Sky & Telescope - July 2022 - 70

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
 OBSERVATORY SYSTEM
ASA Astrosysteme America, the U.S. distributor for Astrosysteme Austria, unveils a new
instrument package for universities and amateurs alike. The ASA RC600 + DDM100 + polar
wedge (starting at $98,000) pairs an ASA RC600 corrected Ritchey-Chrétien telescope
with a DDM100 mount on an equatorial wedge capable of sub-arcsecond resolution and
tracking. The RC600 tube assembly is a 23.6-inch (600-mm) f/2.5 corrected RitcheyChrétien
astrograph with fused-silica primary and secondary mirrors that produce a 100mm
image circle. The telescope can also operate at f/7 with the removal of its reducer/
corrector lens. Its DDM100 direct-drive mount is capable of slewing up to 50 degrees
per second and uses the company's ASCOM-compatible ASA Control ONE observatory
automation software. See the company's website for additional details.
ASA Astrosysteme America
444 Brickell Ave., Suite 51270
Miami, FL 33131
585-314-3198; astrosysteme.com/en-us
 BIG BINOS
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars announces a pair of right-angle binoculars. The Orion
GiantView BT-120 90-degree Binocular Telescope ($2,799.99) features 120-mm (4.7inch)
f/5.5 twin objectives to generate bright views of the night sky. The BT-120 accepts
standard 1¼-inch telescope eyepieces and comes with a pair of 18-mm, 65° eyepieces
providing 37× magnification. Its interpupillary distance ranges between 54 and 76 mm,
depending on the model of eyepieces used. The BT-120 uses BAK-4 Porro prisms to
produce a right-reading view without vignetting. The binoculars weigh 9.2 kg (20¼ lbs)
and attach to a heavy-duty tripod or other solid mount via a ¼″-20 threaded socket. Each
purchase includes a sturdy, foam-lined carry case and a limited 1-year warranty.
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
831-763-7000; telescope.com
 ECLIPSE GUIIDE
Self-described umbraphile Roderick J. Hill releases Chasing Solar Eclipses: A Comprehensive
Guide ($39). The book offers helpful information for first-time eclipse observers
and seasoned shadow chasers alike. It starts with chapters explaining the four different
types of solar eclipses, some history, and the celestial mechanics involved. Additional
sections detail how to safely observe these events as well as other unique phenomena to
watch for before, during, and after totality. Hill details what equipment to take along when
traveling to the path of totality and the various ways to photograph the event. An extensive
section describes each of the solar eclipses visible from 2021 through 2060.
Chasing Solar Eclipses
Available from Amazon
https://is.gd/ChasingEclipses
New Product Showcase is a reader service featuring innovative equipment and software of interest to amateur astronomers. The descriptions are based largely on
information supplied by the manufacturers or distributors. Sky & Telescope assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of vendors' statements. For further information
contact the manufacturer or distributor. Announcements should be sent to nps@skyandtelescope.org. Not all announcements can be listed.
70 JULY 2022 * SKY & TELESCOPE

http://www.astrosysteme.com/en-us http://www.telescope.com https://www.is.gd/ChasingEclipses

Sky & Telescope - July 2022

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