Sharpstar-optics is excited to launch their newest telescope, an Aspherical Cassegrain OTA SCA260 with short focal ratio. The primary mirror is aspherical with a more complicated grinding task that is reflected in the price. Testing requirements are also more complex than traditional primary mirrors. Its carbon fiber tube is lightweight, durable and nice looking, and the use Pyrex-like materials provides a better controlled quality than traditional materials.
The primary and secondary mirrors are all made with enhanced aluminum coating, and the reflectivity is guaranteed to be above 95%. The secondary mirror has a new lever adjustment function that can be moved in a horizontal position. The 3-inch dedicated focuser ensures smooth operation without slipping when taking photos with heavy accessories.
All CNC aluminum parts and novel hollow handles can be connected to different accessories. The appearance and mechanical quality are of high standards. Its design is to meet the needs of today’s demanding astronomer.
The optical path includes a triplet 3" field flattener, thus ensuring full-frame photography and vignetting control. The two M54×0.75 threads and M48×0.75 threads at the rear of the focuser can meet different needs and are convenient to connect to most commercially available imaging-terminals and help to achieve perfect focus.

 

 

 

MELOTTE 15 – “THE HEART OF THE HEART NEBULA”

• Subject:                              Melotte 15 – “The Heart of the Heart Nebula”
• Imaging OTA:                     Sharpstar SCA260 – 1300mm, f/5.0
• Imaging Camera:               ZWO ASI2600MM-PRO
• Filters:                                 Antlia 2” Narrowband: Ha (3nm); Sii (3.5nm); Oiii (3.5nm)
• Filter Wheel:                      ZWO 7 x 2”
• Guide System:                    ZWO OAG-L with ZWO ASI174MM camera
• Mount:                                Skywatcher EQ6-R
• Capture Details:                 Ha: 30 x 300s; Sii: 26 x 300s; Oiii: 26 x 300s
• Integration time: 6h40’
• Bortle 4 over 4 nights

Courtesy of Alistair Scobie

(Please note, below is a 900px wide version, but if you click on it, you will see a 1600px wide version. The original was even larger, but we had to reduce it to 1600pixels width as that's the max our shopping cart system allows...)