The ancients who first described constellations certainly had vivid imaginations; so vivid, in fact, that with the exception of a few, like the Big Dipper, many star clusters bear virtually no resemblance to the creatures, people or objects they supposedly represent.
To make identifying them easier, stargazers can use SkyScout, a hand-held device from Celestron that uses Global Positioning System technology to direct viewers to the right spot in the sky.
Users choose from 6,000 objects in SkyScout's database, which are listed on the display screen, then look through the lens. Blinking lights direct the viewer to move the device until the star, planet, constellation, asteroid, star cluster or comet is in view.
The SkyScout can also end debates about which celestial object is being viewed. Point the device at a star (or is that a planet?), push the Target button, and the name of the object is displayed.
The US$399 SkyScout, which will be available next month (www.amazon.com is taking orders now), also contains audio clips with information on 200 important objects.
When astronomers discover new objects, information on them can be downloaded from a Web site into the SkyScout. Next year, customers will be able to download customized audio tours of the heavens.
Joby Gorillapod
Browse a photo album by any beginning photographer and you're likely to see blurry shots. The Joby Gorillapod, a 45g tripod, can help budding photographers get a steady shot.
The Gorillapod is malleable and as cute as a chimp. Each of the three legs bends and twists in different ways, allowing you to attach a lightweight camera to anything and everything to grab a picture from an interesting angle.
You can use it to hang the camera from a tree -- gorilla-style -- or wrap it around a railing for group shots. The tripod, available online (www.gorillapod.com) for US$24.95, has rubberized feet, a quick-release connector and a ring that locks the camera to the tripod.
Made primarily for smaller point-and-shoot cameras that weigh 500g or less, the Gorillapod won't help you focus or figure out what white balance is, but it can keep a camera steady in places where traditional tripods can't. And a model for camcorders and larger cameras will be available soon.
Canon Elph PowerShot
The new Canon Elph PowerShot, the SD700, is practically unshakable. Designed for rough roads and the high seas, the camera features improved optical image stabilization and a faster shutter speed to grab action shots and capture changing scenes without distortion.
Small point-and-shoot cameras like the SD700 are usually designed to take group shots or images of striking sunsets -- situations where the scene is relatively still. Breaking with this approach, Canon has chosen to add lenses from its EF and video camera line to improve overall speed and quality.
The camera uses a 6-megapixel CCD sensor and has a 6.3cm LCD screen. It includes a 4x optical zoom and is compatible with USB 2.0 for speedier printing and faster image downloads.
It has 16 shooting modes including a 16:9 wide-screen mode for capturing panoramas, can record 640-by-480-pixel videos at 30 frames per second, and can take up to 240 shots on one charge.
The camera also has an ISO 800 mode that allows for picture taking without flash in dark environments, while a grid overlay allows photographers to compose shots with more precision on the LCD screen.
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