{"id":27730,"date":"2021-12-28T10:25:08","date_gmt":"2021-12-28T10:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/?p=101835"},"modified":"2021-12-28T10:32:11","modified_gmt":"2021-12-28T10:32:11","slug":"6-red-light-torches-for-astronomy-2021","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/6-red-light-torches-for-astronomy-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"6 red light torches for astronomy, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Iain Todd\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 28 December 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Most amateur astronomers know the value of preserving one\u2019s night vision, or \u2018dark-adapted\u2019 vision as it\u2019s also known.<\/p>\n

Our eyes have evolved to be able to adapt to darkness, enabling us to see more clearly once the Sun goes down.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll notice this if you switch off your bedroom light at night and try to navigate the room. Initially you can\u2019t see what\u2019s in front of you, but after a few minutes your eyes dark-adapt and you begin to see more than you could initially.<\/p>\n

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Using red lights at your observing site will help retain your dark-adapted vision. Credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer\/VW PICS\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The same is true for both naked-eye stargazing and observing the night sky through binoculars or a telescope.<\/p>\n

When you step outside on a dark evening, you might be able to see a planet or two and maybe some of the brightest stars in the night sky<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But wait 30 minutes and your dark-adapted vision will enable you to see so much more.<\/p>\n

Once your eyes are dark-adapted, bright white light is your worst enemy. A single flash from a car light or a quick glance at your smartphone and your night vision is ruined. Then it\u2019s back to square one.<\/p>\n

This makes things tricky if you require a torch to observe a star chart, to make notes or to navigate uneven terrain on your way through a dark-sky site.<\/p>\n

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A red torch enables you to check charts without ruining dark adapted vision.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Red light torches help you see in the dark and won\u2019t spoil your night vision. As such, they are among the most important accessories in an astronomer\u2019s arsenal.<\/p>\n

A red torch must provide a dim red light that can be read by. In addition, we looked for torches that were easy to use, lightweight, compact and unlikely to break if dropped.<\/span><\/p>\n

We also considered value for money and if they were able to provide light for a night on a single set of batteries. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the best red light torches that will help you preserve your dark-adapted vision.<\/p>\n

For more on the science of seeing and how to prepare your eyes for an astronomy session, read our guide to averted vision<\/a>. Or follow our DIY guide to make your own red light torch<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

6 red light torches<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1<\/span>

Celestron Night Vision Flashlight<\/h3>\n<\/div>

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The Celestron Night Vision Flashlight unit takes a 9V battery to power a single pair of red LEDs. These are turned on using a rotary switch, which also controls the brightness.<\/p>\n

The red light generated by the torch can be dimmed so you can use it for reading maps and star charts or taking notes, but it can also be made bright enough to enable you to negotiate a path or to watch out for obstacles while navigating a dark-sky site.<\/p>\n

This is a highly recommended torch in a simple design that fits nicely in the hand and also features a thin wrist strap.<\/p>\n

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