Wido's AstroForum Podcast

Are you trying to decide between a modern Strain Wave (Harmonic Drive) mount and a classic German Equatorial Mount (GEM)? In this video, I take you on an 8-year trip down memory lane—from my beginnings in 2018 with the Celestron AVX, to upgrading to the heavy-duty Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro in 2020, and finally transitioning to the ZWO AM5 and AM5N strain wave mounts. We break down the real-world pros...

In this eposide we discuss Wido's 2026 guide for beginner astrophotography mounts, which you can find here: https://astroforumspace.com/best-beginner-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography/ In this podcast, we argue that a stable tracking mount is the most critical investment for successful long-exposure imaging. In 2026, Beginners must navigate a technological divide and choose between traditional...

IN this podcast we discuss the recent launch of 36 Amazon Project Kuiper satellites aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, marking a major expansion of low Earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellations. This growth introduces a significant "twilight penalty" ; because Amazon’s satellites orbit at 630 km—higher than Starlink—they remain illuminated by the sun much longer after sunset, creating persistent bright streak...

In this podcast episode, we take a deep dive into telescope physics. We break down how focal length and f-ratio influence your stargazing, from determining magnification for visual observers to optimizing image scale for astrophotographers. Learn the practical trade-offs between different telescope designs and access interactive calculators for field of view and light speed in the original article...

Which budget smart telescope is the best fit for you in 2026? In this episode, We're putting the Seestar (S30, S30 Pro, S50) and the DWARF (3 & Mini) head-to-head. We analyze pricing, technical specs, and actual real-world performance to see which smart scope wins the budget crown. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a portable unit to your gear, this comparison will help you de...

n this tutorial, we explain why telescope aperture matters, but also why just buying the biggest aperture telescope tube out there might not be the best thing for you. The tutorial explains what aperture is, how it relates to light-gathering power and resolution, and we briefly discuss the various telescope types that could deliver such a large-aperture view of the night sky, along with their pros...