Steve Richards

Recent articles by Steve Richards

Barlow lenses are commonly used in conjunction with an eyepiece to increase magnification. Credit: The Secret Studio

Astronomy FAQs What is a Barlow lens?

A portable tripod dolly is a handy way of moving heavy astronomy setups.

Astronomy FAQs How can I easily move my heavy telescope?

The Rosette Nebula in hydrogen-alpha, before dark frame calibration (left) and with reduced thermal noise after it has been applied (right). Credit: Steve Richards

Astronomy FAQs What is a dark frame in astrophotography?

National Astronomy Week 2020

Astronomy FAQs How can I power my astronomy setup when away from home?

Sky-Watcher Startravel-102 AZ-GTe

Astronomy FAQs What is flocking a telescope?

Canon EOS 1000D DSLR camera body

Astronomy FAQs How can I focus my DSLR camera through my telescope?

Man looking at the stars with telescope beside him. Credit: iStock

Astronomy FAQs What is a red dot finder on a telescope?

Sky-Watcher SkyHawk 1145P SynScan altaz Go-To Newtonian

Astronomy FAQs What's the best way of helping my telescope cool down?

Close up of eyepiece of telescope with man's hand. Telescope tuning

Astronomy FAQs What is a telescope eyepiece's field of view?

Catch Jupiter and Mars after 04:00 UT low above the southeast horizon on 20 March (inverted telescope view with south up). Credit: Pete Lawrence

Astronomy FAQs How can I stop planets drifting out of my telescope's field of view?

PrimaLuceLab Airy APO 65F apochromatic refractor review

Astronomy FAQs What is a fast telescope?

You can clean fungus from your telescope, provided you know what you are doing. Credit: David Hannah / Getty Images

Astronomy FAQs Fungus is forming on my telescope. What should I do?

A simple dew shield can be constructed using many household items. Read our guide to creating your own here. Credit: Ben Kent

Astronomy FAQs What is a telescope dew shield?

Finderscopes and mounts are basic accessories that will help you - and your telescope - navigate the night sky and locate celestial targets. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Astronomy FAQs How do you set up a finderscope on a telescope?

ZWO ASI 120MC-S USB 3.0 colour camera. Credit: ZWO Company

Astronomy FAQs What planetary imaging cameras can you recommend for around £150?