Explore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount
Explore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Steady Stargazing: Precision, Stability, and Portability
Craving crystal-clear views of the night sky? The Explore Scientific Twilight I Mount offers a stable, portable, and precise solution for astronomers of all levels. Designed to eliminate vibrations and simplify tracking, this mount ensures your focus stays on the stars, not your setup.
Features
- Lightweight and Durable: Crafted from powder-coated aluminum, the mount head is both strong and portable, weighing just 6.6 pounds.
- Smooth Tracking: Worm gears on both axes allow accurate, jerk-free movements, making it easy to follow celestial objects across the sky.
- Adjustable Viewing Angle: Tilt the mount head 45° forward or backward to observe overhead objects comfortably.
- User-Friendly Controls: Oversized, knurled knobs on slow-motion control cables allow fine adjustments—even with gloves, perfect for cold weather.
- Customizable Setup: Reposition slow-motion control cables to suit your preferred hand and telescope type for added flexibility.
- Vibration-Reducing Stability: A wide 42-inch tripod footprint and locking spreader bar minimize vibrations, ensuring steady observations on any terrain.
- Versatile Compatibility: Supports telescopes up to 18 pounds, including AR102 and ED102mm refractors and fast Newtonians, using a Vixen-Style Universal Dovetail bar.
- Portable Design: The tripod collapses to 29.5 inches and extends to 55.5 inches. The compact 14 x 7 x 4-inch mount head is easy to store and transport.
Who Is the Twilight I Mount For?
- Tired of Shaky Views? Enjoy clear, steady observations with vibration-reducing features.
- A Beginner Astronomer? Intuitive controls and a simple setup make it easy for anyone to use.
- Love Traveling to Stargaze? Lightweight and compact, the Twilight I is perfect for remote locations.
- Need Telescope Flexibility? Compatible with a range of telescopes, including small refractors and lightweight Newtonians.
- Cold Weather Stargazer? Glove-friendly knobs ensure precise adjustments, even in freezing conditions.
- Prefer Comfortable Overhead Viewing? The adjustable 45° head eliminates awkward positioning for zenith observations.
Built for Stability and Precision
Shaky equipment can ruin celestial views, but the Twilight I Mount solves this with its stable, vibration-resistant tripod. The wide 42-inch footprint and locking spreader bar keep your setup steady, even on uneven ground, ensuring crisp and clear observations every time.
Effortless Control for Tracking
Tracking celestial objects is seamless with the Twilight I Mount. Smooth worm gears on both axes ensure precise movements, while oversized, knurled knobs let you make fine adjustments with ease. Whether you’re observing a planet or a deep-sky nebula, the mount’s ergonomic controls enhance your experience.
Portable and Versatile
Designed for portability, the Twilight I Mount is both lightweight and compact. The tripod adjusts from 29.5 to 55.5 inches, offering flexibility for any setup. Disassembled, the mount head measures just 14 x 7 x 4 inches, making it easy to transport and store without compromising performance.
Accessories for an Elevated Experience
Included with the Twilight I Mount are two essential accessories:
- Spreader Accessory Tray: Reinforces tripod stability while keeping eyepieces and tools conveniently within reach.
- 2 Slow-Motion Control Cables: These cables provide smooth, precise adjustments in any direction and are glove-friendly for cold-weather use.
These additions ensure a seamless stargazing experience right out of the box.
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Questions & Answers
Have a Question?
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Could this mount support a Celestron Omni 120?
The Explore Scientific Twilight I is a solid option for the Celestron Omni 120 if you're primarily focused on visual observing and want a lightweight, portable mount. Its 18-pound capacity comfortably supports the 12-pound Omni 120, leaving enough margin for additional accessories like a finder and eyepieces.
While the Omni 120’s long tube can introduce some vibration, many users find this manageable with simple adjustments, such as shortening the tripod legs or adding anti-vibration pads. These tweaks can significantly reduce dampening times, making the experience smoother for most visual observing.
If you're looking for a compact, easy-to-use setup that’s also quite affordable, the Twilight I offers a nice balance between portability and functionality. It's great for quick setup and grab-and-go observing sessions, which makes it very appealing if you're not planning on high-magnification planetary work or astrophotography.
For most casual or beginner astronomers, this combination will serve you well without the bulk or expense of a heavier mount.
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I have a 6 inch newtonian. Can it handle a scope that big?
The Explore Scientific Twilight I Alt-Azimuth Mount has a payload capacity of 18 pounds.
Given that many 6-inch Newtonians weigh around 10-12 pounds, your telescope should work well with this mount, as long as the overall weight with accessories (finderscope, eyepieces, etc.) remains within the 18-pound limit. This mount is quite capable of handling a scope of that size under the right conditions.
To get the best performance from this setup:
1. Proper balancing of the telescope will ensure smooth tracking and help minimize any vibrations.
2. For stable views, it's a good idea to observe in calm weather and use mid-power magnifications, where the mount excels in providing sharp, steady images.
3. Vibration dampeners can also be a helpful accessory if you plan on using higher magnifications or want added stability.
With these tips in mind, the Twilight I can offer a positive experience with your 6-inch Newtonian.
