Home astronomy

LUNAR lets you explore the Moon in the palm of your hand

Since I can remember I have always been fascinated by the Moon but I have to admit I really don’t know that much about it. AstroReality is here to change that with their new LUNAR Moon models. LUNAR is an exact scale model of the Moon down to every last impact crater, dead volcano, sea and lava flow. It’s modeled to 0.006 millimeters per pixel precision, based on data captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Pair it with the available augmented reality app and the Moon literally springs to life in the palm of your hand.

The process begins by using the latest 3-D printing technology. Each model is then molded using the highest quality materials. Finally, each LUNAR is hand-painted by an Artisan so each is slightly different and stunningly detailed.

The best part of LUNAR may be its augmented reality app. The AstroReality app allows you to learn captivating facts and trivia, simulate Moon missions and embark on personalized lunar adventures. The app weaves together an unparalleled way to experience the Moon, In your hands, and through your smartphone. The free app is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

AstroReality’s LUNAR Moon models are available in 3 different sizes: Pro($219), Regular($89), and Mini($39). Each model has the same amazing detail and is compatible with the AstroReality app.

To find out more and to order head over to AstroReality’s website.

Be the center of the solar system with this necklace

Inspired by Julie’s post about the solar system marbles, I have been searching for similar items.  I found a vendor on Etsy that uses sterling silver wire and stone beads to create solar system jewelry, like this necklace.  The necklace has a selectable length of 15.75″ to 19.7″.  The planets are natural stone beads made of:  smokey quartz, coral, azurite, red agate, labradorite, lace agate, sand jasper, dark blue turquoise, and light blue turquoise.  Naturally, the stones are not sized to scale; the artist has chosen sizes that show differences between the planets but still remain wearable.  You can choose a necklace representing only the eight planets for $96.00, or you can add Pluto ($99.00) or all of the dwarf planets ($111.00).  Buy the Solar System Necklace, or check out all of MirielDesign‘s offerings on Etsy.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Be the center of the solar system with this necklace originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 9, 2017 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

This 3D printed moon adds ambience to your room

This 3D-printed lamp gives new meaning to the term “moonlit room.”  My Metanoia says each of the moons have been printed in a 31-hour 3D printing process from 100% eco-friendly PLA from the USA.  The rigorous printing process results in a lamp that accurately portrays the moon’s cratered surface.  

The 500mAh built-in rechargeable battery charges in 2 hours and provides 8-10 hours of use.  The LEDs are switchable from white light to yellowish light.  The brightness is adjustable from 0.1W to 1.5W,  so this is an accent light or nightlight.  The Wireless 3D Moon Lamp comes with a USB charging cable and a wooden display stand.  It’s available in sizes varying from 3.9″ for about $75 up to 8.7″ for about $180 from My Metanoia.

Apparently, the printing plans are available online, so you could print your own if you have a 3D printer.  I’ve also seen these moon lamps offered on eBay and Amazon in a variety of sizes for much lower prices.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

This 3D printed moon adds ambience to your room originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 4, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

4 ways to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (8/21/17)

You’ve no doubt been hearing about the total solar eclipse for many weeks now. It’s a big deal because it’s the first solar eclipse to cross the entire continental United States in 99 years. All this time, you have probably been telling yourself to read up on the subject and order some special solar eclipse glasses so you can experience what might be a once in a lifetime event. If you actually ordered the glasses, have your DSLR camera, 600mm telephoto lens and tripod ready to go, then yay for you. You get a special geek star award for always being prepared. What do the rest of us procrastinators do on Monday so we won’t feel left in the dark (literally)?

1. Get a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses so you won’t go blind.

No, your regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes from the damage of looking at the sun during the eclipse!

Is it too late to buy a pair of solar eclipse glasses? No, not if you don’t mind paying ticket scalper prices like I’m finding on Amazon.

You are better off looking for some freebie glasses locally in your town. Contact the nearest high school or library and ask if they have any freebies. Just double check that the glasses are ISO certified safe if you do end up scoring a pair. You can check out this excellent and very detailed article on the subject at https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/iso-certification.

2. No eclipse glasses? No problem. Build a camera obscura pin-hole viewer instead.

Even though I was lucky and was able to get some eclipse glasses at the last minute at a decent price from ThinkGeek, I’m still going to build one of these viewers because I like geeky arts and crafts. It’s also pretty much free if you already have a box, some tape, a piece of white typing paper, foil, and a pin. For easy instructions, check out these articles that show different styles of pin-hole viewers that you can easily create in just a few minutes:

How to make a handheld solar eclipse box viewer
How to make a wearable solar eclipse box viewer
How to make a group solar eclipse viewer with a pair of binoculars and a tripod

The group viewer requires some extra gear, but I think that’s the one I’m going to try to make.

3. Watch the eclipse without glasses or a pin-hole viewer.

If you don’t want to track down a pair solar eclipse viewing glasses, build your own viewer or even make the effort to go outside, you can still watch the solar eclipse from the comfort of your favorite chair. There will be many sites live streaming the event like the CBS News eclipse coverage through CBSN, CBS News’ 24-hour online streaming platform. Their coverage will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Monday.

4. If you happen to take a nap and sleep through the whole thing, you can still watch it later.

After the total solar eclipse event has ended, you still can tune into your favorite news sites where there will be all sorts of commentary on the event and replays that will show the total eclipse of the sun. This is not the laziest way to watch the total solar eclipse because not everyone will see the eclipse in its totality. Live streaming or watching it later will be the way most people will get to see the full total eclipse.

What will the eclipse look like where you’re located and what is the best time for viewing? You can find out here: https://eclipsemega.movie/simulator

If you have some more good advice on this subject please share it in the comments below.

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

4 ways to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (8/21/17) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 17, 2017 at 4:10 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Astronomy buffs will love this solar system marble collection


I’m not really into astronomy, but I love marbles and this collection from WestEndCollectables has me searching for my credit card. The collection includes 11 marbles that represent the planets in our solar system.

Each marble represents a planet including the Moon, Mars, and Earth which shows the continents, oceans, and rivers.

The entire set of marbles is not sized accurately, but it’s a cool collection for anyone who loves both marbles and space.

The Solar System Orrery Globe Marble Collection is priced at $46.57 on the WestEndCollectables Etsy shop. Visit their store to order and be sure to check out their other marbles.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Astronomy buffs will love this solar system marble collection originally appeared on on May 12, 2017 at 10:58 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.