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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Explore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount

Explore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-MAZ01-00
$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
Price Match Policy!
  • Light-to-medium-duty alt-azimuth mount
  • Adjustable angle head for zenith clearance
  • Slow-motion controls on both axes
  • Vixen-style universal dovetail saddle
  • Stainless steel tripod with spreader bar
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount

    The Explore Scientific Twilight I is a robust, grab-and-go alt-azimuth mount designed for observers who value simplicity and stability. Engineered for small to medium refractors and lightweight Newtonians, it provides a solid, intuitive platform for visual astronomy without the complexity of electronic systems. Its powder-coated aluminum construction, dual-axis worm gears, and stainless steel tripod deliver smooth, reliable motion for tracking celestial objects.

    Twilight I Mount Head: Zenith Clearance and Slow-Motion Control

    The Twilight I mount head is built from powder-coated aluminum and features worm gears on both axes for smooth tracking. A key feature is the adjustable head, which can be tilted to provide extra clearance, allowing your telescope to point directly to the zenith without hitting the tripod. This is critical for observing objects passing directly overhead.

    Fine adjustments are managed by two flexible slow-motion control cables with oversized, knurled knobs that are easy to operate even with gloves on. For maximum convenience, the cables can be attached to either side of each axis, accommodating both right and left-handed observers or different telescope configurations like refractors and Newtonians.

    Stainless Steel Tripod: A Stable Foundation for Grab-and-Go Astronomy

    A mount is only as good as its foundation, and the Twilight I includes a sturdy stainless steel tripod. The adjustable legs allow you to set a comfortable observing height, while the wide footprint creates a very stable base. A central spreader bar locks the legs firmly in place, significantly damping vibrations and ensuring your views remain steady.

    Vixen-Style Saddle: Broad Compatibility with Small to Medium Telescopes

    The Twilight I is equipped with a Vixen-style universal dovetail bar saddle, the de facto standard for many small to medium-sized telescopes. This ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of optical tubes, including popular 80mm and 102mm refractors or lightweight, fast Newtonians. If your telescope has a Vixen-style plate, you can mount it quickly and securely for your next observing session.

  • What telescopes work best with the Explore Scientific Twilight I mount?

    The Twilight I is a light-to-medium-duty mount, making it ideal for small to medium-sized refractors (like the Explore Scientific ED80 or ED102), Maksutov-Cassegrains, and lightweight Newtonian reflectors. Any telescope with a standard Vixen-style dovetail bar will be compatible.

    Can I move the slow-motion controls on the Twilight I to either side?

    Yes. The slow-motion control cables can be attached to either side of both the altitude and azimuth axes. This flexibility allows you to customize the setup for right or left-handed use and to position the knobs for easy access regardless of your telescope's shape and orientation.

    Why is the adjustable angle head on the Twilight I important?

    The adjustable angle head allows the mount to tilt back, creating more clearance between the back of your telescope and the tripod legs. This prevents the telescope from colliding with the tripod when you are pointing it straight up towards the zenith, a common limitation on simpler alt-azimuth mounts.

    How does the Twilight I perform with an 80mm refractor for viewing the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    The Twilight I is an excellent match for a short-tube 80mm refractor. This combination provides a stable, wide-field setup perfect for sweeping the Milky Way or framing large objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The manual slow-motion controls allow you to smoothly pan across the object and follow its slow drift across the sky with ease.

    Is the Twilight I stable enough for observing planets like Jupiter with a 102mm refractor?

    Yes, the stainless steel tripod and spreader bar system provide the necessary stability for planetary observation at higher magnifications. When properly balanced, the mount will minimize vibrations, allowing you to use the slow-motion controls to make the fine adjustments needed to track Jupiter and resolve details like its cloud bands and Galilean moons.

    What are the main advantages of a manual mount like the Twilight I compared to a GoTo mount?

    A manual mount like the Twilight I offers several advantages:

    • Simplicity and Speed: There is no alignment procedure, batteries, or software. You can set it up and be observing in minutes.
    • No Power Required: It's perfect for remote dark-sky sites where power is unavailable.
    • Intuitive Learning: It encourages you to learn the night sky by manually locating objects ("star hopping").
    • Durability: With no electronics, there are fewer potential points of failure.
  • GTIN 812257010622
  • Explore Scientific Warranty