In the shops
The latest books, apps, software, tech and accessories for space and astronomy fans alike
1. Guide Collins Planisphere
Cost: £9.99/$15.30 From: Harper Collins
Perhaps one of the most essential pieces of kit for anyone requiring aid for navigating the night sky, a planisphere is a necessity.
Our first test was to see if the planisphere is still readable under red light, which is used by astronomers to preserve night vision. Taking the planisphere outside, every detail on the map is visible, ensuring that – whatever constellation in the Northern Hemisphere you’re looking for – you can still use it with ease. Many budding astronomers can be overwhelmed when first getting to grips with using a planisphere, but with practical instructions printed on the back, we found it easy to follow; it simply directed us to dial in the date and time at our location by rotating the discs.
Overall we are impressed with the detail on this planisphere, along with the high-quality material it is made from – an all-over laminate ensures that condensation can simply be wiped off without damaging the plastic and, of course, also ensures that the planisphere can be used for many observing sessions to come.
2. App GoSkyWatch Planetarium v. 9.1
Cost: £2.99/$3.99 From: iTunes
It's possible to get stargazing apps for free on your smartphone, but GoSkyWatch Planetarium is an app worth shelling out for.
When fired up the sky was immediately correctly orientated, no matter how our phone was tilted, and we weren’t restricted to a portrait or landscape view of the night sky. The app’s graphics are pleasing to the eye and packed with detail. Some may be put off by GoSkyWatch only showing naked-eye stars, but we think that the ‘sky view’ looks a lot less cluttered and confusing for those finding their way around the night sky.
Pinching the night sky allows you to see an entire dome of stars, as well as those below the horizon, while stretching enabled us to zoom in to sections of interest. The icons – which offer a variety of functions, including the option to post your observations on social media, what the sky looked like in the past and might in the future, as well as a red backlight to preserve your night vision – are excellent additions to an astronomical app.
3. Book Einstein's Monsters
Cost: £18.99 From: W.W. Norton & Company Ltd
Einstein's Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes by astronomer Chris Impey chronicles the astonishing science behind one of the universe's most exotic objects, tying in their role in our quest to understand the history and future of the cosmos.
Given the difficulty even professional astronomers have in wrapping their minds around black hole astrophysics, Impey does an impressive job of relaying a complex subject to a wide audience. In fact, he does it in such a way that the imagination is truly captured, without resorting to 'dumbing down' the physics that make the black hole a truly mind-bending and wondrous member of the universe.
If you hold a qualification in astrophysics or are up to date on the research into black holes you'll be familiar with a lot of the book's content – if you don't, you won't regret picking it up.
4. Motor drive Meade Polaris DC
Cost: £44.99 / $39.95 From: meade.com or meadeuk.com
You can usually find this accessory inside the box of Meade Instrument's Polaris EQ model of telescopes. However, if you're looking for that extra assistance in tracking a variety of targets in the night sky and own the 70 EQ or any of the Polaris range up to 130 EQ, then the Polaris DC motor drive attaches easily to your instrument.
Align your Polaris EQ telescope to the pole and the 9V battery that powers the drive will keep your chosen object in the field of view for 10 to 20 minutes before it will need to be recentred. Suitable for both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, the Meade Polaris DC allows you to devote your undivided attention to the wonders of the universe instead of painstakingly and manually tracking them. Leave it permanently installed and set-up times are conveniently eliminated.