Binoculars and telescopes and other astronomy equipment and accessories are the meat and potatoes of amateur astronomy. A good pair of binoculars is what introduced me to the pleasures of stargazing many moons ago and only after a couple of years scanning the skies did I graduate to a telescope. That was one of the department store 60mm telescopes we’re all warned about, but my folks didn’t know any better, and to a 12-year old kid, it opened up the universe.
Telescopes
While cheap (in every sense of the word) telescopes are still to be found, recent years have seen the introduction of small but very affordable telescopes from manufacturers such as Meade and Celestron and, despite their small size, these telescopes have excellent optics that far outperform the cheap optics in my old 60mm scope from so long ago.
Many of these small telescopes now come with GOTO features that allow you to select an object to view from an attached handset and the telescope will automatically slew to that feature in the sky. What the ads tend to forget to mention is that in order to use this facility, the telescope must be correctly set up and aligned beforehand. Many scopes, unfortunately, lie gathering dust in corners and wardrobes because their owners couldn’t figure out how to use the thing. It’s not their fault – better, and simpler, instructions should be supplied with the telescopes. But for those who can work with such an instrument, a wealth of celestial objects are available for viewing that would be quite difficult to find otherwise.
Some old hands in astronomy societies have welcomed the new technology openly, others have decried its introduction as it stops newcomers from learning their way around the skies using a technique called star hopping. In some ways, they see that there must be a little pain in finding an object before you can have the pleasure of viewing it. I suppose it’s a bit like the difference between being bussed to Machu Pichu or going on a five-hour hike up the mountain to see it. Which would you choose? If the hike is your cup-of-tea, then star-hopping is for you.
Personally, I think the introduction of GOTO mounts has been a very positive development and has made the hidden beauty of the night sky accessible to many more people. If you’ve bought a small telescope with an integrated GOTO mount yourself, but are unsure of how to use it or the best objects to view, go along to your local astronomy society or club and ask their help. They’ll be only too willing to lend a helping hand.
On the other hand, if you do want to develop a knowledge of the night sky, then a simple Dobsonian telescope is a good place to start. These 6-inch and larger reflecting telescopes come on simple mounts that allow you to pivot the telescope left and right and up and down so you can easily point it anywhere in the sky.
The Choosing a Telescope article by fellow amateur astronomer Kevin Berwick discusses the different types of telescope that are available and provides sage advice on what might best suits your needs.
Eyepieces
You should have a selection of eyepieces to use with your telescope to allow close-up views or wide-field views. Planets require small diameter eyepieces to see surface detail whereas larger subjects, like the Pleiades and other large star clusters require wide-field views. Pretty much any eyepiece can be used to get a good view of the Moon or close-up views of it.
Eyepieces range from about 3mm to 40mm (i.e. the glass in them, not the diameter of the eyepiece itself!) and come in three fittings: 0.965″, 1.25″ and 2″ (for high-end telescopes). The 0.965″ fitting is seldom used these days but older telescopes used eyepieces of this size. There are also different types of eyepiece: Plossl, Erfle, Kellner, Orthoscopic, wide-angle, etc. The magnification an eyepiece provides depends on the focal length of your telescope – divide the telescope focal length by the eyepiece size to get the magnification. A typical refractor (uses lenses rather than a mirror) has a focal length of about 900mm. A 26mm eyepiece would provide a magnification of 34x with this scope. Used with a telescope with a 2000mm focal length, the magnification is 77x.
There’s another feature of eyepieces called the Field of View. Basically, this is how big an area of sky is seen through the eyepiece. The bigger the field of view, the more can be seen. How much of the sky is seen depends on the eyepiece diameter and the focal length of the telescope. Wide-angle eyepieces (82 degrees field of view, for example) tend to be quite expensive. Average eyepieces, such as Plossls, have about a 50 degree field of view. Wide-angle eyepieces can almost give the sense of “being out there”.
Binoculars
While this discussion has centered mostly on telescopes, binoculars have a role to play in astronomy as well. A quality pair of binoculars costs less than a telescope and is a good entry point for someone familiarising themselves with the sky. They don’t offer the same magnifications as a telescope (but magnification isn’t everything) but they do show a much wider field of view which makes it easier to navigate across the sky. Because of this wider field of view, you also get to see the ‘big’ picture. And, because you’re using both eyes, there’s less eyestrain. You can get binocular viewers for telescopes and those who use them (even though they cost a few hundred dollars and you need two of every eyepiece) swear by them (rather than at them!). A typical set of binoculars will be 10×50s (front lenses 50mm across, with a x10 magnification). More powerful models are available – 20×60s are available from $150 upwards and you can get 20×80s for as little as $215. These binoculars are quite heavy and you can tire easily pointing them skyward for any length of time. Also, because of their higher magnification, any shake in your hands will also be magnified and stars will dart around in the view. For long-duration viewing, you’d be advised to get a tripod and a binocular tripod adapter which lets you securely mount the binoculars on it.
Binoculars are also great for looking at large scale celestial objects such as comets. Looking at the Moon through 20x binoculars brings it close enough to see topography but also, you’ll see it in three dimensions, something lacking when looking through the eyepiece at a telescope. You can whip out a pair of binoculars much more quickly than setting up a telescope so if you have very changeable weather where you live, they might be a better option for sky viewing. Of course, you can throw a pair of binoculars into your luggage very easily and view the sky from your holiday destination with ease.
Gary Nugent has spent more years than he cares to remember pursuing astronomy as a hobby, either running astronomy clubs, pubishing magazines or writing astronomy software. He’s run the Night Sky Observer astronomy website [
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Written on February 27th, 2009 in Tech + Life by admin
Paternity DNA testing is a reliable way to determine the true paternal identity of a child, and generally provides 99.9% accurate results. Paternal DNA testing is legally binding and can be used to solve legal issues surrounding the true birth parents of a child, such as alimony, visitation, etc.
The DNA profile of a person possesses two genetic types, also known as alleles, inherited from each parent. By comparing the DNA profiles of the mother and the child, the genetic type inherited form its mother is identified, which leaves the other half being inherited from the child’s biological father. The profile of the child and the father is then examined to determine whether the DNA profile matches the paternal alleles in the child.
Although paternity DNA testing is quite accurate, it is never possible to prove 100% that a man is definitely the biological father of a child, as it might be remotely possible that another man may have the same DNA profiling as that of the child. Most paternity DNA testing requires utmost security and confidentiality. One should also ensure that all the specimens collected for analysis should be collected according to the regulations, which require photo identification of all people providing blood samples, specifications for labeling and sealing of sample containers, and maintaining confidentiality of the case details, including names, addresses and results. One should also ensure that the DNA testing centers store all samples and case files in a secure area with tightly controlled access.
The results for the DNA tests are usually issued within five working days of receipt of all specimens by mail to the mother and the alleged father or the legal representative. Although most DNA paternity tests are admissible in most courts of law, it is recommended that you check your state and local governments for regulations that may govern this service.
DNA Testing provides detailed information on DNA Testing, Paternity DNA Testing, Free DNA Testing, At Home DNA Testing and more. DNA Testing is affiliated with DNA Structures.
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Written on February 25th, 2009 in Tech + Life by admin
Have you ever consider what would happen if you are on a colony on the moon and all a sudden runaway bacteria or virus becomes so pervasive that you cannot stop it and it threatens the lives of the crewmembers? It is for this reason that we need abatement procedures and protocols to stop the bacteria from overtaking a Lunar or Martian colony.
But how can we control bacteria in an enclosed capsule or environment without setting off a chain of events? Well very carefully might be the right answer? Nevertheless if we have nano tech devices or nano bots which attack the bacteria where it is clustered and move on to the greatest threat first and continue working until all the bacteria is abated and deleted from the lunar base station, capsule or space station, then we will be well on our way of solving the problem you see?
Is it possible that the nano bots could handle the problem? Indeed it is and it is only a matter of time until they do. Consider if you will that nano bots and nano tech may be used inside the human bio-system to go through the body and constantly weed out cancer cells?
Well the only difference would be that the air inside the capsule, space station is less dense than inside the human body and that the space is bigger and thus you might need a larger amount or a handful of these to take care a larger run away bacteria, mold or virus problem in the artificial habit of the colony, space capsule or space station. So, consider this in 2006.
Written on January 23rd, 2009 in Tech + Life by admin
1. Trade links with other web sites. They should be
related to the subject of your web site. Instead of
trading links, you could also trade banner ads, half
page ads, classified ads, etc.
2. Start an e-zine for your web site. When people
read each issue they’ll be reminded to revisit your
web site. They’ll see your product ad more than
just once which will increase your orders.
3. Form an online community. It could be an online
message board, e-mail discussion list or chat room.
When people get involved in your community they
will regularly return to communicate with others.
4. Write articles and submit them to e-zines, web
sites and magazines that accept article submissions.
Include your business information and web address
at the end of the article.
5. Give away an electronic freebie with your ad on
it. Allow your visitors to also give the freebie away.
This’ll increase your ad exposure and attract people
to your web site at the same time.
6. Combine your products or services into one big
package deal with other businesses offerings. You
could share a web site and advertise the package
deal; which means double the traffic.
7. Submit your freebie to the online directories that
list your particular item or service for free. If you’re
offering a free e-zine, submit it to all the free e-zine
directories on the internet.
8. Participate on message boards. Post answers to
other people’s questions, ask questions and post
appropriate information. Include your signature file
at the end of all your postings.
9. Exchange classified or sponsor ads with other
free e-zine publishers. If there is a huge subscriber
difference between e-zines, one can run more ads
to make up for it.
10. Post your ad on free advertising areas on the
internet. You can post it on free classified ad sites,
free for all links sites, newsgroups that allow ads,
free yellow page directories, etc.
About the Author
Roger Boatwright has a Doctrine of Medicine and many years of internet marketing experience. Roger owns a CBmall site that provides 15 ways for ClickBank affiliates to earn multiple streams of income. To find more information about this unique business opportunity, click on the web site below.
mailto:roger@cbmallmarket.com
http://info.cbmallmarket.com
Written on January 2nd, 2009 in Tech + Life by admin
Whether you’re on the road to the CCNA, CCNP, MCSE, or you’re on any other computer certification track, the odds are that sooner or later, you’re going to fail an exam. It’s happened to almost all of us, yours truly included. What you have to keep in mind in these times is that success is not a straight line. You’ve probably seen charts showing the growth of an industry or a business — you know, the ones that go from left to right, and look kind of jagged. The line goes up for a while, then down a bit, then up some more, then down a little.
The key? While every business has its setbacks, the net result is that the line goes up and progress is made. That’s how you want your certification pursuit and your career to go as well – upward!
I’m not asking you to be happy about failing an exam. You’re allowed to get mad for a few minutes, vow to never take another exam again, and be disappointed. What you’re not allowed to do is stay that way.
If you put your books away in a fit of anger, get them out. If you took some time off, it’s time to get back to work. Again, there’s nothing wrong with being unhappy about failing an exam. It’s how you handle that failure that counts. No inventor, executive, or entrepreneur has ever been right 100% of the time. Learn something from your failure. Was your study time quality study time? Did you get some hands-on practice with the technology you’re studying? Asking yourself these questions can be tough, but it can be highly valuable in making sure you don’t fail the next time. And there must be a next time – because the one thing you cannot do is quit.
Besides, take it from someone who’s been there – your temporary failure makes your eventual success that much sweeter.
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.
You can also join his RSS feed and visit his blog, which is updated several times daily with new Cisco certification articles, free tutorials, and daily CCNA / CCNP exam questions! Details are on the website.
For a FREE copy of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and “How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam questions every day! Get your CCNA study guide from The Bryant Advantage!
Written on January 2nd, 2009 in Tech + Life by admin
To be truly prepared for your CCNA and CCNP exams, you need real hands-on experience with real Cisco routers and switches. However, a production network is a really bad place to practice your configurations, but an excellent way to get fired and/or sued. The key to becoming a true CCNA and CCNP is assembling your own Cisco home lab.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do so; used Cisco equipment is cheaper than ever. It’s robust as well – I’ve bought literally hundreds of used routers and switches over the years and have had very few problems. I owe much of my skill to practicing configurations and troubleshooting in my own home lab.
2501 routers are fantastic for CCNA and CCNP home labs. They come with two serial interfaces, allowing you to connect one interface directly to another router (you’ll need a DTE/DCE cable for that, too) while connecting another to a frame relay switch if you like. If you don’t have a frame relay switch, you can connect a 2501 directly to two other routers via the serial interfaces.
You also have an AUI port, which requires a transceiver to operate as your Ethernet interface. Transceivers are pretty cheap and readily available from Cisco resellers and ebay vendors, so pick one up for each 2503 you decide to buy.
2501 routers don’t come with BRI interfaces, but not every router in your lab has to be ISDN-ready. If you choose not to have ISDN in your lab at all, 2501s are the way to go. If you do want to run ISDN and have an ISDN simulator device, you can get two 2503s and the rest of your routers can be 2501.
All in all, 2501 routers are great for your CCNA / CCNP home lab. They cost less than $100 each on ebay, so they’re also very affordable. There’s no better training than training on your own CCNA or CCNP home lab, and you can always sell the equipment later if you like. Basically, you’re renting the routers and switches, and the experience you get by working with the real deal is invaluable.
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.
You can also join his RSS feed and visit his blog, which is updated several times daily with new Cisco certification articles, free tutorials, and daily CCNA / CCNP exam questions! Details are on the website.
For a FREE copy of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and “How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam questions every day! Get your CCNA study guide from The Bryant Advantage!
Written on January 2nd, 2009 in Tech + Life by admin
When it comes to deciding to undergo computer training, you may be interested in getting the basics before applying for the right certifications, if you already have heard about CCNE, CCIE, CCNP and CCNA certification.
The first thing you need to know before deciding is that Cisco actually offers 3 different levels of general certification, which represents in each case increasing levels of expertise.
The first step in Cisco networking and computer training always begins at the Associate level, which is the foundation or apprentice level of Cisco certification.
After the Associate Level, comes the Professional, which is the journeyman or advanced level of networking certification, and finally the Expert level, standing for the CCIE, the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as master or expert of the IT industry.
Cisco certifications, Associate, Professional, or Expert (CCIE) are the tools anyone may need developing a professional career, with different tracks across these levels according to your career needs.
There are also a variety of Specialist certifications such as including CCNP, CCNE and CCNA certification, available to certify knowledge in specific solutions, technologies or job roles, with new certifications added to Cisco’s list regularly.
Computer training and general certifications are divided in six paths:
- Routing and Switching, certification aimed at professionals who install and support any Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
-Design certification, is the path for those professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
-Network Security, certification directed to network professionals who are in charge of design and implement Cisco Secure networks.
- Service Provider, certification aimed at professionals who work on infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment within the telecommunications arena.
- Storage Networking certification, intended for professionals implementing storage solutions over extended network infrastructure, but using multiple transport options.
- Voice certification, for those professionals who install and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks.
Cisco’s most popular computer training certifications are:
CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional), indicates a network professional who can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes.
CCNE certification (Cisco Certified Network Engineer) and CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) develops the respective computer training and skills required to individually pursue the Cisco Certified Professional (CCNP) certification noted above, part of the 3 basic CISCO levels.
Computer training for these certifications give the knowledge to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot networks, ensuring that students emerge with the skills necessary for the Internet marketplace.
Natalie Aranda writes about computer, technology and IT training. When it comes to deciding to undergo computer training, you may be interested in getting the basics before applying for the right certifications, if you already have heard about CCNE, CCIE, CCNP and CCNA certification.
Written on December 30th, 2008 in Tech + Life by admin
Who wants to go shopping for something that they really don’t know anything about? Or who wants to feel at the mercy of a salesperson who rattles on with all the technical terms that sound like a language from another planet? It’s no wonder that lots of people feel intimidated by shopping for electronics products and especially is that true of television sets.
Let’s start with HDTV. You hear about it all the time now, but just what is it? The simple version is that it stands for High Definition TV, and it is a quantum leap in the way that television will be viewed in the future. It basically means that the television signal is so dense with information on both the video and audio side that the picture will be incredibly sharp and smooth, and the sound is so good that it can actually rival that of movie theaters.
On the video side, you need to understand the pixel to fully appreciate the improvement in screen resolution. The televison screen, just like your computer screen is made of up of lots of small squares that have a part of the information that makes up the whole picture. The more pixels on a screen the more information about that picture and therefore the sharper the image will appear.
Older analog TV screens often had about 480 lines of pixels in it. HDTV can display up to 1080 lines instead, each with 1920 pixels, totalling up to a whopping two million+ pixels on the screen as opposed to only 200,000 on the older analog screen. That is ten times the information being displayed, and can give you an idea of how much sharper the picture will be.
But the sound is much improved as well. The HDTV standard allows for audio to be transmitted in Dolby 5.1 surround sound, which is similar to the technology used in movie theaters these days. This kind of sound puts you right in the middle of the action and is more faithful to the way the sound was originally mixed for that program.
Widescreen is another part of the HDTV experience that you will hear about, and that refers to the ratio aspect of the screen. An HDTV set has a 16:9 ratio, in other words for every 16 inches wide the screen is also 9 inches tall. That aspect ratio more closely resembles movie theater formats and so when viewing movies you get to see all the action without losing anything on the screen.
There is more to know about this new technology but if you understand what we have discussed in this article it will help you have more confidence in shopping for televisions in the future.
