<![CDATA[Perseid Telescopes and Binoculars]]> <![CDATA[Planet Earth]]>

 

Printed on A1 (24in x 36in) glossy inkjet paper plus laminated. It shows the Earth as view from satellites.

Price     RM95

 

]]> <![CDATA[USM ASTRONOMY CONVENTION]]> This is an event not to be missed.

For the fourth consecutive year, University Science of Malaysia will be organizing an astronomy exhibition. This year’s event “USM Astronomy Convention and Expo 2008” with the theme “Astronomy and Space––Open Your Hearts” will be held from 18 to 20 July 2008 in Universiti Sains Malaysia. This event is organized by the Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia together with the Mufti Department of Penang and the Penang Matriculation College. Again many activities will be held for teachers, students and members of the public. Many schools, colleges, astronomy organizations and astronomy enthusiasts from all over Malaysia and neighbouring countries have been invited to take part in this year’s event.

The organizing committee of the “USM Astronomy Convention and Expo 2008" would like to invite you and all astronomy enthusiasts to take part in this event which will be held in the Main Examination Hall and Padang Kawad of Universiti Sains Malaysia from 18 – 20 July 2008. You are encourage  to bring your telescope/telescopes and other astronomical equipment to Universiti Sains Malaysia for this convention and expo, if you have one. During the first and second evenings of this convention, there will be a “Star-Party”.

Please click here for the full programmes of the events. http://www.perseid.com.my/upload_files/130/2a%20Program%20for%20USM%20Astronomy%20Convention%20and%20Expo%202008.doc

If you are interested to take part in the “USM Astronomy Convention and Expo 2008” please contact the following persons:

(1)   Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chong Hon Yew,

      Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit,

Universiti Sains Malaysia

(e-mail: pearl_of_orion@yahoo.com, h/p: 016-3157318)

 

(2)   En. Jamil Zakaria,

      Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit,

      Universiti Sains Malaysia

      (e-mail: jamilzakaria@notes.usm.my, h/p: 012-4577990)

 

(3)   En. Abdul Jalil B. Yahya

Mufti Department of Penang

(e-mail: apocot.80@yahoo.com.my, h/p: 013-5313898)

 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[10x25mm]]>  

 

NEW ARRIVAL!!!

ONLY RM80 including shipping by POSLAJU (within Malaysia)

10x25mm

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens: 25mm

Anti-reflection coating for high transmission

Wide Angle: 302M at 1000M

Small enough to fit into your pocket. Ideal for watching football, car racing, horse, bird watching etc 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Big 15x70mm (Economical Model)]]>

 

NEW ARRIVAL!!!

ONLY RM340 including shipping by POSLAJU (within Malaysia)

 Magnification: 15x

Objective lens: 70mm

Anti-reflection coating for high transmission

61M at 1000M

Long eye relief (good for those wearing spectacles) 

Tripod Adapter included!!!!!!!!

This is a big binoculars. Ideal for astronomy. You'll be able to see craters on the Moon with this binoculars.  

 

]]> <![CDATA[10x50mm (Economical Model)]]>

 

 

NEW ARRIVAL!!!

ONLY RM190 including shipping by POSLAJU (within Malaysia)

10x50mm WA

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens: 50mm

Anti-reflection coating for high transmission

Wide Angle: 122M at 1000M

Ideal for astronomy as well as bird watching. 

 

]]> <![CDATA[7x50mm (Economical Model)]]>

 

NEW ARRIVAL!!!

ONLY RM180 including shipping by POSLAJU (within Malaysia)

7x50mm

Magnification: 7x

Objective lens: 50mm

Anti-reflection coating for high transmission

Wide Angle: 119M at 1000M

Good for birding and astronomy.  

]]> <![CDATA[8x40mm (Economical Model)]]>

NEW ARRIVAL!!!

ONLY RM140 including shipping by POSLAJU (within Malaysia)

8x40mm WA

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens: 40mm

Anti-reflection coating for high transmission

Wide Angle: 143M at 1000M

 

]]> <![CDATA[dovetails, guide scope rings etc]]>

If you can't find any hard to get parts for your telescopes, we can machine them for you. Just provide to us your design, and we will fabricate them for you.

Example of  parts :

Dovetails (for any mounts)

Guide scope rings

photo adapters 

 

]]> <![CDATA[20x90mm and 25x100mm giant binoculars]]>

 

NEW LOWER PRICE

20x80        RM1500

25x100      RM2000

* Free shipping within Peninsular Malaysia 

These binoculars are high quality waterproof, nitrogen-filled observation binoculars, with individual eyepiece focusing. They are designed for medium- to-long-range terrestrial and astronomical observations. They incorporating BAK-4 prisms and a fully broadband multi-coated optical system.

Both models feature Individual Eyepiece Focusing (IF)and a central stabilizing bar with sliding tripod adaptor, for optimum balancing on tripod. High-precision construction using CNC machined metal components. Finished in Black Rubber and supplied in foam-lined Aluminium storage/carrying case.

]]> <![CDATA[Meet our own Astronauts session!]]> Our very own astronauts, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Dr. Faiz Khaleed will be coming to Penang. They will give talks and sign autographs.

It is open to public and is free of charge. Seats may be limited! So, make sure you make yourself available and come early! 

 

Date: 5th January 2008

Time: 8.30am

Venue: Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra

]]> <![CDATA[Observation Report and Photo of Comet 17P/Holmes]]>

On 3rd November 2007, the sky finally cleared. And for the first time, I saw the comet.

At first glance with my naked eyes, it appeared like a bright star. But it was also big, that if you were to look carefully, it reassemble a globular cluster.

I managed to take some images. Due to its brightness, it is possible for all of you to take an image of the comet, with most cameras. You may need to set your ISO to roughly 400-800ASA and 10 - 20 seconds exposure. That easy.

There will be a special Comet 17P/Holmes observation at my observatory on Saturday, 10th November 2007. Email me for direction or call directly at 012-431 7980. 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Bright Comet Alert!]]> It isn’t all the time that you can see a bright comet in the night sky. Most comets are rather dim and you’ll need at least a binoculars or a small telescope to see. However, from time to time, you may get lucky. You may be able to see a comet which is bright enough to be seen with your naked eye.

Currently, you can consider yourself very lucky. There are two bright comets in the night sky, not one.

The first comet I will introduce to you caught everyone off guard. Comet 17P/Holmes supposed to be rather uninteresting comet. It was predicted to be very faint, in fact, a few times fainter than the elusive dwarf planet, Pluto.

However, last week, 24th October 2007 to be precise, it suddenly “exploded” and brighten by a few thousand times. Now, at Mag 2, it is even brighter than planet Mars.

You can start to look for the comet after 9pm in the constellation of Perseus.

To information on finding this comet, please go to

http://www.heavens-above.com

http://cometography.com/pcomets/017p.html

 

The second comet is barely visible to the naked eye. However, Comet C/2007 F1 LONEOS, is still an easy target if you know where to look. In fact, it may even be more beautiful than the Comet 17P/Holmes, as the tail can be seen. Currently, the comet is low in the western sky and can only be seen before 8.30pm. Therefore, to see the comet, you’ll need to find a good spot where the western horizon is unobstructed. The comet is roughly halfway between Jupiter and the Sun.  

 

More information on this comet can be found here.

http://cometography.com/lcomets/2007f1.html

 

For more information on the comet, you can go to

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet

 

]]> <![CDATA[10 inch DOB Telescope]]>

 

 

Price            RM3500

8" DOB also available at RM 2500

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescope 254mm/1200mm (10") have a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary- mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick), to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss. In addition, this model include a 2" focuser with a 1.25" adapter, allowing the use of either eyepiece size. This model also include the new feature-tension control handle.

PYREX GLASS ON THE 10"
The Sky-Watcher 10” Dobsonian features a primary mirror made of Pyrex glass. Because of its very low coefficient of thermal expansion, Pyrex glass is less affected by changing temperatures. This greatly reduces the cooling time of a telescope larger than 8” in dameter without using an extra fan. The great stability of this low expansion glass ensures high quality images. It is also substantially more resistant to scratching then plate glass. Available on 254mm/120mm (10") only

WHAT is Dobsonian Telescope and WHY the Tension Control Handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swiveled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization. These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction.

The object of the Sky-Watcher Tension Control Handle invention (US Patent No. 6,940,642) is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount. By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.]]> <![CDATA[SK707AZ2]]>

 

SK707AZ2

This is our lowest priced telescope at only RM595!!!

With this scope, you can see craters on the Moon, ring of Saturn and much more. NO KIDDING!!! 



- Diameter/Aperture: 700mm
- Focal Length: 700mm
- Multi-coated achromatic objective lens
- Aluminum tube
- Dew cap/Sunshade
- 6x24 finderscope
- 36% greater light gathering capacity than
  traditional beginner 60mm scope
- Smooth rack-and-pinion 1.25" focuser
- Wall-to-wall accessory tray
- Pre-assembled tripod for convenient and quick assembly.
- Good resolution of the Moon and planets
- Highly affordable, perfect for beginners
- Sturdy but light weight, easy to transport

 
  • Recommend for: FIRST TIME BUYER

    • * For mail order, please add RM90 for shipping and handling. Shipping is via POSLAJU. Item will be shipped usually within 24 hours upon receipt of payment.

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Meet the NASA Astronaut opportunity!!!]]>

    If you have not met with a NASA astronaut before, then this may be your only opportunity.

    Robert Gibson will be coming to Penang next week. You may have seen him during the live telecast of Malaysian Astronaut flying into orbit.

    He will give a public lecture on manned space exploration. Here are the details.

     

    Date: 18th October 2007

    Time: 9.30am

    Venue: Lecture Theater A, University Science of Malaysia

     

    You can find out more information of him from the internet such as

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_L._Gibson

     

    For more information, please contact Dr. Chong 016-3157318 or CK Lim 012-4317980

     

     

     

     

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Total Lunar Eclipse on 28th August 2007]]> There will be a total lunar eclipse happening on the evening of 28th August 2007. Unfortunately, the first half of the eclipse will not be visible, as the Moon has not risen yet. When the Moon finally rise at 7.10pm, the eclipse has already well into the totality phase. The totality phase will end at 7.22pm, when the Moon is just 2 degrees above the Eastern horizon. Too bad, as there are high chances, we'll miss this part, due to the low elevation. 

    Partial eclipse phase follows for the next one hour, in which the Moon will slowly reappear  behind Earth's shadow. At 8.23pm, the Moon will be back to full Moon phase, although officially, is still in eclipse (the penumbra phase).  

    The USM Astronomy Club and the Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Unit of USM are organizing an observation of the event within the USM compound on a hill overlooking the Penang Bridge (outside the Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Unit building) begining 7pm on that day.

    All are welcome.

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Konvensyen Falak Negeri Sembilan]]> We were invited to participate in the above event. If you are in the region at that time, do visit our booth.

    Date: 22-24 June 2007

    Venue: Masjid Sikamat, Seremban

     

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Dumbbell Nebula (M27)]]>

    This is a planetary nebula situated in the constellation of Vulpecula. The distance to this object is 1360 light years. It can be seen with a binoculars. 

    A planetary nebula consists of  glowing shell of gas and plasma formed by certain stars at the end of their lives.  

    This image was taken by CK Lim with an 8 inch Newtonian Telescope on June 13, 2007. Consists of 17 images, each with 60 seconds exposure on Canon 300D camera set at 1600ASA. Taken from Balik Pulau, Penang. 

    ]]>         <![CDATA[Trifid Nebula (M20)]]>

    Trifid Nebula, also known as M20, is a bright nebulous region in Sagittarius. It has a rare combination of  emission (red part) and reflection nebulae (blue part).  In the emission section, stars are being born, while in reflection section, tiny dust particles reflect starlights from nearby stars. 

     This image was taken by C. K. Lim on 27th March 2007. 

    ]]>         <![CDATA[M83-The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy]]>

    This galaxy can be located in the constellation of Hydra. It is a spectacular face-on spiral galaxy. The yellow central core consists of old stars while many young stars can be found on the blue spiral arms. There are also several red knots, which are actually gaseous nebulae, where active star formation is taking place. M83 is around 15 million light years from Earth, and it is moving away from us. The galaxy is also well known for numerous supernovae (total of 6 have been seen).

    This image was taken on 27th March 2007 by C. K. Lim.  

     

    ]]>