NEED TO KNOW | GEAR

SkyScout offers celestial pointers

By Hugo Martín, Times Staff Writer
12:46 PM PDT, May 30, 2007

It used to be that only book-consuming astronomy nerds could point out the spiral galaxy M61 or the Crab Nebula in the night sky. Now anyone can sound like an astro pro without having to crack a book.

Celestron, the makers of telescopes, binoculars and microscopes, offers the SkyScout, a hand-held device about the size of a camcorder. Point the lens at any bright light in the sky, push a button and a screen tells you what you are seeing.

The SkyScout uses GPS technology and Earth's magnetic and gravitational pull to identify what you are seeing. You also can hear a description of the celestial object using earphones that plug into the device.

The SkyScout sells for $399 and is available at Brookstone, Sharper Image, REI and astronomy equipment stores.

Where am I?

This is a city known for great old architecture. And it's a desert spot and has a long-standing tradition of hospitality.


National Parks

America's 20 most-visited national parks in 2009.

My Trips

Subscribe to the Daily Deal blog Daily Travel & DealBlog

Phoenix airport luggage thefts: 10 tips to protect your bag and belongings
Worried about your bag getting stolen in baggage claim? You've got plenty of company, espec...
Read more »

SIGN UP Newsletter_icons

Taking restless Southern California on vacation

Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday


Expedia
  • Departing from:
    Depart:
  • Going to:
    Return:

Subscribe to this section    

Subscribe to
Save and share