AstroZap Artificial Star – Collimation and Optical Testing Aid
Fine-tuning your optics doesn’t have to wait for clear skies. With the AstroZap Artificial Star, you can collimate your telescope, test optical alignment, and check focus anytime—day or night, indoors or out. This compact, precision-designed accessory simulates a real star at infinity, making it an invaluable tool for astronomers who want peak performance from their gear.
Perfect for Schmidt-Cassegrains, Maksutovs, Newtonians, and refractors, the AstroZap Artificial Star emits a bright pinpoint light source that allows you to perform high-precision collimation or focus checks without relying on celestial objects or unpredictable weather. Just place the unit at a distance (typically 50–100 feet or more), aim your scope at the illuminated aperture, and you'll see a diffraction pattern similar to a real star—ideal for star testing or dialing in secondary mirror alignment.
Its compact housing is designed to be tripod-mountable or easily placed on a stable surface, and the internal LED light source provides consistent brightness with long battery life. The optical aperture is precision-machined to deliver an accurate point source with clean diffraction rings.
Features:
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Simulates a true point source for collimation and optical testing
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Works with refractors, reflectors, SCTs, Maks, and more
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Perfect for star testing and achieving critical optical alignment
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Bright LED light source with long-lasting performance
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Ideal for indoor use or outdoor alignment during the day
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Compact, portable, and tripod-friendly design
Observing Tip:
To simulate an actual star at infinity, position the artificial star as far away as your space allows (a long hallway or backyard works great). Use a small aperture mask or barlow lens on your scope if necessary to make the diffraction rings easier to see. And don’t forget—you can collimate a telescope during daylight hours with this tool, freeing up your clear nights for observing instead of tweaking.
