Innovation in astronomy

Paul reviews the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro SynScan mount in the June issue.

Credit: www.thesecretstudio.net

The GEM or German Equatorial Mount is the mainstay of EQ mounts when it comes to tracking the sky with the intention of imaging. Nowadays with GoTo added, you might think little more could be done to improve it, yet manufacturers still keep finding ways to tinker!

Sky-Watcher are no exception. In the June issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine, I take a look at their latest mount the EQ6-R PRO Synscan, with its increased payload capacity, refinements to the latitude adjustments and a see-through dial for the latitude scale.

These are some of the changes Sky-Watcher have introduced, but do they make it a worthwhile upgrade? See how I got on when clear skies finally arrived!

Also this month, Pete Lawrence explores the virtues of the ZWO ASI1600MC Cooled Colour Camera. Just how much more innovation these sorts of cameras can be pushed to remains to be seen, but there is no doubt such cameras are revolutionising how we image the wonders of the deep sky.

Being ‘cool’ does seem to be the trend and it really helps cut down the thermal noise as sensors just keep on getting more sensitive. I’d best get the piggybank out and see what I can afford!

Along with a mount and a camera, you won’t get far without an actual telescope, and this month Tim Jardine examines the William Optics GT71 Triplet APO refactor.

We like deep, wide-field views and images and Tim waxes lyrical in his review, showing this telescope can do both with ease. But does it earn the title of ‘Gran Turismo’? Read all this and much more in our June issue! 

Read all of this month's reviews and more in the June 2017 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine, out 19 May.

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