Hey everyone! Most of you readers probably know by now that my idea of a big telescope is a lot different than most! I have been interested in astronomy all my life and have made a serious hobby out of testing and writing about state-of-the-art astronomy equipment in Japan. Anyone interested in buying astronomy equipment at any budget level is strongly encouraged to contact me first for advice. I would make sure you don’t steer into the wrong direction when making purchases.
This 40cm Newtonian telescope is a prototype of a new design made in Japan. Optics for it come from the USA and Taiwan. This picture was taken when I was asked to take this first working prototype to first light under the stars in Kyoto!
The owner and founder of the design is Barry Gooley, President of Kokusai Kohki K.K., one of the largest and most influential telescope stores in Japan. Kokusai Kohki is located in Kyoto near Kami-Katsura station in Arashiyama. Check out:
www.kkohki.com 国際光器
where you will find an extraordinary selection of ultra-high-end professional gear as well as fine entry-level equipment for beginners and families. One of the most exotic products available there is a series of super apochromatic lens-based telescopes from a famous German maker called TMB. Check out:
www.tmboptical.com for the American site in English
Also of note is the Astronomy and Natural Science Course I offer at Kotoen. A lot of advanced level students with an interest in science, and in particular astronomy, have been coming to take this course. Below is a link to details of the course!
www.smithweb.co.jp/sub/kotoen/sub4.shtml
See you there!
Martin W Zander
マーティン・ワーナー・ザンダー
Smith’s School of English Fukushima Osaka Umeda
月謝制 の スミス 英会話 福島 校 大阪 市 梅田 校
http://www.smithweb.co.jp/school/fukushima.shtml
Smith’s School of English Kotoen Nigawa Nishinomiya
月謝制 の スミス 英会話 甲東園 校 仁川 校 西宮 市
http://www.smithweb.co.jp/school/kotoen.shtml
Martin,
That course must be a lot of fun for your students! I believe that the chance to use English outside the classroom or to study something else is an excellent way for students to really “dig in” and use English. Great work!
Al (SSE Okamoto)