The ‘compact’ design has become increasingly popular over the years, and by popular demand, SDM is offering a very special version of its own. The SDM Compact is the ultimate grab’n’go scope for those who are keen to get their light buckets into the field with the minimum of fuss. Even after its major weight-loss programme, the Compact still retains the solidity and performance so characteristic of an SDM telescope but now in a form that can be easily fitted into a family saloon. Even better, the SDM Compact can still be fitted with ArgoNavis and ServoCat to make it an exquisite grab’n’go-to!

The Compact design is best suited to f/3.5 to f/4.2 mirror sizes 18” to 24”. Call Peter to find out more.

Barry Neumann has taken the term ‘Fully Loaded” to new heights. Barry’s 18” f4.5 scope is exquisitely furnished with every conceivable extra including: ArgoNavis, ServoCat, laptop stand and a Stellarvue finder.

In his own words “The telescope is a stunner Pete. I had a little look at the moon the other night in a gap in the cloudy sky and it was superb. There is no other word for it. The clarity and sharpness was something I would never have believed we could see from this earth. It was beautiful, and I just cruised up and down for about half an hour.”

SDM#020 is an instant classic!

In quite extraordinary circumstances, John Salini (SDM#010) has turned his secondary mirror into a lacewing breeding ground. John swears that he left the scope unattended and uncovered for no more than 30 minutes whilst waiting for NGC253 to rise above his house, during which time an enterprising insect took advantage of his diagonal.

The species was confirmed by CSIRO Entomology – “They belong to the green lacewings (Order Neuroptera) from the family Chrysopidae. The adult will deposit a thread of silk from her abdomen and top it off with an egg. Because the eggs are elevated it makes them less prone to predation from potential predators such as ants which will walk around the base of the silk thread, oblivious to the food (egg) perched directly above them!”).

Needless to say, John is less than happy and the rest of us can only scratch our respective heads in bewilderment. You really don’t see that every day!

Paul Haese, also known in internet circles as ‘Rumples Riot’, can proudly take his place on the world stage of planetary photographers; his images are often seen published in magazines and in features on the Web.

Realising that the sheer resolving power of 18″ could take the science to the next level, Paul has been working with SDM#014 to create the ultimate planetary imaging scope. His exploits can be seen on South Celestial Pole a leading Australian astronomy forum where he keeps his SDM Blog which chronicles the issues facing the imager using a big Dob and showcases his innovative solutions. Paul’s preliminary results are simply stunning.

And just for the record – that’s Ganymede’s shadow just beginning to cross the face of Jupiter. We’re looking forward to the rest of the season!

A delighted Rod Berry comes to grips with the sheer size of SDM#012. His 20″ F5 has been an instant hit with his family, and, as can be seen in his Gallery, this versatile instrument appears to be doubling up as an adventure playground during the day!

Unfortunately for Rod, the Weather Gods have struck with unprecedented force and left him thoroughly clouded-out and having to wait for first light. In the meantime join Rod and friends over in Ice-in-Space debating SDM#012‘s new name …