Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned astronomer a smart telescope can make stargazing both easier and more enjoyable. We look at why you should have a smart telescope, with an eye on ZWO’s Seestar S30, with seven suggestions for astronomical targets.
What is a smart telescope?
Smart telescopes are the latest development in the increasingly connected, online, tech and gadget world of practical astronomy.
Simply put, smart telescopes are instruments capable of self-navigation that can produce enhanced images of astronomical targets (planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies etc).
But more than that, smart telescopes provide a lot of enjoyment as they are user-friendly and fun to operate, making them particularly good for beginners with limited budgets.
And, if lugging a heavy piece of kit around in the dark is not an appealing prospect, then a smart scope will be ticking all the right boxes for you too.
A smart telescope/camera consists of a computerised base mount supporting a compact telescope and a camera.
Images are displayed on a tablet or smartphone screen and the user normally controls them using a dedicated app, which can also search for celestial targets and tweak settings and imaging controls.
You don’t look through a smart scope; it acquires image data via its sensor, sending this live-stacked result to your control device. Imaging is done using short exposures and captured images are live-stacked on your phone or tablet, continued accumulation of image data revealing the subject’s true glory over time.
Pick a target, let the telescope find it and then start capturing an image of it.
Smart telescopes really come into their own where deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae and star clusters are concerned.
What’s more, these instruments have rekindled the pioneering instinct with some owners pushing their instruments to produce genuine scientific data for areas of astronomy such as astrometry (positional measurements of stars and other celestial objects) and photometry (determining the brightness of objects).
Introducing the Seestar S30 smart telescope
The Seestar S30 Smart Telescope is ZWO’s second entry into the smart telescope arena and is more compact and portable than its previous model, the Seestar S50.
This dual-lens (telephoto and wide-angle) instrument can capture the entire celestial landscape using a professional apochromatic lens for improved image quality.
It’s controlled via its own dedicated app for smartphones and tablets and features automatic star-finding, tracking and shooting with a target list of over 4,000+ celestial objects.
More features of the Seestar S30 include:
- Three shooting modes enable captures of Solar System objects, deep-sky and nightscapes
- 30mm apochromatic lens design including ED (extra-low dispersion) glass.
- Sony IMX662 Sensor (Starves 2) for high sensitivity and low noise
- Built-in Triple filters: Dark Field Filter, UV/IR Cut Filter and Astronomical Light Pollution Filter
- Removable solar filter included
- Smart noise reduction with and auto processing
- 64GB eMMC storage
- External enhanced dual-band antenna supports 2.4G and 5G frequencies.
- Wifi and Bluetooth connection available.
- Rechargeable battery and supports power bank charging while imaging
Why use a smart telescope?
Travel-friendly
Most smart telescopes are ideal instruments for transporting to dark-sky locations. The Seestar S30 weighs just 1,650g, equivalent to a small laptop.
It has a low-power, long-lasting battery offering six hours of use on full charge (four hours in video mode), while its magnetic solar filter is designed to be installed quickly and easily .
Banish the glare
What if your skies are less than pristine and badly affected by light pollution? The Seestar S30 has built-in filters for city stargazing, even in light-polluted areas.
Connected community
The Seestar enables you to become part of a connected community of like-minded astrophotographers and produce results that can be shared online or via email.
Make the most of your time under the stars
Smart telescopes are particularly impressive where long periods of clear weather are few and far between as you can be out and imaging in minutes.
Their convenience also allows them to be used by the experienced and non-experienced alike.
Enjoy user-friendly features
A smart telescope is a great way for beginners to start their astronomy journey. The Seestar S30 offers voice prompting and AI noise reduction for clearer, crisper images. It also boasts auto capture and tracking, and real-time switching between wide-angle and close-up views.
Can’t get your chosen target in one frame? Try creating a mosaic by stitching individual images together using the S30’s dedicated, built-in feature.
Top 7 targets for smart telescopes
Got a smart scope? Start exploring the night sky with these winter targets
M42
A classic target within the Sword of Orion. The Orion Nebula is large, detailed and bright.
M31
The Andromeda Galaxy. A large target and a great introduction for those who want to hone processing skills and attempt multi-image mosaics.
M1
With filamentary detail and good colour, the Crab nebula is an interesting target for smart telescopes.
NGC 2359
Thor’s Helmet has some excellent detailing that smart telescopes pick up very well.
M33
The Triangulum Galaxy is a good fit for smart ’scopes, longer stacked sessions bring out some interesting detail.
M51
The Whirlpool Galaxy is a classic, iconic deep-sky object with good size and lots of detail ideal for smart telescopes.
M78
A beautiful reflection nebula in Orion that benefits from long capture sessions.