With the introduction of the most recent iteration of its AI observatories known as the Iliad Smart Telescope, Unistellar is expanding its target audience to include amateur astronomers.
Unveiled at Les 2024, a significant software industry event in Las Vegas, the new technology from Unistellar, headquartered in Marseille, France, and San Francisco, aims to offer an unparalleled stargazing experience. The company pledges to provide both seasoned astronomers and newcomers with the opportunity to explore the universe from the convenience of their homes, even in urban environments.
A review of Unistellar’s telescopes highlighted the increased accessibility of amateur astronomy. Through the utilization of citizen science and fundraising initiatives, Unistellar’s initial telescope models allow users to observe galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae despite the light pollution prevalent in urban areas.
In an interview with VentureBeat, Franck Marchis, the Chief Research Officer at Unistellar, revealed the imminent launch of the second generation of their telescopes.
The incorporation of machine learning and AI technologies has played a pivotal role in combating light pollution, enabling individuals to witness celestial wonders without the necessity of traveling to remote locations. This advancement showcases the transformative influence of AI on everyday products and applications. My personal testing of Unistellar’s spring 2 telescope from my backyard confirmed the effectiveness of this approach.
Odyssey
The Odyssey Pro telescope from Unistellar serves as a portal to the cosmos from one’s own backyard, catering to users with diverse levels of expertise in tasks such as camera focus and image optimization.
With a legacy encompassing two versions—the Odyssey and the Iliad Pro—spanning over two decades, the Odyssey signifies a significant advancement in telescope technology.
Marchis highlighted the company’s dedication to making astronomy more accessible by developing a telescope that enables users to promptly engage in stargazing adventures right out of the box. This vision was shaped by insights gathered from the initial telescope models.
The project commenced in January 2017, and after successfully raising \(2.5 million through a Kickstarter campaign in November 2017, Unistellar launched the \)4,899 eVscope 2 in 2020, followed by the spring 2 in early 2023.
Unistellar’s extensive database of observable stars equips users with valuable insights during their observations, fostering engagement within a global community of astronomy enthusiasts.
Individuals worldwide, including members of the Citizen Science Network, have utilized Unistellar’s telescopes to explore celestial marvels like Arcturus and the M3 star cluster, gaining a deeper comprehension of the vastness and intricacies of the universe.
Marchis emphasized the significance of democratizing access to space exploration, highlighting the growing interest in space missions and the role of Unistellar’s telescopes in nurturing scientific curiosity and awareness.
A brand-new lens
The Odyssey Pro introduces a notable innovation—an observing eyepiece that provides a more traditional stargazing experience compared to its predecessors, the eQuinox2 series. This feature sets the Odyssey Pro apart by granting users the option to view celestial objects directly through the eyepiece or via a connected smartphone.
Users can easily adjust the telescope’s orientation using a dedicated smartphone application, which has been enhanced in the latest iteration to streamline the stargazing experience.
Laurent Marfisi, the CEO of Unistellar, emphasized the transformative nature of the Iliad Smart Telescope, highlighting its role in democratizing space exploration and enabling users to embark on journeys millions of light-years away with simplicity and excitement.
The Odyssey’s user-friendly functionality is supported by cutting-edge technologies, including Nikon High Precision Optics for accurate astronomical observations and Superb Autofocus driven by advanced algorithms for unparalleled clarity in viewing distant celestial objects.
Marchis expressed his enthusiasm for these technological advancements, underscoring the meticulous development process that culminated in the user-friendly design and enhanced performance capabilities of the second-generation telescope.
Unistellar’s innovative gaming interface facilitates seamless control of the telescope’s field of view, enriching the overall stargazing experience for users.
The Multi-Depth Technology integrated into the Odyssey enables smooth transitions between observing nearby planets like Jupiter and distant galaxies like the Whirlpool Galaxy, offering a comprehensive celestial exploration experience.
Weighing only 8.8 pounds, the Odyssey is compact and user-friendly, complemented by the Unistellar application, which serves as a digital guide for celestial observations, enabling users to share their experiences with friends and family.
The Odyssey Pro’s Nikon lens boasts superior quality with 4.1 pixels, providing enhanced viewing experiences for users who prefer traditional eyepiece viewing or smartphone-based observation.
Availability and Cost
Unistellar’s product range includes the Odyssey and Odyssey Pro telescopes, priced at \(2,500 and \)4,000 respectively, catering to users’ preferences for smartphone-based or eyepiece viewing experiences. The Odyssey Pro Red Edition, priced at $4,500, embodies cutting-edge technology and a spirit of space exploration.
Unistellar’s website and authorized resellers offer the Odyssey and Odyssey Pro for purchase, with a showcase scheduled at CES Las Vegas 2024 in collaboration with Nikon.
The company’s collaboration with NASA and the SETI Institute underscores its commitment to promoting citizen science and rewarding users for their contributions to astronomical research, as highlighted in a recent publication in the journal Nature.
Marchis reiterated Unistellar’s commitment to establishing an inclusive and engaging platform for astronomy enthusiasts, empowering users to delve into the mysteries of the universe effortlessly. The company’s ecosystem aims to deliver a seamless stargazing experience, enabling users to explore the cosmos with ease and precision.
