Slooh Unlimited Minute Mission Card
by Blue Storm Productions
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Our Price: $37.15
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Category: Toy
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Blue Storm ProductionsBrand: Slooh
Model: BLBOX0808
Product features:
- Control high-powered telescopes from your computer to explore the Universe
- Explore space day and night
- Northern and southern hemisphere coverage through Slooh's network of worldwide observatory sites
- Take, store, and share pictures
- Listen to expert storytellers through live Sky Guide audio dazzle you with truths and mythologies of outer space
Toys and Games Reviews of Slooh Unlimited Minute Mission Card
Customer Review: Manage your expectations
Summary: 4 Stars
The idea of Slooh is an appealing one. Set up a fleet of robotic telescopes and make them available by subscription. Users can schedule imaging sessions, collect the results, and make their own images of solar system or deep sky objects. That's just what Slooh does. It's a relative bargain, but imposes some serious limitations that the subscriber must be aware of.
First of all, this is not for the beginner, and it's not actually a very good way to learn about the sky. Some knowledge about where things are found and when they are visible is required to get the most out of Slooh. For the beginner, there are many planetarium programs that provide better views and a much better overall context. Some programs, like Stellarium, are free. Others, like Starry Night Pro can set you back a few dollars. There are also great beginner books, like NightWatch.
This package finds its best match with astronomers who want to dabble in imaging without spending $10,000 to get in the door. It's also good for people who enjoy the challenge of processing images. The website (there's no software--just a website) provides a list of the objects to be imaged. The user can also book 7 shots per week (I guess that's what 'unlimited' means). The exposures are relatively short--five to ten minutes--and are shot in a generic fashion using red, green, and blue filters, along with a monochrome luminance exposure. They are stored online, but are easily downloaded as PNG files. There appear to be no other filters for more elusive objects which may do best with H-Beta or OIII filters. Astronomers will note that the FITS format does not appear to be supported. An email to tech support has confirmed this.
The images are less than impressive on first blush. They are naturally subject to weather conditions and the presence of the moon. There are equipment glitches from time to time, and the occasional airplane or satellite streaks the image. The colors of deep sky objects are forced and unconvincing. But this is where a little cleverness comes in. You can of course snag as many exposures of an object as you like, combining the images by stacking. Tiny amounts of light can be multiplied by this technique, and noise can be suppressed. You can improve images considerably, although I doubt you'll ever match the best results of a serious astro-imager. I've attached a few images to demonstrate what can be done. You can find a 'before' image of the Rosette Nebula. This is a single exposure, just as it comes from Slooh. The after image is made from a stack of five images, with some serious Photoshop work. I haven't added anything to the image: I've simply made the most of data that are there. You'll find similar before and after images of Omega Centauri.
There are certainly many things to quibble with. You cannot look at the upcoming schedule and select images you'd like. You must sit there at your browser and physically push the button to grab an image. You only have a few seconds to do this, then the image is gone. This is by far my biggest complaint. But overall, Slooh is a fairly-priced and may open the door to an engaging occupation.
Description of Slooh Unlimited Minute Mission Card
Explore the universe in a way you never thought possible. Slooh Membership Cards offer you a first hand look at the world around us. Each card allows you to dial into a real high powered telescope! All you need is a computer with internet access. Unlike most online "observatories" you can actually control the telescope. You can plan missions, control the visibility settings, and take photographs of the nebulas and planets that you are viewing! Membership card is good for one year of unlimited use on the telescopes! Makes a great gift! Card is 5 1/4" x 7 ½".Telescopes Toys
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