HYPERSTAR

HyperStar coupled with Canon 20Da

The HyperStar (manufactured by Starizona) is a lens assembly which replaces the secondary mirror of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT). It mounts directly to the correcting plate at the front of the telescope.

The HyperStar can be coupled to a CCD video camera, digital camera, or other device. The main advantages of the HyperStar are (1) it reduces the focal ratio and focal length of the telescope, (2) widens the field of view, and (3) allows for shorter exposure times. 

"An additional advantage to the decrease exposure time is that unguided imaging is possible.  This requires much less hardware and setup time.  For example, the 14" Meade SCT at f/10 has a focal length of 3500mm.  Typically, only a 10-second unguided exposure is possible at this focal length.  At f/2, the focal length is only 700mm, allowing for unguided exposures of 60 seconds or more.  Since 60 seconds at f/2 is equivalent to approximately25 minutes at f/10, when shooting unguided exposures, the real difference in exposure can be as much as 150 times!"

"HyperStar opens up the world of CCD imaging to many more amateur astronomers.  Suddenly, deep-sky imaging is easy and takes just seconds.  It can now be done with a very quick and easy setup from almost any location.  Also, HyperStar allows for real-time deep-sky viewing on a monitor using video cameras.  This allows new possibilities for public stargazing and teaching others about the wonders of the universe!" Please see www.starizona.com/hyperstar for more details.