MySky: Stargazing for Dummies

Hmmm, is that Venus up there? Or Mars? Or maybe just a speck of dust in your eye? If you're looking for a little help with your amateur stargazing, check out mySky, a device that looks like a phaser from "Star Trek" but actually works to pinpoint the planets, stars and galaxies in the night sky.

The folks at Gearlog had a chance to try the mySky ($400, available at the end of June) in New York's Central Park, and the gun-shaped device sounds pretty cool. Using a GPS chip, magnetic north sensors and electronic accelerometers to determine the direction in which you're pointing it, mySky (developed by telescope maker Meade) comes with a database of about 30,000 celestial objects. Just aim mySky at a point of light, pull the trigger and mySky will crank out a description of the heavenly body in question. Looking for a specific star in the night sky? With a little patience, mySky will help you find it. Telescope not included, although the mySky can actually control various Meade telescopes, allowing you to get a closer look at your finds.

Related:
Gearlog Field Trip: Shooting for the Stars with the Meade mySKY [Gearlog]