Log Astronomy: Expand your perspective!

ED80 refractor & 0.8x focal reducer package is ideal for wide-field astrophotography!

Astrophotographers Donna and Donnie Houston captured this image of the Heart Nebula using the 80mm FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor with the NEW 0.8x Focal Reducer.

Level up your wide-field astrophotography with an ED80 refractor & 0.8x focal reducer package

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The NEW Explore Scientific 0.8x Focal Reducer lets astrophotographers explore the wonders of wide-field astrophotography.

The 2-element 0.8x focal reducer turns our Essential Series and FCD100 Series 80mm Refractors, which have a focal length of 480 mm, into devices with a focal length of 384 mm. The reducer changes the telescopes from an f/ratio of f/6 to a much faster f/4.8.

When you compare this with smaller diameter wide-field telescopes, the time-tested Explore Scientific ES and FCD100 80mm telescopes are clearly a better choice for astrophotography because they offer significantly more light-gathering aperture without sacrificing portability. The Essential Series and FCD100 80mm telescopes gather:

1.3 times more light than a 70 mm telescope
1.8 times more light than a 60 mm telescope
A whopping 2.6 times more light than a 50 mm telescope

The faster f/ratio, coupled with more light-gathering aperture, allows more light to fall onto the camera sensor. For instance, to capture the same amount of light as a 100-second exposure with the Explore Scientific 80 mm takes 256 seconds on a 50 mm, 178 seconds on a 60 mm, and 131 sec on 70 mm – assuming the same f/ratio. This means that the Explore Scientific 80mm telescope with the 0.8x Focal Reducer can capture far more detail faster than the competition.

The focal reducer, which has 55 mm (+/- 2 mm) of back spacing, is threaded to accept a standard 42 mm T-ring, making attaching a camera easy.

Sheldon Faworski captured this striking image of a Dark-Eyed Junko using an Explore Scientific FCD100 Series ED80 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor.

The Great Backyard Bird Count starts today!

Spend this weekend showing some love to our feathered friends by taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Over a period of four days beginning today, hundreds of thousands of birdwatchers — both avid and casual — will grab their notepads or birding apps and head outside to take part in this global citizen science initiative, which was launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. To learn more about the event and how to participate, check out our blog post here!

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Discount on select STEM gear for kids ends today!

Science, technology, engineering, and math are the building blocks for tomorrow's discoveries, and Explore Scientific is proud to support hands-on learning through tools that bring STEM to life. We've launched a limited time discount code that will take 10% off your next purchase of an in-stock Explore One or Explore Science STEM product. Click the button below to view eligible products and be sure to use code STEM10 at checkout!

SHOP THE FULL STEM10 DISCOUNT COLLECTION NOW!

$Explore One STAR70APP Refractor with Mount$

STAR70APP Refractor with Mount

Embark on a fascinating adventure through our solar system and beyond with the Star70APP telescope. This refractor has a special mount that allows users to attach their smart phone to the telescope and use the ARTelescope App to locate and learn about constellations and planets. The telescope comes with two interchangeable eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

20x Stereo Microscope

In addition to capturing crisp three-dimensional specimen views, Explore One's 20x Stereo Microscope lets users work on a subject without stepping away from the eyepieces. Great for investigating larger objects, the scope has a 10x wide field eyepiece, a 2x stereo lens and LED illumination. It comes with accessories and a rock set to jumpstart investigations.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

Rumblin' Robots

First you build, then you battle! Punch up the "fun" in science fundamentals with the Explore Science Rumblin' Robots. With this kit, junior scientists can learn the basics of circuitry as they build their own boxing robots. Once done, family and friends can have bot-battles to see who will become king of the ring. The kit includes individual scoreboards that allow players to track their own points and a boxing ring base that doubles as a storage box.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

Metal Detector Challenge

Explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism with this metal detector challenge set from Explore Science. Using the components, users can build a handheld metal detector with adjustable sensitivity, a mini security check station, or an aim and shoot challenge designed to demonstrate how parabolic motion affects detection. Users can also test their hand-eye coordination and learn basic circuitry principles by building a simple maze game.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

Electronic Experiment Set

Connect with key principles of electricity through this engaging STEM kit from Explore Science! With this preassembled circuit board, junior explorers can have a truly electrifying experience as they perform more than 50 detailed experiments involving elements like lights, sounds, magnets and touch plates. Users will learn basic concepts about electrical currents as they manipulate the wires to create light effects, animal sounds and more.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

125 Scientific Challenges Set

Junior scientists can tackle 125 different circuitry challenges in this science set that truly amps up the fun. Learn simple principles of electronics by constructing a variety of challenges utilizing four main components — a mini aim and shoot basketball game; a bubble maker; a robotic dinosaur; and a maze game that can increase in difficulty with just a few bends of a wire. The set also includes multiple storage boxes that double as bases for your builds.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

Electronic Science Set

Engineer hours of fun with this build-it-yourself electronic science set! Junior scientists will learn the basics of circuitry as they design challenging maze games for friends, launch a flying disc, build a bubble maker and more. The set includes accessories for 14 different challenges and two multi-purpose storage boxes that double as bases for your builds.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

V8 Model Engine

Emerging engineers can get a great introduction to the wonders of mechanical engineering with the V8 Model Engine. Kids will learn how engines work — including the 4-stroke cycle — as they build a model version of a V8 combustion engine complete with vroom vroom sounds. This engaging kit includes more than 270 pieces as well as step-by-step instructions.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

900x Microscope Set with Case

With this 900X microscope kit, young scientists will find everything they need to begin exploring the hidden details of the world around. It combines a 20x eyepiece with a rotating turret of three objective lenses to offer magnifications of 100x, 400x and 900x. The set includes collection/prepping tools, prepared and blank slides, a shrimp hatchery and more. The microscope and all of its accessories can be easily secured in the hard case.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!

6x21 Binoculars

Your ExploreOne 6x21 Binoculars are the perfect companion for countless outdoor adventures. With these durable compact construction binoculars, you can investigate amazing species and sights. Take them on a nature walk to get a detailed look at birds and other wildlife without disturbing them. Take them on a hike to navigate your path and view distant landmarks. Most of all, keep them close by for on-the-go exploration.

Use code STEM10 to save 10%!