The Cosmoscope’s first outreach instrument debuted recently. Such a telescope inauguration is considered its “first light.”

As discussed elsewhere, the optics and sensor in this instrument work together so as to render a field of view that makes it a credible solar and lunar telescope in addition to being adequate for the brighter of deep space objects.

The Cosmoscope’s primary suburban Kansas location has proven to be its limiting factor thus far. For best adjustment, the instrument attempts to “triangulate” by finding three pre-determined guide stars in various directions. Although the photographic target for the evening may be high in the sky, the odds are greater than foreseen that the system wishes to triangulate off of an object obscured by local terrain or flora.

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The instrument itself proves promising, and work progresses on the software necessary to create a web stream to offer imaging sessions and discussions online.

Images more typical of what a Cosmoscope visitor might encounter during an imaging “mission.” The docent would point out developing features like spiral arms and dust lanes visible in even dim images.