Wido's AstroForum Podcast

Dwarflab just released their pre-order for their latest smart telescope, the: Draco. I normally refrain from doing previews as I much prefer a hands-on review from my rooftop with real-life pictures, but I'm making an exception because I think the technology in this smart telescope may fundamentally change the way amateurs engage in astrophotography for years to come. Let's have a look at this latest Dwarflab Smart Telescope and let me know if you are ready for a pre-order or rather wait until the first real-life reviews come out. The Dwarflab Draco SmartTelescope is available on pre-order at: Dwarflab Draco Standard Edition: Dwarflab: https://dwarflab.com?aff=50 Agena Astro (USA): https://bit.ly/4xeiv6j High Point (USA): https://bit.ly/4xdlWdx Telescoop.nl (NL): https://www.telescoop.nl/dwarflab-dwarf-draco/?utm_source=astroforumspace.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=widoastroforum&utm_id=wido Astroshop (EU): https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/dwarflab-smart-telescope-mc-90-340-draco/p,100432?affiliate_id=widooerlemans Dwarflab Draco SHO Edition: Dwarflab: https://dwarflab.com?aff=50 High Point (USA): https://bit.ly/4imP5PY Agena Astro (USA): https://bit.ly/3V60QjU Telescoop.nl (NL/EU): https://www.telescoop.nl/dwarflab-dwarf-draco/?utm_source=astroforumspace.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=widoastroforum&utm_id=wido Astroshop (DE/EU): https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/dwarflab-smart-telescope-mc-90-340-draco-sho/p,100435?affiliate_id=widooerlemans

Are you trying to decide between a modern Strain Wave (Harmonic Drive) mount and a classic German Equatorial Mount (GEM)? In this video, I take you on an 8-year trip down memory lane—from my beginnings in 2018 with the Celestron AVX, to upgrading to the heavy-duty Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro in 2020, and finally transitioning to the ZWO AM5 and AM5N strain wave mounts. We break down the real-world pros and cons of both technologies, look at the staggering price differences in 2026, and discuss why "putting your money where your mount is" matters more than ever. Whether you want the ultra-lightweight portability of a strain wave mount or the rock-solid, budget-friendly performance of a traditional GEM, this video will help you choose the perfect platform for your astrophotography journey. 🌌 READ MY COMPLETE 2026 MOUNT BUYERS GUIDES: 👉 Top 10 Beginner AP Mounts (1k–2k range): https://astroforumspace.com/best-beginner-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/ 👉 Advanced AP Mount Guide (15+ mounts compared): https://astroforumspace.com/best-advanced-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/ 👉 Strain Wave Telescope Mount Guide: https://astroforumspace.com/best-harmonic-drive-mounts-for-astrophotography/

In this eposide we discuss Wido's 2026 guide for beginner astrophotography mounts, which you can find here: https://astroforumspace.com/best-beginner-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/In this podcast, we argue that a stable tracking mount is the most critical investment for successful long-exposure imaging. In 2026, Beginners must navigate a technological divide and choose between traditional German Equatorial Mounts (GEMs) and innovative harmonic drive (strain wave) mounts. This guide discusses solid astrophotography mounts that have a minimum 10 kg payload capacity and computerized GoTo tracking capabilities.Traditional mounts offer reliable stability and value. The Celestron Advanced VX is highlighted as the "Best Buy" for budget-conscious users, providing a 14 kg capacity. The Sky-Watcher HEQ5-R Pro is recommended as the best overall GEM, featuring a native belt drive, internal cable routing, and an upgraded 15 kg capacity.Conversely, harmonic drive mounts like the ZWO AM3N and Sky-Watcher Wave 100i provide extreme portability. These lightweight units often require no counterweights for standard setups and can fit into airline carry-on luggage. The AM3N specifically features a powered hub for clean cable management and integrates seamlessly with the ASIAIR ecosystem. Modern software solutions have also simplified polar alignment, and make high-precision tracking accessible without complex manual adjustments. Ultimately, the choice depends on balancing budget against mobility needs.

IN this podcast we discuss the recent launch of 36 Amazon Project Kuiper satellites aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, marking a major expansion of low Earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellations. This growth introduces a significant "twilight penalty"; because Amazon’s satellites orbit at 630 km—higher than Starlink—they remain illuminated by the sun much longer after sunset, creating persistent bright streaks in astronomical images.For amateur astronomers, these satellites are described as an "inconvenience fixed by math". By using shorter sub-exposures and pixel rejection algorithms like sigma-clipping, hobbyists can mathematically remove satellite trails from their final stacked images.In contrast, professional astronomy faces a structural threat. Sensitive facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory suffer from sensor saturation and "ghosting" that ruins data. Also, space is no longer a sanctuary; simulations suggest that once these constellations are fully deployed, nearly 40% of Hubble Space Telescope exposures will be contaminated, while next-generation wide-field missions could see contamination rates exceeding 96%.You can read the full article here: https://astroforumspace.com/what-the-new-amazon-leo-mega-constellation-means-for-amateur-and-professional-astronomy/Clear skies!

In this podcast episode, we take a deep dive into telescope physics. We break down how focal length and f-ratio influence your stargazing, from determining magnification for visual observers to optimizing image scale for astrophotographers.Learn the practical trade-offs between different telescope designs and access interactive calculators for field of view and light speed in the original article here: https://astroforumspace.com/telescope-focal-length-f-ratio-explained-for-astrophotography-and-stargazing/Subscribe, follow, or join Wido’s AstroForum to ensure you don’t miss any updates on astrophotography and backyard astronomy.