In Search of the Core, Mostardas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Astro-photographer’s statement: “The night is really a beautiful moment to enjoy all the beauties of the sky. Here the plan was to reflect as many sights as possible in the water and the mirror – with the curious human being searching them in the small square in his hands. We as humans should learn (relearn, in fact) to admire this scene in order to preserve it. Our challenge is to minimize the impact of light pollution while we grow as a civilization.” Egon Filter, Published with Permission.
Egon Filter’s celebrated photograph was NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) on September 13, 2021. Titled “Night Sky Reflected,” the image is accompanied by the following caption: “What’s that in the mirror? In the featured image of the dark southern sky, the three brightest galaxies of the night are all relatively easy to identify. Starting from the left, these are the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), and part of the central band of our Milky Way Galaxy. All three are also seen reflected in a shallow pool of water. But what is seen in the mirror being positioned by the playful astrophotographer? Dust clouds near the center of our Milky Way—and the planet Jupiter. The composite was carefully planned and composed from images captured from the same camera in the same location and during the same night in mid-2019 in Mostardas, south Brazil. The picture won first place in the Connecting to the Dark division of the International Dark-Sky Association’s Capture the Dark contest for 2021.”
Planet Earth is located in the Milky Way Galaxy. Our sun, the center of the solar system, is one star among hundreds of billions of stars that form the Milky Way. This giant conglomeration of suns, with 100 billion planets, cosmic dust, and gases, is our home galaxy. Within range of telescopes, the enormity of the Milky Way spins among more than 100 billion galaxies in the universe.
Full sky view of our Milky Way Galaxy photographed on September 4, 2022, 10:40 p.m., Washington, Maine. Orientation: southwest, upper right, Sagittarius; northeast, lower left, Perseus, Cassiopeia; center, the Summer Triangle. Lower right brightness is distant light pollution from Augusta, Maine. Red lines are airplanes trails. Photo by Mario Motta, M.D. Published with Permission.
On clear nights, away from artificial lights, look for the Milky Way arcing over the sky. Observe tonight, November 26, at about 6 to 6:30 p.m., to find a young crescent moon close to the southwest horizon at the edge of the Milky Way. Follow the arc to the northeast horizon, where red planet Mars, -1.77 magnitude, rises in the east-northeast. Enjoy the waxing crescents as they increase in size and set later every evening.
Look near the center of Mario Motta’s photograph for a triangle marked by three outstanding stars that compose The Summer Triangle: Deneb, Vega and Altair straddle the Milky Way. Look by 9 o’clock this week to see the full pattern before its lowest star, Altair sets at about 9:30 p.m.
Milky Way over a Berkshire lake, facing south, August 6, 2021, 8:32 p.m. Photo by Stella Cadente. Published with Permission.
If the Milky Way does not appear in your sky, light pollution is blocking your view. The moon and the Summer Triangle are visible through the haze created by excessive, poorly designed outdoor lighting. In North America, 99 percent of the population lives under a light-polluted sky. To learn how to protect the night sky from light pollution, to keep the Milky Way in your sky, and to bring back the Milky Way where it is blocked from view, go to the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).
Save $400 on the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens which takes it down below $2000 this Black Friday.
We’re pleased to share this deal with you because the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM sits in our best lenses for astrophotography buying guide and it received a near-perfect 4.5/5 stars in our Canon RF 15-35mm review. But why do we think so highly of this lens?
It’s part of Canon’s L-series range, which is known for its outstanding optical clarity. Super sharp from edge to edge and with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 this ultra-wide zoom has a very astro-friendly 15-35mm focal length making it perfect for wide-field astrophotography.
The fast aperture of f/2.8 allows the lens to drink in the light from the cosmos and maximizes light input onto any compatible Canon RF mirrorless camera body. This saves pushing the ISO sensitivity too high, which in return results in astrophotographs with less high ISO image noise — ideal for clean, clear images.
While astrophotographers typically use one of the best tripods to photograph from, this lens has five stops of Image Stabilization (IS) to help steady the view, should you want to photograph in low-light handheld. That makes it usable for more than just astro and in fact, makes an ideal lens for weddings or group portraits indoors where light levels are normally limited.
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: was $2399, now $1999 at B&H Save $400 on this ultra-wide zoom Canon RF-mount lens, perfect for any of Canon’s mirrorless RF-mount camera bodies. Suited to astrophotography, it also makes a great lens for any low-light shooting situation. Sharp everywhere and solidly built, this lens should keep up with you wherever you shoot.
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The Nano USM feature built into the lens works with Canon’s Dual-Pixel CMOS AF to produce the best autofocusing speed and ability that Canon has to offer (superior to Canon’s less expensive STM system seen in more affordable lens models).
Better yet, the Canon 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM has an integrated control ring that can be preset to control myriad camera settings, from aperture to ISO and more. Optically, the lens benefits from low dispersion and aspherical glass elements to keep images clear of chromatic aberration (no color fringing on those stars) and distortion-free.
Weather-resistant it’s not fully waterproof, but that shouldn’t matter too much for the astrophotographers who tend to shoot when it’s clear and dry, anyway. It is also coated with Air-Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce flare and ghosting when shooting directly into the sun or when subjects are backlit.
Be sure to check out Space.com’s Black Friday deals page, or our guide to the Best lenses for astrophotography, or pair it with one of the Best cameras for photos and videos or Best cameras for astrophotography.
Here at BBC Sky at Night Magazine we test a lot of cameras, from big-brand DSLRs to CCD, CMOS and planetary cameras.
This Black Friday we’ve been scouring online retailers for some of the best deals on digital cameras, especially with astrophotography in mind.
However, the DSLRs and other cameras on our list would suit most forms of photography, from wildlife and nature photography to capturing cityscapes and recording high quality video.
Credit: boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images
Black Friday 2022 is here, and that means street and online retailers are offering good discounts to entice early Christmas shoppers or those who want to grab a bargain before the season begins.
Below is a list of what we’ve found so far, but all the main discounts can be found on our Black Friday astrophotography camera deals webpage.
Head there for more information and a full breakdown on each camera.
And check back later today to see what other offers we’ve managed to add to the list.
For advice on buying a camera, read our guide to the best astrophotography cameras, or how to use a DSLR camera.
Black Friday camera deals 2022
Black Friday 2022 is upon us. Here are the best offers on cameras for astrophotography that we’ve found so far.
Fujifilm GFX 50S II Medium Format Camera
The Fujifilm GFX 50S II Medium Format Camera is currently discounted for Black Friday on Wex Photographic, and comes with 35-70mm lens. See the link above to get to the page for the deal.
Canon EOS 2000D DSLR camera
Sony a7 Mk III
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Canon EOS R6 DSLR camera
Panasonic Lumix G9
Nikon D780 DSLR camera
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera
Pentax K-3 Mark III
Nikon Z7 II
ZWO ASI294MC
Where to find Black Friday camera deals
A list of suppliers and online shops to keep an eye on for Black Friday deals
Save on a BBC Sky at Night Magazine subscription this Black Friday
Get 12 issues of BBC Sky at Night Magazine for just for just £37.99. That’s a 47% saving off the shop price! For more info, visit buysubscriptions.com.
After an overwhelming response for their observatory in Kausani and Bhimtal, Starscapes, India’s leading Astro tourism company, has launched its third public observatory in Uttarakhand.
Starscapes’ new observatory in Mukteshwar will offer tourists a holistic astronomical experience, with a variety of activities both during the day and at night, ranging from stargazing excursions to astrophotography, and sun observation. Located at Sargakhet in Mukteshwar, it is easily accessible from all the main tourist sites in the area. Additionally, the new observatory is only an 8-hour drive from Delhi for anyone looking to spend a weekend away from the city.
A trained astronomy expert will guide the visitors on their stargazing journey. The observatory has an astronomy experience centre where a number of engaging sessions will be conducted round the clock. The Experience Center has a virtual room that explains constellations and the night sky using Mukteshwar’s precise GPS coordinates. Visitors can also take part in beginner-level astrophotography classes that teach them how to take pictures of star trails and constellations. There is also an on-site cafe, a dedicated activity zone for kids , and a sit-out area with a stunning view of the Himalayas.
Some of the other activities are
Stargazing sessions: A guided session by Starscapes ‘Starguides’ who will tell you all about the universe.
Sun Observation: Want to watch the sun without squinting in agony? Starscapes can arrange for safe viewing of the sun to discover some of the fascinating aspects you didn’t know about the sun.
Star parties: Get your group along to experience the enigma of the cosmos with an up-close-and-personal viewing of the moon and other planetary objects. From stargazing safari to astrophotography, Starscapes’ Star parties will have it all.
Selfie with the stars: We’re not talking about movie stars here; we’re talking about real stars. Imagine a backdrop of star-studded night sky and a selfie with the stars? Starscapes can make it happen.
Commenting on the new launch, Paul Savio, CEO and Co-Founder, Starscapes, said, “A few months ago, we conducted an Astro-camp in Mukteshwar, for which we got an incredibly positive response from tourists as well as from the local community in Mukteshwar. The response we received was the deciding factor for opening a permanent observatory in Mukteshwar. A picturesque and charming location like Mukteshwar offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of the night sky and explore the great outdoors. Our observatories in Kausani and Bhimtal have been popular destinations for Astro tourism. We hope to receive a similar response for our new observatory in Mukteshwar”
Starscapes is a unique platform that offers a holistic astronomy experience to give voice to your curiosity about the vast skies beyond our stratosphere. Founded in 2017 by astronomy aficionado Ramashish Ray with Paul Savio joining him as Co-Founder and CEO in 2019, Starscapes is India’s first and only chain of observatories that gives travel enthusiasts an integrated astronomy experience.
60% off the BlissLights Sky Lite Star Projector right now
(Image credit: Amazon)
Completely transform your bedroom or living room for less than $20 with this perfect holiday gift for space lovers. Save a huge 60% on the original price of the BlissLight Sky Lite over at Walmart with this easy-to-use, button-controlled star projector which even has a six-hour timer for those that like to go to sleep to the ambient lighting.
We reviewed the BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0 earlier this year and gave it 3.5/5 stars because it was easy to use and gave decent ambient lighting, so we’re confident that the Sky Lite is a bargain star projector in this Black Friday deal.
Save 21% on the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope
(Image credit: Celestron)
Save 21% on the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ refractor telescope which comes with an Alt-Az mount that is beginner-friendly. The telescope features a 70mm aperture and a 900mm focal length to provide good views of the moon and stars.
Celestron is known for its excellent build quality and the telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a fully collapsible lightweight tripod, a red dot finder scope and free access to the Starry Night software which is packed with information about 36,000 night sky objects to help newcomers learn about night sky objects. All this for under $150 makes this a Black Friday telescope deal worth having.
Sony A7R III is now discounted by $500
(Image credit: Sony)
Save more than 20% off in this Black Friday camera deal on the Sony A7R III. The mirrorless camera, known for its superb full-frame CMOS 42.4MP image sensor is now $500 off in this Amazon deal.
It’s perfect for astrophotography due to its extended ISO range (50-102,400) but it lends itself to many styles of photographers and videographers with a host of useful features like EyeAF autofocusing for sharp portraits, and 4K HDR video capture.
Editing is easy as well because the A7R III has up to 15 stops of dynamic range to retain detail in the brightest highlights and blackest shadows, meaning image files (or video) are flexible when editing in Lightroom or Photoshop.
Save 15% on Celestron’s iconic NexStar 8SE telescope
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Known the world over as one of the most iconic line of telescopes, the much-loved Celestron NexStar 8SE is now on sale with $200 for Black Friday over at Amazon and Adorama.
The line has been going since the 1970s but Celestron’s 8SE, the largest in the NexStar line-up, is truly exceptional. A Schmidt-Cassegrain design, this catadioptric telescope takes advantage of a hybrid technology between refractor and reflector telescope designs to provide a massive 2032 mm (80-inch) focal length and huge 203.2mm (8-inch) aperture in a tiny package.
Suitable for all kinds of astronomers it may not immediately be friendly to beginners but it has such breadth of use that, when paired with one of the best eyepieces, you can observe the moon, stars, planets, nebulas and more in exquisite detail.
Ultimate sharpness and incredibly bright, the NexStar 8SE ships with a red dot finderscope and a 25mm eyepiece — which you can upgrade as and when you’re ready to take astronomy to the next level.
20% off the Celestron PowerSeeker 70 AZ refractor telescope
(Image credit: Amazon)
Now under $100 the Celestron PowerSeeker 70 AZ refractor telescope is 20% off for Black Friday over on Amazon. This refractor telescope is ideally suited to beginners who want to view the lunar surface and nebulae. With a 70mm aperture, the telescope has a focal length of 700mm and ships with all the accessories you need to get started quickly.
Two eyepieces (4mm and 20mm) pair with a whopping 3x Barlow lens to magnify your night sky objects. An erect image diagonal means no more cricked necks trying to peer through the eyepiece. A 5×24 finderscope helps you locate night sky objects easily before fine-tuning through the eyepieces with more precision.
Celestron also bundles free access to the Starry Night software that gives information on 36,000 celestial objects for the uninitiated.
73% discount on this Astronaut star projector
(Image credit: Tantse Walter)
Save 73%on the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector. The projector is an astronaut that can be posed into different positions and projects stars through its visor. It has eight in-built nebula effects and the projector can be set to a timer for those using it to sleep.
The ideal space gift, save a massive 73% in this Black Friday star projector deal which takes the price down to just $7.58. We said in our Astronaut space star projector review that anything under $35 is a bargain, so $7.58 is insane. It should suit any wall or ceiling thanks to the adjustable projection angle and we love it as an early holiday season gift.
What we like about the projector is its surprisingly good build quality, the fact it’s packed with impressive and effective lighting and its general appeal to all space fans, whether young or older.
Save 50% on a year of Paramount Plus – the home of Star Trek
(Image credit: Paramount Plus)
Paramount’s Black Friday deal for its Paramount Plus streaming service is one of the best streaming deals we’ve found so far, offering a huge amount of content at a 50% discount. That equates to around $2 per month, and there are plenty of sci-fi shows to be found for your money.
Star Trek is the big one, with the entirety of the TV show’s 860 episodes to watch (as well as the movies), but there are newer sci-fi shows like videogame tie-in Halo, classic mystery thriller Twin Peaks, and The Twilight Zone reboot too.
Get 25% off these Celestron SkyMaster 15×70 binoculars
(Image credit: Celestron)
The Celestron SkyMaster 15×70 binoculars are currently discounted by 25% (opens in new tab), making them an excellent buy for budding skywatchers who want to view larger deep-sky objects.
Since our initial post about this deal yesterday, they have been reduced by a couple more dollars, but we expect this to be the lowest they will go.
You can read our Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15×70 binoculars review to get a feel for the version of the binos that are on sale, but note that these are slightly less rugged and not waterproof, unlike the pro version (which cost more than double). If you’re not planning on using your binos in inclement weather, for the price, these binoculars will see you right.
Because of the high magnification, you should invest in one of the best tripods so you don’t have to worry about wobble spoiling your views.
Once set up in the right conditions, you can see the Andromeda Galaxy and the bright Messier galaxies and nebulas based on the list drawn up by Charles Messier.
All-in-all, these binoculars will give users an enjoyable star and galaxy-gazing experience at a very reasonable price.
Get 50% off the HP Reverb G2 VR headset
(Image credit: HP)
HP Reverb G2 VR Headset: Was $599Now $299 at HP (opens in new tab)
HP’s highly-rated VR headset, the Reverb G2, is one of the best VR headsets around. Better yet, the manufacturer has cut the price by 50%. Right now, you can get the HP Reverb G2 headset for just $299 at HP (opens in new tab), down from the usual price of $599.
Unlike the Meta Quest 2, you will need a PC to connect to, but it offers a 2160×2160 resolution in each eye and excellent audio. For more, be sure to check out our HP Reverb G2 review where we awarded it 4-stars and noted how easy it is to set up.
That makes it ideal for a newcomer to VR, or to an experienced user looking to step up from the Meta Quest 2 or a PlayStation VR. With the G2’s lengthy, six-meter cable, it’s less restrictive than many wired headsets, too, and it’s comfortable for longer periods of time – perfect if you’re up to your eyeballs in No Man’s Sky VR.
Save a stellar 50% on the Lego Galaxy Explorer set
(Image credit: Lego)
We love a good Lego kit here at Space. In fact, the only thing we love more is a good Lego kit at half price which is exactly what we’ve found over at Walmart. You can get the Lego Galaxy Explorer set for just $50 (opens in new tab), reduced down from $100.
The Galaxy Explorer is a modern take on the classic 1979 Lego set of the same name, and it’s an impressive mash-up of retro-styling and modern design. It comes with 4 minifigures – 2 red and 2 white astronauts, and has a total of 1254 pieces, making it an involved, but not massive build.
We actually checked out the set earlier this year and gave it a perfect score of 5 stars (check out our Lego Galaxy Explorer review to see our full thoughts). We even compared it to the original model as our reviewer still had theirs.
We’re covering all the best Black Friday Lego deals on our main hub, so head over there for more savings on Star Wars, Space, and Marvel themed kits.
Hulu’s Black Friday deal is just $1.99 a month
(Image credit: Hulu)
There is no shortage of science fiction on streaming services right now and nowhere is that more true than at Hulu and right now you can get a year of Hulu for just $1.99 a month (opens in new tab), a 75% discount of its regular $7.99 fee.
The Black Friday Hulu offer is not as deep a discount as the streaming service’s 2021 deal, which offered a year’s subscription at just 99 cents a month, but it’s still a bargain for fans of The Orville, Rick and Morty and other sci-fi shows that call Hulu home. After all, where else are you going to see the new Hulu original “Prey,” which is the latest entry in the Predator franchise?
Hulu is making this deal available primarily to new subscribers, but if you are a lapsed subscriber – and you have not used Hulu in the last month – you may be able to qualify for the offer.
If you looking to save on a streaming service, but Hulu isn’t your cup of tea, you’re in luck. Our Black Friday streaming deals has a rundown of the offers available now.
Save $200 on a DJI Mini 2 drone bundle
(Image credit: DJI)
If you’re just starting out on your drone journey, this early Black Friday deal is a great opportunity to land a beginner-friendly drone and save hundreds of dollars at the same time.
DJI is a known for its quality drones and the DJI Mini 2 is one of oour favorite drones for beginners and experts alike. At $479, this DJI Mini 2 drone bundle is $200 off at Adorama (opens in new tab) and is the best price we’ve seen for Black Friday this year. The bundle is on sale for 29% off and comes with the drone, as well as a microSD card, carrying case and several other extras for your aerial or sky photography needs.
As we noted in our DJI Mini 2 review, this drone is small enough (it weighs 249 grams) that it’s portable and lightweight, and also does not require you to register it for casual flying. You will need to check your local drone regulations, though. It carries a 12 MP camera for both still images and video and has about 23 minutes of flight time (according to our tests) before it returns home on a 25% battery life mark.
If you’re looking for more affordable drone ideas, check out our best drone deals and our beginners guide to drones and best drones features can help you pick the right machine if you need more tips.
Meta Quest 2 VR headsets are $70 off w/ free games
(Image credit: Amazon)
A good VR headset can transform a space experience on your computer into an immersive trip across the final frontier and this Meta Quest 2 deal from Amazon has the right stuff.
You can save up to $70 off a Meta Quest 2 VR headset with a 259 GB capacity (opens in new tab), the highest storage capacity available now, and get two free games at the same time. This Black Friday Bundle comes with Resident Evil 4 VR and Beat Saber for free, and we’ve got a list of the best free space VR games to choose from once you’re set up.
If 259 GB is a bit much, you can still save $50 on the Meta Quest 2 VR headset with 128 GB (opens in new tab), which also comes with the two free games. Both deals come with the Quest 2 headset (it was previously called the Oculus Quest 2, if it sounded familiar to you, and it’s a standalone device. You won’t need a game console or PC to pair it with, but it does link to PC if you’d like to try a PC VR title or two.
The Meta Quest 2 includes features to keep you from bumping into obstacles, two Touch controllers and cameras to help orient yourself in a room. Its reviews on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive, and we were also impressed when we tried it, too. Check out our Meta Quest 2 review for an in-depth look at the VR gear.
If the Meta Quest 2 isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, check out our other VR headset deals and our guide to the best VR headsets around.
Save 21% on the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope
(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ refractor telescope is currently at a discount of over 20% (opens in new tab) which makes a perfect gift for beginner astronomers this Black Friday. It features a 70mm aperture and a powerful 900mm focal length that takes you in for detailed lunar views. Not only that but thanks to the fully coated objective lens it’s ideal for land-based viewing as well: wildlife, landscapes and more are adequate subjects during the day.
At night though, the AstroMaster 70AZ benefits from fully coated optics to reduce optical aberrations associated with astronomy. The telescope also ships with everything you need to get started stargazing: a full-height tripod, two eyepieces, and a red dot finderscope to find your celestial objects before refining positioning through the eyepiece. During our Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ review we noted that the achromatic refractor avoids distracting ‘false color’ and is already good value, which is even more evident now given the discount.
Suitable for adults but also easy enough to set up for younger astronomers and kids, the refractor weighs just 11 lbs (5 kg) so taking it out to dark sky locations, or just to get away from the city lights, is simple. The tripod also comes with a simple Alt-Az controlled tripod with a smooth panning handle to locate night sky objects quickly.
It requires no tools to set up and is one of the simplest telescopes in Celestron’s refractor range. Read our guide to the best telescopes if you want to shop around. Alternatively, check out our round-ups of the best telescopes for beginners, best telescopes for kids and snap up quick deals with budget telescopes under $500
Lego’s UCS Millennium Falcon is $100 off
(Image credit: Future)
The Millennium Falcon is an icon for science fiction fans around the world and when it comes to models, there is no higher crown jewel than the Lego Star Wars UCS Millennium Falcon set, which is on sale for $749.99 (opens in new tab), a full $100 off, at Zavvi this week. You’ll have to use the code SWFALCON at checkout to get the deal.
Released in 2017, the massive UCS Millennium Falcon set is part of Lego’s Ultimate Collectors Series. It is a massive building set with 7,541 pieces and measures 22 inches wide, 33 inches long and 8 inches tall (about 56 centimeters wide, 84 cm long and 20 cm tall). It also weighs a whopping 37 pounds (17 kilograms) but in our review of the UCS Millennium Falcon, my colleague Jordan Miller found it to be sturdy enough to move around once built with out fear of it crumbling apart.
This set does not go on sale often, and while last year Amazon did host a special lightning sale during Black Friday, the set sold out quickly and it is not currently expected to be back on sale at Amazon in 2022. We’re not sure how many sets Zavvi has available, so if this set has been on your Padawan’s gift list, you may want to act fast.
You can also see all of our best Lego Star Wars sets and our best Lego Star Wars deals to prepare for Black Friday. Our best Lego space deals has more familiar rocket and other set deals from a galaxy closer to home.
Save $70 on the Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ telescope
(Image credit: Amazon)
We first saw the Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ telescope at $70 off on Amazon (opens in new tab) back in October during Amazon Prime Day but the deal is now back for Black Friday.
There’s already a $30 discount on the AstroMaster 114 EQ but save a further $40 off with the coupon (tick the box) and you’ll see this $70 saving at checkout. We’ve rated it as one of our best telescope deals currently available. However, if you want to see what else is available take a look at our guide to the best telescopes in 2022.
This is a good telescope for beginners and those who don’t have much experience with skywatching. It’s easy to use and comes packed with accessories including two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. It also ships with software to support your stargazing experience. If you want to discover other skywatching gear and have a keen eye for deals, be sure to check out our guides to the best Celestron telescope and binocular deals, best telescopes for beginners and budget telescopes under $500.
Nikon D850 camera now almost $900 off
(Image credit: Nikon)
This huge $900 discount on the Nikon D850 (opens in new tab) is the biggest saving we’ve seen on what we’ve rated as one of the best cameras for photos and videos and the best camera for astrophotography. Dropping it from $2,996.95 down to just $2,104.95, Walmart are currently offering the best deal on this DSLR camera.
Although a few years old now, it still competes with modern mirrorless cameras. We gave it 4.5/5 stars in our Nikon D850 review. It shoots stills photos at a whopping 45.4MP resolution and can capture 4KUHD 30p video which lends itself well to any photographer and videographer except those that require the latest 8K video res.
A superb generalist camera the Nikon D850 is amazingly good at everything. Astrophotography, sports, wildlife, portraiture, landscapes — you name it, the D850 can handle it.
Built like a tank and designed for professionals to throw around all day, it’s fully weather sealed so taking it out in the rain or snow won’t make it bat an eye.
B&H is also offering a $500 discount on the Nikon D850 (opens in new tab) and Amazon is currently matching that with their $500 Nikon D850 deal (opens in new tab) but we recommend you grab it from Walmart while stocks last to almost double your savings.
Hexeum night vision binoculars 53% off
(Image credit: Hexeum)
Hexeum may not be a household name when it comes to high-quality optics, but this deal caught the eye of our optics team because it’s simply too good to resist for people in love with the outdoors.
These Hexeum night vision binoculars are on sale for $139.98 at Amazon (opens in new tab), down from $298, and come with a 3x magnification and 4x digital zoom. While we haven’t been able to test them hands-on, their specifications are impressive enough to make them worth the risk when they’re at this price.
Amazon does seem to like these night vision binoculars as we saw a similar deal during Amazon Prime Day this year. Check out our full analysis of this Hexeum night vision binoculars deal here for more.
If you’d rather shop around for other options, check out our guide to the best night vision binoculars. We also have a best binoculars guide for more traditional optics and you can save more with our best binocular deals. We’ve also rounded up some of the best compact binoculars and for children, we have the best binoculars for kids.
Unistellar up to telescopes $1,000 off
(Image credit: Jason Parnell Brookes)
Unistellar’s eQuinox and eVscope 2 telescopes are powerful, fully computerized skywatching tools designed to allow stargazers to observe deep-space objects like star clusters, galaxies and more while reducing the impact of light pollution on your night sky. Unlike traditional telescopes, which can only have an eyepiece to look through, these telescopes are app-controlled and allow you to observer through your smartphone or other device much like astronomers do.
While the baseline price can be a bit of a shock, a savings of up to $1,000 is a huge markdown for the eQuinox telescope (opens in new tab), which offers up to 400x digital magnification to image faint star clusters or nebulas. The $900 off the eVscope 2 (opens in new tab) offers a discount on a powerful tool for astrophotography: it has a 7.7MP enhanced image resolution and a Nikon eyepiece for traditionalists that prefer to view on the telescope, rather than the also-compatible smartphone view.
Unistellar’s double telescope sale is part of the company’s Black Hole Friday Deal event for Black Friday and runs through Nov. 28. If you are looking for something a little less demanding on your wallet, check out our guide for the best budget telescopes under $500.
35mm lenses with wide apertures are highly popular because they are so versatile, able to tackle everything from weddings to astrophotography and much more. However, a good 35mm lens can easily run you north of $2,000. So, at $799, the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AF II looks like quite the intriguing option. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in usage.
Coming to you from Pav SZ, this excellent video review takes a look at the new Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AF II lens. Considering that many first-party options can run $1,500-2,000, the Samyang’s $799 price is quite enticing. Along with that comes a range of features, including:
New autofocus system
Internal focusing
Non-rotating filter ring for polarizing and graduated ND filters
Linear stepping motor for fast and quiet autofocus for both photo and video work
Two high refractive index elements and two aspherical elements for less distortion and better sharpness
Ability to use autofocus ring to control aperture
Weather-sealed construction
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh
4.5 inches in length
23.2 oz (659 g)
Altogether, the 35mm f/1.4 looks like another nice lens from Samyang. Check out the video above for the full rundown on the lens.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer Dob is a clever ‘upgrade’ to a traditional 8″ Dobsonian telescope, thanks to its integrated smartphone app that helps you find objects in the night sky. It’s a visual telescope (not designed for astrophotography), but photos of bright objects like the Moon and planets are possible through the eyepiece.
With 8 inches of aperture, this telescope has enough power to see, not only the moon and planets, but also deep-sky objects like distant galaxies and nebulae.
In this post, I’ll show you how the Celestron StarSense Explorer Dob works, and explain why I think this is a great telescope for beginners that could use some help finding objects in the night sky.
The version I will be reviewing is the 8″ model, but the telescope also comes in a huge 10-inch diameter size for those looking for even deeper views. Keep in mind that this model is quite heavy.
Celestron StarSense Explorer Dob Review
In the following video shared on my YouTube channel, I cover the main features of the telescope and share my experiences using it in the backyard.
The supportive folks over at Celestron sent me a demo version of their 8-inch model for review. I had a chance to test the StarSense Explorer Dob over the course of about 3 weeks, and thankfully the weather cooperated.
Unlike a lot of the astrophotography telescopes I typically talk about on this website, where I sit at a computer screen – a visual Dobsonian telescope like this is meant to be enjoyed outside at the eyepiece. It’s all about the visual experience and seeing new deep-sky objects for the first time.
As I have discussed at length in the past, an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope is arguably the best possible first telescope for a beginner. I started with a 4.5″ aperture Dobsonian myself back in 2010 (Orion SkyQuest 4.5″ Dob), and the rest is history.
An 8 Inch Dobsonian Telescope
Unlike the humble Dob I started my astronomy journey on, this one has a large 8-inch mirror. An aperture of this size is capable of providing impressive views at the eyepiece.
The simple design of a Dobsonian makes them easy to use, and affordable considering their light-gathering power. They do not require polar alignment, counterweights, or any electronics (other than your phone).
The heavy Dobsonian base (rocker box), allows you to smoothly pan across the sky without vibration. It is a very hands-on ‘point-and-view’ experience that helps you connect with the night sky in a tactile way.
An 8-inch model is widely considered to be the ‘sweet spot’, balancing optical performance with a practical size. This is probably the best fit for most people, as it’s more manageable than the heavy 10-inch version.
For comparison, an 8-inch mirror provides 78% more light than a 6-inch model, which means being able to find more deep-sky objects in the sky like galaxies and nebulae.
Comparing the most popular size of Dobsonian Telescopes.
The telescope and base are about 50 pounds as a whole, so for most people, it is best to transport the scope in two pieces. The big handles on the optical tube, and the rocker box base make this process much easier.
The telescope itself is nothing too special, a well-made Newtonian reflector telescope with a sturdy Dobsonian base. The eyepiece rack is a nice touch (I actually use these a lot), and the tension knobs secure nicely when the tube sits in the rocker box.
This model has an 8-inch mirror, providing a native focal length of 1200mm at F/5.9. This is enough reach to get a good look at Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons, with a high-powered eyepiece.
Speaking of eyepieces, this telescope package comes with a useful 1.25″ Celestron Omni 25mm Plossl. This is a perfect mid-range, all-purpose eyepiece. You can also use any of your existing 1.25″ or 2” eyepieces on this telescope thanks to the included adapter.
The included Celestron Omni 25mm Plossl is a great all-purpose eyepiece.
I’m told the 10-inch model has some balancing issues, which can be ‘magnified’ when a heavy eyepiece is in place. I did not experience any issues in balance on the 8-inch model, even with some of my heavier eyepieces in the telescope.
Near the objective end of the optical tube, you will also install the included red dot finder. This simple device serves its purpose, and nothing more. Just don’t forget to turn it off when you are done.
This model is considered to be a “Push-To” telescope because everything is done manually by the user. It does not include a motorized ‘GoTo’ mount to move the telescope on its own, you have to do all of the pointing.
However, with the innovative StarSense Explorer system, you have some help. The system uses plate-solving technology to give you a big advantage over the traditional star-hoppers.
Putting the Telescope Together
The optical tube assembly (OTA), including the 2″ Crayford-style focuser and smartphone dock, comes completely assembled in its own box. However, you have to put together the Dobsonian base yourself.
Constructing the rocker box took me about 30 minutes to complete using the provided tools that come with the telescope package. This is probably the least fun part of the entire experience, but once it’s done, you are on your way.
While you are putting the base together, you should download the StarSense Explorer app on your smartphone, and enter the unique code Celestron gives you with the scope. It’s a big download too (nearly 500 MB), so get it started before you put everything together.
Setting up the Celestron StarSense Explorer Dob in my backyard.
The StarSense Explorer Dock
The StarSense system involves this odd-looking bracket and angled mirror where you would normally see a finder scope. The kit includes a big plastic cover to keep on the dock when not in use, which is probably a good idea to keep that mirror clean.
As I have seen others mention, a tether for this cover would have been a nice feature, as it would be easy to lose this item after setting up in the dark. It’s a little too big to fit comfortably in your pocket.
The phone I use is a massive Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, so large smartphones are not a problem on this dock. The dual-axis adjustment knobs make it easy to line up the camera lens on your phone with the mirror.
The StarSense Explorer Dock comes installed on the telescope out of the box.
At first, I didn’t know what I was looking at, but this is actually where you will use your phone camera to take short images of the night sky. If you’ve used smartphone adapters to take pictures with your phone through a scope before like I have, this setup may look confusing.
Yes, there is a smartphone holder here, but it is not attached to the eyepiece like a traditional smartphone adapter. Your phone camera is pointing at the angled mirror, which reflects a wide field of view of the sky in front of your telescope.
You need to place your phone into the StarSense docking station, and use the controls on the adapter to line up the camera lens with the mirror. There is a setup wizard in the app that makes this process simple and straightforward to follow. It includes helpful videos along the way.
Remember, there is a delay in the ‘live-view’ image, so make sure you wait until you can see an image displayed on your screen. The mirror in the bracket reflects what your telescope is pointed at into the camera lens on your phone.
It’s not looking through the telescope at all, just out there in the open. It’s a big wide open view of your yard, so make sure you adjust the light levels and camera settings for a clear view.
Running the StarSense alignment process at dusk to confirm pointing accuracy.
There is a simple setup routine that you need to do during the day, or better yet, at dusk. The process of aligning your camera with the StarSense tool is similar to aligning a finder scope, except this time you aren’t moving the phone’s position at all.
You need to point the telescope at a distant object, like a streetlight or tall tree, and then use the crosshairs in the app so that it’s centered on the same object in your eyepiece. You just pinch and zoom to get the crosshair aligned on the camera, with the same object you see through the eyepiece.
This felt strange to me because on a traditional finder scope you need to physically move the scope, but not this time. The software knows!
You need to pinch and zoom the crosshairs to align the camera with your eyepiece.
Once it gets dark out, It will use this pointing information to plate-solve the star patterns in the sky and determine your telescope’s exact position.
Some of you will find this process pretty cool and exciting as I did, but others will deal with some substantial trial and error. But you’ll get it eventually, I promise.
The biggest adjustment I had to make to my typical observing session was that I now need to leave my phone in the docked position for the entire observing session, or risk losing my initial alignment.
However, I found that I could actually use my phone while docked, or even take it out, place it back in, and retain the alignment. This is not recommended, however, so leave your phone in the docking station to be safe.
The StarSense Explorer app can drain your phone battery in a hurry, so having a portable battery pack to keep your phone charged is ideal. Celestron sent me their little flashlight/battery charger with this demo (Celestron PowerTank Glow 500), which is a handy accessory for a setup like this.
My large phone sat securely in the docking station.
Once the telescope and StarSense Explorer system are aligned and ready to go, we can start enjoying the guided experience it provides. The on-screen star map is really slick, and moving the telescope toward your object in the night sky is actually a lot of fun.
The arrows tell you which way you need to move the scope, and eventually, the crosshair will turn from red to green when you have found the target. I was pretty impressed with how well the system works, and that the object I wanted to see was actually there in the eyepiece, the first try.
There is a reason Celestron expanded the StarSense system into their Dobsonian line-up. It’s been proven to work and it’s fun. Beginners can now bang off dozens of objects in a single night, with the help of this simple system that uses a device they already own.
The star map and guidance system work well and are fun to use.
The StarSense Explorer App
There are two main components to the StarSense Explorer Dob package – the 8-inch Dobsonian telescope tube and rocker box, and the onboard StarSense docking station and dedicated smartphone app.
Of course, you can use the telescope on its own like a traditional Dob, but the real power of this package is realized when you utilize the StarSense explorer smartphone app and the new abilities your telescope has.
Anyone can download the StarSense Explorer app on their iPhone or Android device, but you will need to enter the unique code that is included with the telescope package to fully utilize it.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer mobile app.
The app is compatible with Android devices 7.1.2 and higher and iPhone devices 6 and newer.
Tip: use night mode on your Android or use the accessibility function on your iPhone to switch your screen to red to protect your night vision while using the app. Turning down the screen brightness will help with this too.
How it Works
It uses a bracket, your smartphone, and the telescope to locate objects in the night sky using the StarSense sky recognition technology.
Once the bullseye turns green on your phone, it is ready to view through the telescope eyepiece
The mirror within the bracket will reflect what your telescope is pointed at into the camera of your phone
The system uses plate-solving technology to analyze star patterns in real-time to determine the telescope’s position in the night sky.
It will let you know which way to redirect the telescope after the object has shifted out of the field of view due to the Earth’s rotation.
When the bullseye is red, use the arrows on your screen to know which direction you should push the telescope. Once it shows green, you have reached the position of your target
Use the StarSense Explorer app to access a list of available night-sky objects (i.e. planets, nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, etc.)
Alignment Steps
Place Phone on StarSense Dock. Mount your phone on the StarSense dock
Center Phone Camera Over Mirror. Turn the knobs at the bottom of the bracket until your phone’s camera view is centered in the mirror.
Select Alignment Object. Align your phone’s view to the telescope view. Point your telescope at a terrestrial object at least 100 yards/100 meters away and center the object in the telescope’s red dot finderscope.
Centre Object in Eyepiece. Adjust the focus so that you get a sharp image.
Align Camera View to Telescope View. Slide the camera view until the same object is centered in the crosshairs.
You are ready to locate objects. Point your telescope at a clear patch of sky with stars and wait for the red bullseye to turn yellow. Follow the direction arrows to target and when the bullseye turns green, look through the eyepiece.
The status bar at the top of the screen provides additional guidance.
Alignment Tips
Be sure to follow these tips for the alignment process:
Make sure your phone’s camera is properly aligned with the telescope and avoid bumping your phone once positioned in the StarSense dock to avoid having to realign your camera.
After aligning and centering your camera, you may see small areas that are cut off or showing in black. This is due to the variety, and often, wide angle views of most of today’s cell phone cameras. There will still be enough sky showing for StarSense to determine its current position.
If your bullseye continues to appear ‘red’ it means that it is not sensing the sky in order to determine its position. When this happens it could be due to: cloud cover, it’s still too bright out, something shining into the mirror, something in the field of view or a bright moon. It could also mean that it’s not aligned properly (i.e. not centred over the starsense dock), or there’s dew on the mirror.
When centering your camera over the starsense dock, you may notice reflections in your field of view. This could be from light reflecting off the back of your cell phone case into the mirror and camera. You may want to swap out your case for something non-reflective to get this to work
It is a good idea to align your phone and telescope each time you use it for the most accurate reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
This scope cannot find objects during the day.
It only shows the sky as it currently appears – no ability for future sky views
You cannot use it with a tablet, it is too big for the star sense dock
You can unlock 5 different devices with the code
It is a good idea to fully charge your phone before using it and maybe even get a little battery pack as the continuous images and processing them to determine your location, can drain your battery
Objects higher than 70-75 degrees in altitude are not included in the best list of items, since it is hard to position closer to the zenith.
For those in the southern hemisphere, StarSense will already know your location and adjust accordingly
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8″ Specifications
Optical tube:
Aperture: 254mm (10″)
Focal Length: 1200mm (47.24″)
Focal Ratio: f/4.7
Tube Weight: 29.2 lbs (13.24 kg)
Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
Tube Dimensions: 1117.6mm x 292.1mm diameter (44″ x 11.5″ diameter)
Tube Material: Steel
Focuser: 2″ Crayford focuser, includes 2″ extension tube and 2″-to-1.25″ adapter
Dimensions: 673.1mm x 533.4mm x 533.4mm (26.5″ x 21″ x 21″)
Weight: 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg)
Total Weight with base: 54.8 lbs (24.86 kg)
Included Items
Optical tube
Dobsonian Base
25mm eyepiece
2″ Crayford focuser
StarPointer red-dot finderscope
StarSense Explorer dock
StarSense Explorer unlock code
Eyepiece rack
Collimation cap
Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software
Celestron StarSense Explorer Comparisons
I thought it would be helpful to compare this telescope with two other popular visual telescopes for beginners; the Celestron NexStar 8SE and the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8″.
Celestron Explorer vs Celestron NexStar 8SE
The NexStar 8SE is an extremely popular visual telescope for beginners thanks to its Go-To technology and focal length. It is an 8-inch Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with a focal length of 2032mm at F/10.
This particular telescope excels in views of the moon and planets. The slower focal ratio does means that fainter nebulae and galaxies will be harder to observe, which is especially true if you’re observing from a light-polluted city.
One of the biggest draws to this telescope, aside from the compact, travel-friendly design, is its computerized GoTo functionality. You can choose an object you would like to view on the hand controller, and the telescope will point right to it. These types of electronics though come at a price.
Celestron StarSense 8” Explorer
Celestron NexStar 8SE
Telescope Type
Dobsonian
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
8 inch
8 inch
Focal ratio
f/5.9
f/10
Focal length
1200mm
2032mm
Go To Capabilities
No
Yes
Total Kit Weight
43.4 lbs (19.68 kg)
24 lbs (10.88 kg)
Price
799.95 USD
1,599 USD
Celestron Explorer vs Apertura AD8
If you have been following my channel for a while, you know that the telescope type I recommend most to beginners is a Dobsonian telescope. I consider this to be the best telescope type for a beginner due to its combination of ease of use, function, and affordability.
By starting with visual astronomy through a simple to use, and well-built telescope, you can learn the night sky on your own, casually experience the joys of stargazing, and spend time outside at night.
In the past, I have had great success with the Apertura AD8 8″ Dobsonian, and think it’s a great choice for beginners. Given the similarities and benefits of both telescopes, I thought it would be interesting to compare these two head-to-head.
The Apertura AD8 is the 8-inch model and has enough aperture to show more objects and detail in the night sky than smaller instruments.
Celestron StarSense 8” Explorer Dobsonian
Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8″
Focal Ratio
f/5.9
f/5.9
Focal Length
1200mm
1200mm
Type of Electronics
StarSense
None
Included Accessories
Focuser Finderscope Eyepiece rack Collimation cap 1 eyepiece (25mm) StarSense Dock StarSense unlock code Starry Night (Basic) Software
Focuser Laser Collimator Eyepiece tray 25mm Extension tube 2 eyepieces (9mm, 30mm) Primary mirror cooling fan Adaptor for focuser Image finder and bracket
Total Kit Weight
43.4 lbs (19.68 kg)
52.2 lbs (23.67 kg)
Price
799.95 USD
699.95USD
Final Thoughts
There have been numerous attempts by astronomy manufacturers to add GoTo or hybrid-GoTo systems to the Dobsonian design in the past. Tools to help users avoid the ‘I have no idea how to find anything’ scenario.
Some of them took off, others didn’t. The difference this time is the StarSense Explorer system uses your own phone as the technology component, saving you the cost of bolting on an additional piece of hardware with computing power.
If you are an observing purest, I doubt you will want to employ a system that has you staring at your phone for so long. Yes, the app has a ‘night mode’ to help keep your eyes adapted, but as many of you know, a completely ‘screen-free’ observing session is an entirely different experience.
If you have your heart set on astrophotography in the future, the element of tech in this system likely won’t deter you from using it, and you’ll even get a sneak peek into the incredible power of plate-solving.
If you’re in the market for a fantastic beginner telescope that nearly guarantees a positive first experience, an 8-inch Dob continues to be one of the best options available.
If adding an additional layer of guidance via your smartphone is worth it to you, then the Celestron StarSense Exlploerer Dob is an incredible value.
The StarSense Explorer makes astronomy more approachable for beginners and gets you to your first victory faster, and that’s a pretty special thing.
If you’ve read our Nikon Z6 II review, and our Nikon Z6 review, you’ll be aware that usually — outside of a sale — we don’t think the successor is worth spending the extra hundreds of dollars, as there isn’t a drastic difference between the two.
That said, given that the Nikon Z6 II is now on sale with a 15% discount (opens in new tab), and available for $1696.95 at B&H Photo and Amazon, it is just $100 more than the Nikon Z6. In this instance, therefore, we think it’s worth choosing the newer and slightly more refined Nikon Z6 II. Read on to find out why.
The Nikon Z6 II’s body is weather resistant, with a large comfortable hand grip and a sturdy and durable build that gives it a reassuring feeling in the hand.
Although the body is fairly small, the large screen on top displays important information, and the tilting LCD touchscreen aids shooting at obscure angles, for example when it’s pointing up at the sky taking astro shots, no one want’s to kneel on the floor to compose their shot!
Because this camera excels in low light, even when shooting around ISO 12,800, you’ll find the Z6 II sitting in our best cameras for astrophotography buying guide. For low-light or astrophotographers, we recommend it over the Z7 due to its lower resolution and better noise handling.
The Z6 II has a second memory card slot for extra storage, and for the $100 extra (in the deal) the extra slot might be worth its weight in gold if you’re anxious about only having one mode of storage without a backup while on a shoot.
The Nikon Z6 II also has a faster burst rate (14FPS v 12FPS) and snappier autofocus than its predecessor, it also processes images faster.
One final thing to mention, is the introduction of 60FPS at 4k video shooting, making it even more versatile and attractive to videographers and vloggers.
For another excellent saving on one of our best cameras for astrophotography, check out the Save nearly $900 on the Nikon D850 deal and our Black Friday Deals blog, which is constantly updated with the best deals as we find them.
With the days getting shorter and nights drawing in, it’s the perfect time of year to try your hand at astrophotography. Dave Williams shares his top advice for shooting the Northern Lights, Milky Way, star trails, moonscapes and night landscapes.
Autumn is also in its full throes, so we took our apprentice to the Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire for a landscape masterclass under the expert guidance of Carmen Norman, showing how to best capture the beauty of autumnal colours.
In our Big Test, we try out eight photo backpacks for size. Our Gear Section also hosts our annual Christmas Gift Guide, packed with ideas for Christmas gifts – be it for photographer family or friends, or simply treating yourself. Plus we rate the remarkable Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 Z – a bargain lens with full autofocus capability for crop-sensor mirrorless Nikons that’s ideal for street photography.
Our skills section is packed with projects, explaining when to switch your metering mode from Matrix, advice for going on a photo hike, how to shoot a high-octane rally race, plus our Big Project on zoom blending landscapes, to place emphasis on subjects in a wider scene, along with our usual Adobe CC and Affinity Photo tutorials.
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Since its launch on Christmas Day 2021, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been busy at work uncovering the secrets of the universe and revealing the majesty of the cosmos through breathtaking displays of astrophotography. Here at IGN, we’re curating and updating a gallery of the most spectacular and important JWST’s images as they’re released.
The JWST’s launch was the result of decades spent in planning and development, during which many billions of dollars were spent, and a metric ton of engineering challenges and setbacks were ingeniously and doggedly overcome.
The telescope now orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.5 million km in a region of space known as the second lagrange point. From here, the observatory can stay in sync with our planet as it makes its way around the Sun, while also keeping its all important sunshield orientated in the correct position to shade its delicate mirrors and instruments.
In its short scientific career, the vast 6.5 m (21.6 ft) golden eye of the Webb telescope has imaged cosmos in spectacular infrared detail, peering into the deep universe, and revisiting famous subjects such as the planets of our solar system, and iconic vistas including the Pillars of Creation.
Be sure to check out the gallery to see the most spectacular examples of the JWST’s astrophotography, and head to IGN’s science page for all the biggest space and science news.
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer
