Celestron Binoviewers for Refractors - $150 **SOLD**

Binoviewing takes astronomical observation to the next level so to any amateur astronomer a good set of binoviewers is indispensible. We've got a brand-spanking new binoviewing kit used all of three times and in immaculate condition.

The only thing you'll need is a pair of identical eyepieces (and perhaps a barlow lens) and you'll be all set to put two eyes on the heavens. This particular model of binoviewer is more suited to refractor usage than it is reflectors. During our test run on a 5" refractor we were able to achieve some truly incredible lunar views which made one feel as if they were in orbit around the moon!

A new set of binos like this will set you back a good $200. We're offering this great set with its case and original box for $160.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Celestron 10" Newtonian Reflector - $330 **SOLD**

We've got an awesome and burly scope up for grabs today! This is a nearly new 10" Celestron Newtonian Reflector. Scope has been used a total of three times and is in terrific shape. Performance-wise, we could not be more impressed with the optics.

We acquired this scope with a CG5 mount,which we are keeping for other purposes! So if you've got a good, sturdy mount that can accommodate a heavy scope like this then you're all set.

This light bucket is great for both serious observing and astrophotography. We took it for a spin under dark skies and obtained some fantastic images of the Ring and Dumbbell Nebulas as well as M31.

We found collimation easy and accurate, focusing smooth and optics sharp. We decided to upgrade the stock scope with a GSO right-angle finder for more comfortable acquisition of sky targets.

This a a heavy scope, about 35 lbs, so ensure your mount can handle the load. A standard CG5 mount will do the trick. 

As with most heavy items we prefer local sales in the Los Angeles, Orange County, San Fernando or Inland Empire regions but can certainly ship at buyer's expense to anywhere in CONUS.

More information on this scope here

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Clyde Tombaugh Autographed Books [Auction] **SOLD**

Today we have a fantastic auction featuring two books signed by the late famed astronomer and discoverer of Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh (1907-1997).

In addition to Tombaugh's signature on both books, each is also signed by David Levy, co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which crashed into Jupiter in 1994. The signature of Dr. James W Christy, who forwards the book "Out of the Darkness: The Planet Pluto" is also included on that respective book.

In addition to Tombaugh's signature on "Out of the Darkness", Tombaugh's hand notations are found on a few pages (see photographs).

The biography, "Clyde Tombaugh: Discoverer of Planet Pluto" is signed by both author David Levy and Tombaugh himself.

Both books were signed for famed Griffith Observatory telescope operator Robert Spellman in 1990/91.

Both books are on the auction block. Click the links below for the auction pages.

Out of the Darkness: The Planet Pluto  

Clyde Tombaugh: Discoverer of Planet Pluto

Bushnell Sky Chief Jr, 60mm Refractor - $75

Today we've got a fantastic 1960s era telescope up for grabs! This is the classic Bushnell Sky Chief Jr 60mm x 700mm refractor. These scopes are fondly remembered by those who owned or had the privilege of looking through one back in the heydays when refractors ruled the skies. 

Optically, this scope is stunningly sharp. Views of Saturn are simply breathtaking as are starfields and clusters. More than just a collectible, the Sky Chief Jr. really excels at producing vibrant and accurate views even by today's rigid standards (some would argue these older scopes are actually superior to what is made today).

This is a well-cared for piece of vintage equipment on a sturdy wood tripod. Smooth slewing and focusing from top to bottom.

Glass is clean and an upgraded finderscope is also attached. 

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

ASAHI Super-Takumar Camera Lenses

We don't just deal in telescope stuff! We have three beautiful pieces of classic optical equipment to offer today in the form of Asahi Super-Takumar camera lenses. 

Anyone schooled in photography probably needs no introducing to these fine lenses. These are regarded among the elite lenses. Their stunning optics have been providing photographers with outstanding performance for decades.

Our three lenses are as follows.

1970s Super-Takumar 1:4/200mm $100

1970s Super-Takumar 1.4/50mm   $115

1970s Super-Takumar 1.8/55mm   $65

Optically speaking these excel at sharpness and contrast and are prized collectible and functional pieces some claim are superior to some of today's pricey lenses.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

NASA/JPL Voyager Saturn Encounter Correspondence - **SOLD**

We've got a nice little collectible package from the old Voyager days at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory! This employee image packet includes two internal letters from NASA's Bruce Murray and 21 color photographs taken by the Voyager spacecraft during its encounter with the ringed giant. 

This packet was sent out to JPL employees in 1981 as Voyager departed the Saturnian system and headed onwards to Uranus. This package makes a great collectible, especially those who relish the tremendous early days of Voyager as it toured the outer planets.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

MARS NASA Mission Reports (2 Volume Set) - $36 **SOLD**

Of all the recent book acquisitions we've made here at Scope Freaks this one is among our favorites. This is an incredible two volume set of the most comprehensive and detailed information about all the Mars missions NASA has been involved with since the 1960s. Nearly 900 pages cover virtually every aspect of every spacecraft launched to Mars up until 2004. From engineering schematics, mission status archives, instrumentation documents, orbital data, press kits, imagery, etc - its all here.

Each volume also contains its own supplementary CD ROM loaded with imagery and other documentation. Of all the planetary mission-related books in our archives, this one is by far the most informative and detailed. A must-have for anyone interested in space mission history and spacecraft engineering.

We are offering these as a set for $36.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

More NASA Publications!

We're offering up two more great NASA publications and a rare copy of The Photographic Story of Mars by famous astronomer Earl Slipher. 

Slipher conducted detailed telescopic analysis of the Red Planet from Lowell Observatory and chronicled over 50 years of photographic studies of Mars in this rare and fantastic volume published in 1962.

Our two NASA publications include original hardcover editions of Exploring Space With A Camera, released in 1968, and The Mariner 6 and 7 Pictures of Mars, published in 1971. The former features color and black and white photography of the Earth, the Moon and Mars conducted by the administration during the 1960s.

The latter is a terrific collection of Mariner data and photography from the early Mars missions. 

Exploring Space with a Camera (NASA, 1968)  $15

The Mariner 6 and 7 Pictures of Mars (NASA, 1971) $25

The Photographic Story of Mars (Earl Slipher, 1962) $75

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

VIXEN A80MF Achromatic Refractor - $135

If you are looking to start out with something a little larger than a beginner scope or need a better guidescope for your astrophotography rig, the A80Mf Refractor is your solution. This sleek scope will reveal good detail in both solar system and deep sky objects. 

With an optional sun projection accessory or lens filter you'll be in for some spectacular solar views. The A80Mf, although inexpensive, is not a toy telescope. It has the same quality glass and exacting workmanship that goes into Vixen's much larger telescopes. 

This item was used for a very brief time as a guidescope and is in excellent working condition. Finderscope, dovetail plate and tube rings are already attached, just plunk it down on your existing mount and you're ready to go!

A A80MF retails for about $240. Scope Freaks offers this one to you for $135.

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

More Planetary Atlases!

We have three remarkable books available for those interested in planetary geology and exploration. 

The first is a NASA Atlas of Mercury. Published in 1979, this is a fascinating and wonderfully illustrated atlas of the innermost planet in our solar system. This isn't one you're likely to find in your local used book store!

Next up is another marvelous NASA publication from 1984. Voyager 1 & 2 Atlas of the Six Saturnian Satellites is a detailed collection of imagery assembled by the detailed analysis done by these two probes during their epic solar system journey. This is a meticulously organized atlas loaded with imagery and planetary mapping.

Finally, a copy of Planetary Landscapes by Ronald Greeley. Anyone interested in planetary geology will find this a highly useful and informative volume. 

NASA Atlas of Mercury  $28

Voyager 1 & 2 Atlas of the Six Saturnian Satellites  $60

Planetary Landscapes  $25

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

"FIRST WALK" 1991 ALEXEI LEONOV SIGNED PRINT - $99 **SOLD**

Scope Freaks has a fantastic and rare collectible up for sale. This is a 16.5"x20" limited edition print depicting man's first walk in space on March 18, 1965. Signed & numbered (#943/950) by Cosmonaut & artist Alexei Leonov. 

Very fine and framed behind glass. Pacific Coast Galaxy Publishers Certificate of Authentication included. 

Interested? Contact scopefreaks@gmail.com

Controversial Astronomy! **SOLD**

Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe are two purveyors of controversy when it comes to arguments that life may have originated beyond Earth. We've got three terrific books that methodically lay out some stunning theories as to how life on Earth may have not got its start here.

Evolution from Space (1981)           $14  (1st US edition)

The Intelligent Universe (1983/84)   $28 (1st US edition)

Diseases From Space (1979)             $13 (1st US edition)

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com

Cosmology Classics (A couple autographed!)

We've cobbled together six terrific books on the universe that are destined to keep you up late nights (if you're not outside with your telescope instead). Two of these great books are autographed by their respective authors.

The Black Hole War (Leonard Susskind, 2008)  $10

The Hidden Reality (Briane Greene, 2011) $27  **Autographed by Author**

How Old Is the Universe? (David Weintraub, 2011) $14

Many Worlds In One (Alex Vilenkin, 2007) $9

In Search of the Multiverse (John Gribbin, 2010) $7

The Whole Shebang (Timothy Ferris, 1997) $29  **Autographed by Author**

Interested? Contact scopefreaks(at)gmail.com