuring premium optical performance. Aluminum is vacuum deposited on each primary and diagonal mirror surface and then over coated with hard quartz for protection.
Planetary images are very pleasing to view through this instrument, although you may feel solar system imaging with the LightChariot 102AR (102mm lens) appears to pop more because of the higher contrast provided by the refractive lens. In deep-space, the 130mm aperture of the LightChariot 130N-AZ telescope really starts to show its strengths. Fainter globular clusters appearing as little more than fuzzy snowballs in smaller scopes begin to reveal individually discrete star points. A galaxy's faint central glow should appear brighter. Emission nebulae appear more luminous and more voluminous. Newtonian reflectors while champions of the sky are not recommended for terrestrial applications due to their awkward terrestrial image orientation.
LightChariot's SynScan computer system demystifies telescope use, making your astronomical experience fun and carefree right out of the box! SycScan boldly banishes arcane sky-alignment procedures, replaces esoteric object finding methodology, and obliterates the traditional learning-curve normally associated with navigating the heavens.
After a brief and simple Astro-Tri-Align initialization, the SynScan computer does all the work. Sky-Watcher's alignment software doesn't require tricky mechanical leveling of the telescope or dependence on finding precise north to work properly. Just find three bright stars, point the telescope to them, push the "Enter" button and you are on your way—it's the easiest, most reliable way to start your adventures in astronomy (or alternatively choose 1-star, or 2-star alignment).
After initialization, SyncScan software algorithms interpret pulses from the DC-Servo motor encoders on each axis to extrapolate the precise position the telescope is pointing to in the celestial sphere. This combined with an astronomical library of objects with known coordinates allows the telescope to deliver heavenly bodies on demand.
The SyncScan GO TO computer includes a 4,000-object database library, and a provision for 200 user-defined objects. At the touch of a few buttons on the computer keypad, the telescope automatically moves to locate and track celestial phenomenon including planets, the Moon, and thousands of deep-space objects. A number of these objects have interesting and educational data that can be made to scroll across the screen. Sky tours may be downloaded for expert guided treks across the heavens. SynScan facilitates variable tracking at either of lunar, solar, or sidereal (star) rates. Variable speed motors on each axis can move the telescope from a slow speed of 2x-sidereal, to a very fast 5-degrees a second while slewing (moving quickly) from object to object.
The ergonomically-designed remote computer hand-box includes a backlit keypad for entering fingertip commands. A 2-line, 16-character LCD display produces easy to read text messages.
The telescope's sleek, swept-back single fork-tine design with black tube and contrasting silver mount accents, plus stable aluminum tripod favors the telescope with a cool, high-tech appearance. All motors and electronics are internal. External battery pack requires 8-AA batteries (user-supplied).
Standard Accessories:
- Super Plossl eyepieces (SP10mm and SP26mm) provide a 52° apparent-field. These eyepieces are parfocal so there is no need for gross adjustments to refocus when changing eyepieces.
- The Red-Dot finder helps center bright objects during initialization.
- Planetarium software allows you to explore the heavens on your personal computer
