Ezzy Pearson rounds up the latest astronomical accessories
1 Build your own Solar System
Price £399 • Supplier Build the Solar System • www.buildthesolarsystem.com
ADVANCED Create your own version of the Solar System with this kit. The set contains hundreds of brass gears and pieces, all arranged to make assembly straightforward. The orrery includes the Sun, eight main planets, Pluto, Ceres, Eris and several moons.
2 Asterion Counterweight Storage Cage
Price £65 • Supplier First Light Optics • www.firstlightoptics.com
This simple storage solution for your counterweights also offers a great way to transport them and prevents them rolling around. The A-shaped frame comes with a rubberised handle for safe carrying.
3 Stars and Constellations Glow Map
Price from £17.99 • Supplier Maps International • www.mapsinternational.co.uk
This stylish star map features the main constellations of the Northern Hemisphere, as well as the band of the Milky Way. The stars are depicted in glow-in-thedark paint, making it usable during the night and day.
4 NASA Ballpark Navy Dad Cap
Price £19.99 • Supplier Hat Store • www.hatstore.co.uk
Show your love of space – even when the Sun is high in the sky – with this NASA baseball cap by American Needle. It will protect your eyes from daytime glare so they’re ready to observe the stars when night falls.
5 Explore Scientific Hybrid Finderscope Base
Price £22.50 • Supplier Telescope House • Tel 01342 837098 • www.telescopehouse.com
This bracket is compatible with all mini dovetail-type brackets found on most finderscopes. There is an in-built safety stop which will prevent bars sliding through the bracket and falling when the screws are loosened, protecting your equipment.
6 Altair Keystone Riser Blocks
Price £49.99 • Supplier Altair Astro • Tel 01263 731505 • www.altairastro.com
When you have cameras, controllers, dew heaters and cables it can be tricky getting it all organised on your scope, but these risers will help. Provides 60mm of clearance and comes in a variety of colours.