Description
Hubble Optics 5-Star Artificial Star
The Hubble Optics 5-Star Artificial Star provides a convenient way to perform telescope collimation and star testing without relying on clear skies or a visible star. Ideal for use with Newtonian reflectors, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCTs), refractors, and other optical systems, this compact device creates five artificial point-light sources to help evaluate optical alignment and diffraction patterns.
Unlike a real star, an artificial star remains stationary, allowing you to perform controlled tests without telescope tracking or atmospheric turbulence interfering with your observations. It can be used indoors or outdoors, provided there is sufficient distance for your telescope to reach focus.
Key Features
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Five Precision Artificial Stars: Five white LEDs illuminate precision pinholes measuring 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 microns, providing options for different telescope apertures, focal ratios, testing distances, and lighting conditions.
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Convenient Collimation: Observe defocused diffraction patterns to identify alignment errors and make adjustments according to your telescope manufacturer's instructions.
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Indoor and Outdoor Use: Perform preliminary collimation and optical checks without waiting for nighttime or favourable weather conditions.
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Magnetic Star Mask: An included magnetic mask allows you to isolate one artificial star while covering the remaining four.
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Portable and Battery Powered: The compact design operates using three AAA batteries (not included), making it convenient for use at home, in a workshop, or in the field.
How to Use
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Install the Batteries: Insert three fresh, high-quality AAA batteries into the battery cartridge, ensuring each battery's negative terminal faces its spring contact. Insert the cartridge into the housing in the correct orientation and switch the unit on.
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Position the Artificial Star: Place the device on a stable surface, such as a table or tripod, and aim it toward your telescope. Position it as far away as practical while ensuring your telescope can reach focus.
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Select a Star: Begin with the smallest pinhole that produces a sufficiently bright, clear image. Larger pinholes provide brighter artificial stars when needed.
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Isolate the Star: Use the included magnetic mask to cover the four unused pinholes. The mask adheres magnetically on one side; flip it over if necessary.
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Perform Collimation or Star Testing: Centre the artificial star in your telescope's field of view. Examine its focused or defocused diffraction pattern and make adjustments according to your telescope's collimation procedure.
Important Considerations
Battery Quality: For reliable operation and consistent brightness, we recommend using fresh, high-quality AAA batteries from a reputable manufacturer. Avoid mixing old and new batteries or different battery types. Weak batteries may result in dim or inconsistent illumination. If the artificial stars appear unusually dim, replace all three batteries.
Operating Temperature and Extended Use: The artificial star may become warm during extended operation. According to Hubble Optics, prolonged use in confined or poorly ventilated spaces should be avoided. If the unit becomes excessively warm, switch it off and allow it to cool before continuing. For best results, turn the device off when not actively performing collimation or optical testing.
Testing Distance: The distance between the artificial star and telescope affects the accuracy of the test. Although shorter distances can work well for collimation, they may introduce apparent spherical aberration that affects optical testing results. For critical optical evaluation, a sufficiently distant artificial star or a real star is recommended.
Focusing Requirements: Your telescope must be capable of focusing at the artificial star's distance. Some telescopes may require additional extension tubes or adapters when testing at shorter distances.
Brightness: Select a larger pinhole if the artificial star appears too dim. If all five stars are unusually dim, replace the batteries. Current production units are designed to operate without twisting the LED head cap to adjust brightness.
Specifications
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Manufacturer: Hubble Optics
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Product: 5-Star Artificial Star
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Light Sources: Five white LEDs
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Pinhole Diameters: 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 microns
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Power Requirements: Three AAA batteries (not included)
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Included Accessory: Magnetic pinhole mask
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Applications: Telescope collimation, diffraction pattern observation, and optical star testing
Care and Maintenance
Keep the pinhole surface clean and protected from dust and debris. Only use the magnetic mask when needed and store it separately from the main unit to prevent magnetic particles from collecting around or blocking the precision pinholes.
Store the artificial star in a clean, sealed plastic bag when not in use. Avoid attempting to clean the pinholes with sharp tools or abrasive materials.
Switch off the device after use and avoid leaving it operating unattended for extended periods.
Instructions and Additional Resources
Printed instructions are not included. For detailed setup information, recommended testing distances, and collimation procedures, please refer to the manufacturer's documentation.
Additional Resources