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Hubble Optics 5-Star Artificial Star for Testing and Collimating Telescopes

4.6 (58 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Hubble Optics
Part Number PALC-HO-ARTSTAR
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

The star test is the ultimate method to test and collimate your telescopes. The most and very much the only difficult part of doing the star test is that you need a star. Sadly, a real star is not always available, and you really may not want to spend your precious observation time doing a star test even when it is available.  Of course, you will also need a good tracking system for doing a star test with the moving star. After all the trouble, due to turbulence, the real star may not even reveal the true quality of your telescopes or give you perfect collimation.

An artificial star will provide you with an excellent alternative means to do the star test anytime and anywhere you want, without all the drawbacks of real stars. However, the problem with artificial star testing is that you really need different sizes of artificial stars for different telescopes of different apertures with different F/#, and even for the same telescopes but at different distances, and under different lighting conditions.

The innovative Hubble 5-star Artificial Star is a perfect solution to this problem. It has 6 bright white LEDs with 5 precision pinholes (50/100/150/200/250 microns). It will enable you to test practically all telescopes of different apertures with different F/#s, from any reasonable distances needed, and under different lighting conditions.

  • You can instantly find out which star is best for your particular telescope at that particular distance under that particular lighting environment by simply choosing the smallest possible star, but which still gives you a clear defocused image
  • You can even adjust the brightness of the stars by twisting the LED head.
  • You can mask out any 4 of the 5 stars with a provided magnetic mask.

With the Hubble Optics 5-star Artificial Star, telescopes are truly easy to test and collimate!

  • Please expose the mask only while star testing. Keep it clean to prevent the blockage of pinholes.
  • The unit should be kept in a clean Ziploc bag when not in use, separated from the magnetic mask.
  • 3 AAA batteries are required and are not included.

Reviews

4.6 (Based on 58 Reviews) 98% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by philip N.
      1563539138
      Jul 19, 2019

      5.0 SCT Adjusting

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This purchase was very easy and quick. I recomend them.
      The Hubble Optics 5* was easy to use, the magnetic tab used to isolate the star size was easy to use as well. I recommend this product. I only used this once on a 10" Mead Lx200 that had been in storage for many years.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by JEAN G.
      1535717576
      Aug 31, 2018

      4.0 Does the job, room for improvement

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Purchased this to collimate my C8 edgehd and I'm very happy with it. Makes collimation much easier than having to deal with a real star (don't have to worry about tracking and atmospheric turbulence).
      My only complain is that I wish the body had a square shape, or even better, a thread to attach it to a tripod. This is easily solved by using ducktape to attach it to the tripod.
      Good product for the price overall (we'll see how it does with time).

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Joseph R.
      1533040360
      Jul 31, 2018

      5.0 Great Value, Great Performance

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I needed an artificial start to collimate the focus on my refracture, and the Hubble artificial star did the trick. I really liked having five point sources simultaneously available so I could pick the proper brightness to suit the job. Great product!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Hilton L.
      1531622095
      Jul 14, 2018

      5.0 A reasonably priced artificial star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This provided me with a satisfactory airy disk.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Paul M.
      1529555840
      Jun 20, 2018

      5.0 Works great!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Got my Hubble artificial star today and tried it out on both my C9.25 and my C11. Absolutely let me dial both right it and taught me some things about collimation and how movement of the scope from one side to the other effects collimation. I can’t imagine this could work any better.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Michael D.
      1528589090
      Jun 9, 2018

      5.0 My thoughts on this product

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Fantastic piece of equipment. This is much better for collimation of my SCT scope than a pinhole poked in a piece of paper or foil. It just works great.
      I did make a holder for it to keep it from rolling off an old photo tripod I use just for this purpose.
      Being round was the only thing I could find wrong with it. It should be square or at least have a flat side to prevent it from rolling off of whatever you use to support it.
      But that is not a big factor against it.
      It just works great and is making collimation much easier, not that it is needed often, but when you need to, this is what you need. You can check and collimate in daylight or inside in bad weather.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Joseph R.
      1525845517
      May 8, 2018

      4.0 Hubble Artificial Star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Needed to collimate a new C8 OTA that was pretty far out of center, probably due to being knocked about in transit. Much more convenient to do indoors with a little light than outside in the dark. Did inside warehouse at work on a Sunday, so had plenty of distance, placed about 100ft away. Only negative is cheap quality of the led flashlight....

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Keith K.
      1525710760
      May 7, 2018

      5.0 Works great, just need to

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Works great, just need to be far away from telescope. A not in full sun, makes it hard to see the light. But works great when you can get the light far away and about twilight brightness.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Scott M.
      1525190663
      May 1, 2018

      4.0 artificial star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Works as it should however led is too dim to use in daylight on any but a small refractor that can be placed close enough. Minimum focus distance is too great on any reasonably sized reflector or SCT / RC for daytime use. only useful at night or close in.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by robert p.
      1525016338
      Apr 29, 2018

      5.0 Great fals star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great false star at a great price works great for columating your sct or reflecting telescope

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by David M.
      1524236479
      Apr 20, 2018

      4.0 Works just fine

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I needed to collimate my SCT, and decided to purchase a the Hubble Optics Artificial Star. It worked just fine and allowed me to do what I needed.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by James S.
      1524115106
      Apr 18, 2018

      5.0 Hubble 5 Star for SCT collimating

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I found the Hubble Optics 5-Star Artificial Star an excellent affirdable accessory for Collimating all of my SCT Telescopes. No tracking is required and easy to set up about 35 feet distance and can be performed in daylight since each of the stars illuminate brightly through the aperture.
      JAS in Arizona

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Chris D.
      1523539933
      Apr 12, 2018

      4.0 Almost a 5 but not quite

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      For the price it's hard to beat this artificial star. One drawback, to select the size star you want requires the others to be blocked off by a little magnet shield. It is very weak and I have lost it in the grass twice already. Luckily found it both time but is very frustrating. I'm thinking I will just choose my best size and glue the little shield in place.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by todd R.
      1519786598
      Feb 27, 2018

      5.0 If you need to culminate

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      If you need to culminate a telescope in this little product will get it done it did for me it's just a little flashlight with 5 little holes but it works works damn well

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by David C.
      1518750542
      Feb 15, 2018

      4.0 Hubble Artificial Star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      OK, would be better if sat on adjustable base.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Martin W.
      1518577939
      Feb 13, 2018

      4.0 Different size "stars" to collimate with

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Does the job. It has a few different size stars so that you can fine tune collimation. Ideally this seems to be great for SCT's. You can collimate indoors with this easily before getting outside with your scope at night and finishing off the fine tune collimation with a real star (such as Polaris).

      Overall, it's pretty cheap feeling for the cost. When you open it up and realize it's just an LED flashlight with a little cardboard screen with holes in it to simulate stars, you question that $30 price tag real quick. But, it works, and it looks better than some DIY thing, so I suppose it's good enough.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    17. Guest

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      Review by David A.
      1517193313
      Jan 28, 2018

      4.0 Works

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      It works well. I took one star off just because the metal plate with the holes was bent. Didnt affect the performance but it needs to noted somehow.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by CARLOS R.
      1515683137
      Jan 11, 2018

      5.0 Great product and very helpful

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great product and very helpful to fix my telescope

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    19. Guest

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      Review by RICHARD C.
      1515682547
      Jan 11, 2018

      4.0 Good product

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The concept and product are good. The flashlight could be a little higher quality for the price.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Victor F.
      1515219847
      Jan 5, 2018

      5.0 Great quality

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great quality

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Jose S.
      1514685064
      Dec 30, 2017

      5.0 Artificial star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Tested with LS8 Meade, distancie 35' collimation was easy

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Chris D.
      1514176541
      Dec 24, 2017

      5.0 5 star sizes to choose from in one light.

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Works really well for my needs and I just use tape to cover the "stars" I am not needing to test with based on distance.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    23. Guest

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      Review by James J.
      1513181080
      Dec 13, 2017

      5.0 Hubble artificial star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I got this when wanting to do some collimation of an SCT indoors. Sometimes small reflections from metal objects do the job, but they aren't clear point sources. This light provides something that is workable and consistent. It is good for all but the final collimation that should be done with a star at high magnification. I wish it was constructed more robustly and that it had a way of dimming the light output; but it is way less expensive than other such devices and it works.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    24. Guest

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      Review by JOSEPH P.
      1503400083
      Aug 22, 2017

      4.0 It works as advertised, but

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      It works as advertised, but I was expecting better build quality for 25 dollars.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Douglas P.
      1503100105
      Aug 18, 2017

      5.0 Works great!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I'm using the artificial star to check for optical aberrations, such as coma in the corners of the frame. With this device I can evaluate corner sharpness in all my camera lenses, and identify the acceptable f-stop for each lens. With my refractor I am able to see the effect of changing the distance between the flattener/reducer and the sensor. All of the above can be accomplished at night with a field of stars, but I like the idea of refining the settings during the day.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    26. Guest

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      Review by Jesse R.
      1500923694
      Jul 24, 2017

      5.0 The Hubble artificial star works

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The Hubble artificial star works just as it should. Using the artificial star makes collimation in your home much easier than using Polaris in the dark out at the the observing field.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Benjamin G.
      1500618283
      Jul 20, 2017

      4.0 Artifical Star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great tool! I don't know how I got by without it.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    28. Guest

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      Review by Frank B.
      1494170419
      May 7, 2017

      5.0 5-star artificial star

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This item was recommended to me by another amateur. Mine arrived quickly after ordering, works great in producing Airy disks, and the ability to choose between five different sized pinholes is especially useful. I consider this an important addition to my astro toolkit.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    29. Guest

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      Review by Michael W.
      1493203576
      Apr 26, 2017

      5.0 Excellent product for collimating a

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Excellent product for collimating a mirror with a hole in the center.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    30. Guest

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      Review by Henry A.
      1491485305
      Apr 6, 2017

      4.0 Nice tool to have at a reasonable price

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Item was shipped same day as order, Arrived in two days. I used this to align an 8" SCT & 4.5" Newt. Works great. Comes with NO instructions, make sure you read up on how to use this before ordering. Easy to google instruction on-line.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by doug a.
      1485001253
      Jan 21, 2017

      5.0 Good target for telescope evaluation

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This in a basic led flashlight with a perforated metal screen that presents a set of small pinpoints of light. I made a holder so I could mount it on my camera tripod. I don't have a way to measure the hole sizes but they do show with a circle of pinpoints of decreasing size. It does do a good job of providing a small point of light for evaluating optical alignment so it meets my need. It also costs much less than some other devices and I didn't have to spend time building it. A dovetail mount adapter would have been nice and there are no instructions.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Francesco M.
      1483033593
      Dec 29, 2016

      4.0 Works well!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The five apertures work well, provided that you can give enough distance. Would be ideal if it had a 1/4” threaded hole for a tripod.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by DrDyno of St. Petersburg, FL.
      1453593600
      Jan 23, 2016

      5.0 Worked Like a Charm!

      Pros:

      Compact,Easy to Use,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I had recently purchased an old (very old) Meade 10" SCT. Using the Hubble to collimate it made collimation a breeze! That old scope now has views equal to brand new SCT's!

      I did recommend this to a friend with a new Celestron NexStar who had the same positive experience I did.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Jimmy Lee of Kalamazoo, MI.
      1443225600
      Sep 25, 2015

      5.0 Easy to use.

      Pros:

      Great Price,Compact,Simple to use,Accurate,Fast Setup Time,Accurate Alignment,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Not A Single Con

      Comments:

      Got it and set up right away. I'm not very experienced at collimation. But was able to collimation my Dobsonian and Schmitt/cassegrain in lest than an hour. Works great!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    35. Fred Mullins

      Fred Mullins Member

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      Review by Fast Freddy of Charleston, WV.
      1435363200
      Jun 26, 2015

      4.0 Easy Collimation

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Compact,Simple to use,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Rather Cheaply Made

      Comments:

      This device, composed of an LED flashlight with appropriately sized pinholes to simulate a star "point source", is used to collimate the optics in my Schmitt-Cassegrain telescope. It works exactly as described but is based on a rather cheaply made led flashlight, giving it a low quality feel. A better quality flashlight should have been employed, but other than that, I like the product.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Astroknip of Ottawa, Ontario.
      1427500800
      Mar 27, 2015

      5.0 Would not collimate without this baby

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Lightweight,Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This collimation tool is awesome, you can collimate when it is cloudy and does not require professional, help! If you are new to astronomy BUY this collimating tool!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    37. Joseph Bianco

      Joseph Bianco New Member

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      Review by Stargeezer of Westchester, IL.
      1427500800
      Mar 27, 2015

      5.0 Used to autofocus training

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Used to focus ccd camera with device in garage and telescope in driveway.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Straightmak of Stalybridge, UK.
      1410307200
      Sep 9, 2014

      5.0 Star in your pocket!

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Lightweight,Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      The artificial star is a very handy piece of kit for checking optics on those cloudy nights! When at an astronomy club meeting and the clouds move in we can test several telescopes quickly. It would, however, benefit from a tripod mount to ease in setting up the star!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Gary of Minneapolis, MN.
      1403654400
      Jun 24, 2014

      5.0 Works as expected

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      After I opened the box I was wondering how I was going to use this device correctly. But it didn't take me long to figure that out. I simply taped the unit to my camera tripod and set that up out in the yard at dusk. With it pointing through a window that I could open both the window and the screen I setup the mount and scope in the comfort of my house. This provided the distance I needed for it to work correctly. Starting with the smallest hole, the defocused image was perfect multiple concentric rings that made me think I was looking at a star. I was able to accurately check three of my scopes in no time at all. Highly recommended and well worth the money I spent on it.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Tom of Gaithersburg Maryland.
      1403481600
      Jun 22, 2014

      4.0 Would buy again

      Pros:

      Compact,Easy to Use,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      Just received product and haven't had a chance to use it yet but in response to the reviews concerning no easy way to keep it from rolling around. I solved the problem by taking a one inch rifle scope ring and enlarged it slightly with a small drum sander in the drill press and then drilling and tapping a 1/4 20 hole in the base of the ring and then mounting it on a camera tripod. Problem solved.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Just me of Cheyenne, WY.
      1386374400
      Dec 6, 2013

      4.0 Performs as advertised

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Accurate

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      Performs just as advertised. I have easily collimated my NexStar 8SE and C6 using this device. It would be nice, however, to include some kind of stabilizing device that could be attached. It's round and rolls around.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by HKS of Pittsburgh, PA.
      1376265600
      Aug 11, 2013

      4.0 Effective but awkward to use.

      Pros:

      Compact,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Unstable,Inexpensively Made

      Comments:

      I bought this to help collimate an 8" SCT. The scope had Bob's knobs installed which greatly simplified the process. The unit looks like it was made with an inexpensive multi-LED flashlight fitted with a disc with 5 holes of varying size in it. A simple mask sticks to the front of the unit to block all but one hole. Since the unit has no means to mount it, I used a lab glassware clamp fitted to a tripod to hold it. A review of this device on the Cloudy Nights website shows the distance/aperture/pin hole diameter relationship to effectively use the device. In my case, the device needs to be 58 feet away from the scope assuming a 50 micron pin hole. I found that 100 feet worked better. Which brings up a second problem with the device - the 50 micron pin hole is not 50 microns. Using a microscope and calibrated target, the smallest pin hole was irregular and roughly 67x80 microns. This would explain the need for a longer distance between the scope and light. Finally when you replace the batteries, the disc and LEDs are not mechanically registered, so you have to be careful to align the holes with the LEDs. It should also be pointed out that it comes without any instructions.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Joaquin of Austin, TX.
      1371168000
      Jun 13, 2013

      5.0 Great and easy to use tool

      Pros:

      Lightweight,Compact,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      This artificial star is great for getting the collimation on my SCT and newtonian reflector dialed in. It provides a steady point of light not affected by atmospheric seeing. It is much more reasonably priced than other artificial stars, and works well. It can be used indoors with shorter focal length instruments, but you will probably need to take it outside for longer focal length scopes like SCTs. The only negative is that the barrel is round, and it can roll around on you if you don't fasten it down, but given the price, I won't knock any stars off for that.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by slashman48 of Garrettsville, OH.
      1365465600
      Apr 8, 2013

      5.0 Hubble Optics 5-star Artificial Star

      Pros:

      Accurate,Easy to Use,Lightweight,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      With the Hubble Optics Artificial star you now have a perfect steady star anytime for testing and collimating your telescope. Great for inside collimating on a cloudy/rainy day. Just set the Artificial Star on top of a chair, table, tripod at the end of a hallway, slightly defocus on Star with telescope and adjust collimation screws for concentric rings and your collimated for optimum viewing.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    45. Guest

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      Review by gtownkid of Gastonia, NC.
      1348444800
      Sep 23, 2012

      4.0 Nice

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Compact,Quality Lenses,Easy to Use,Accurate,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      Very easy to use. Used it on my 6 inch SCT. Got it collimated quickly. Gave it four stars only because you will have to put something under it to keep it from rolling around. Great product,Great price.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    46. Guest

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      Review by Jamie of Tennessee.
      1335744000
      Apr 29, 2012

      5.0 Best Accessories That I Own

      Pros:

      Accurate,Fuctional,Lightweight,Strong Construction,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The Hubble Artificial Star makes fine tuning the collimation on my scopes so much easier and precise. This is one of my most used as well as most treasured acessories. This should be in every stargazers equipment case. Thanks Agena for carrying such a great product and offering it at an even price.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    47. Guest

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      Review by SHADOW of Ontario, Canada.
      1325635200
      Jan 3, 2012

      5.0 Great little gem

      Pros:

      Accurate,Lightweight,Compact,Strong Construction,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This allows you to colimate your lens as well as star test your telescope's optics. Smiply place the artificial star as far as you can get it away from your scope and turn it on. Point your scope at the star tester and move your focus in and out to check columination and the defocused patern adjust your mirrors to give the best centered image. This start tester is small and light weight after you get used to it you will find that your images in telescope should improve.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    48. Steve

      Steve New Member

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      Review by Steve of Pennsburg, PA.
      1323993600
      Dec 15, 2011

      5.0 Should be in every astronomer's equipment

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Lightweight,Accurate,Compact

      Cons:

      None

      Comments:

      I used this inside for my C8 and SLT130 due to poor weather conditions. Beats waiting for dark and wasting viewing time when you can check your collimation beforehand! I needed about 50 feet of distance for the C8 but performed wonderfully. May be a challenge to set up for the 12" Dob .
      Only small negative is that it should be a rectangular housing so it does not roll. I used a tripod with some modelling clay to hold it steady.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Gordon of Washington, MI.
      1322006400
      Nov 22, 2011

      5.0 Very Functional Tool

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Lightweight

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The artificial star worked well. Instructions were easy to understand.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    50. rjcavallini

      rjcavallini New Member

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      Review by rjcavallini of Batatais - Brazil.
      1306886400
      May 31, 2011

      5.0 My life has improved a lot in astronomy

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      My life has improved a lot in astronomy with this equipment. I carry it whenever I make my observations, both at home as in meetings with the group of observers which I am part, the AATEU (Amateur Astronomers trying Understanding the Universe). Recommended.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    51. Guest

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      Review by K2MFW of Millville, NJ.
      1295395200
      Jan 18, 2011

      5.0 Hubble Star works exceptionally well!

      Pros:

      Compact,Strong Construction,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The artificial star works very well. Added a small laser pointer to aim the star directly at the telescope. On an 11" SCT the star had to be approximately 100' away. Works well outdoors on overcast days, excellent in evening and night. Easiest way to collimate. No need to deal with atmospherics, moving stars and weather. I'd like to see a metal case and a storage pouch, otherwise perfect. Will last for years! Our permanent observatory recommends this device for anyone frustrated by the collimation procedure. Amateurs to pros, you'll be glad you bought this from Agena.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    52. wsb1

      wsb1 New Member

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      Review by Steve star-tester of Bellaire, Texas.
      1294876800
      Jan 12, 2011

      5.0 Every telescope user should have one

      Pros:

      Compact,Simple,Accurate

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I bought one last year and bought another to go with me on trips. I use it to collimate the optics of my telescopes. It also helps reveal problems or defects in telescopes and has helped me cull telescopes from my collection.

      I made a small open-ended box with a clamp to hold it steady. In practice, I use an eyepiece that gives 2X per millimeter of aperture (50X per inch) for the star test. I place the light 10-15 feet away from the unit for every inch of aperture. This ranges from 50 to 150 feet for my collection. For such short focus distances, one or two 2-inch eyepiece extension tubes are generally required.

      This unit is well worth the money to get optimum performance from your telescope. My small RC telescope requires perfect collimation but always slips out in transport. Tuning it up makes an incredible difference and is so quick and easy to do. Telescopes I thought were junkers became keepers after being correctly collimated with this unit.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by 3D of Carmichael, CA.
      1272758400
      May 1, 2010

      4.0 Collimate anytime

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Unstable

      Comments:

      If you would like to be able to perform a star collimation or a star test before it is dark and you are going to be able to use your scope this is for you. It doesn't matter if it is overcast or the seeing it absolutely terrible, you can do it and have your scope ready for when the skies do open up.

      The only downsides I see are that this item needs to be a long distance from the scope and that unless you live next to a hill you will be collimating/testing with the OTA horizontal.

      One minor improvement would be if they flattened one side so it wouldn't roll when placed for use.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    54. Guest

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      Review by Ray of Columbus, GA.
      1272672000
      Apr 30, 2010

      5.0 Easy SCT Collimation

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Easiest collimation I've ever had, indoors and at 55 feet during the day!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    55. Guest

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      Review by LukeBB of South Burlington VT.
      1266105600
      Feb 13, 2010

      5.0 For the price it's a keeper

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      It is a simple and efficient way to collimate your telescope, bad day out , just check your collimation inside and get ready for that dark night, it beats the $100 bigger box, I carry it in my eyepieces box at all times. It just works, for about $20 you can't go wrong.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    56. leicapi

      leicapi New Member

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      Review by Leicapi of Medford, OR.
      1257724800
      Nov 8, 2009

      5.0 A great solution

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact

      Cons:

      Distance with SCT

      Comments:

      Works really well if you can't find the skies to do your final star collimation.

      It requires a lot of distance to get in focus on my Celestron 8SE SCT. Fortunately, I have a very long street and I live at the end, uphill. So I can just put it on my fence and go to the bottom of the hill and I can collimate it with the scope pointed upward, which is preferred.

      The SCT holds collimation very well, so I won't have to do this very often. This is an inexpensive and easy way to get it right every time.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    57. Guest

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      Review by cwd10 of Central Pennsylvania.
      1249603200
      Aug 6, 2009

      4.0 Works as advertised

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Not steady on it's own

      Comments:

      This thing works pretty good. My only complaint is that it rolls off of uneven surfaces too easily. It's not steady on it's own. A simple folding brace would be very helpful.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    58. Guest

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      Review by Jim (aka Varmint) of Pacifica, CA.
      1245542400
      Jun 20, 2009

      4.0 Great product, and at a fabulous price.

      Pros:

      Compact,Accurate

      Cons:

      Distance Required

      Comments:

      I benefited from other users issues and got a unit that had already gone through some improvements by the manufacturer (including an updated FAQ-file/User Guide).

      For larger telescopes, especially SCTs and MCTs, you'll need to find some good real-estate to get to focus. But with some trial and error I was able to get my 9.25" SCT to focus (using either an extension tube or star-diagonal) around 85ft and get my scope in perfect collimation (which left me having to do it outdoors on the sidewalk of my neighborhood).

      Instructions didn't ship with the unit, but were available on this website.

      I'm very happy I have this now as my home skies are always horrible for collimation using the stars on most nights, and as long as there's sufficient contrast I collimated my scope in the daytime (late afternoon, hours before dusk).

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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