The Best Mount for Visual Astronomy - TTS-160 Panther Pro

What if a telescope mount for visual astronomy could be moved freely by hand, immediately resume tracking and still offer full GoTo control? In this video, I meet Niels Haagh, founder of the Danish telescope mount manufacturer Track The Stars, to explore the TTS-160 Panther Pro. This unusual visual observing telescope mount combines the natural movement of a manual Alt-Az telescope mount with motorised tracking, optical encoders and full GoTo functionality. You can physically push the telescope towards a new object, let go and have the mount immediately begin tracking its new position. Alternatively, you can use the hand controller, SkySafari or astronomy software as a conventional GoTo mount for visual astronomy. Niels also demonstrates several features designed specifically for visual observers, including Target Lock, which automatically recentres an object if someone accidentally moves the telescope. This makes it particularly useful for public outreach, street astronomy and observing with children. We also look at Comfort Balancing, collision protection, adjustable clutches, the folding pier and the different ways one or two telescopes can be mounted. The Alt-Az design avoids meridian flips and helps keep the telescope and eyepiece in a comfortable orientation while observing different parts of the sky. The Panther Pro is primarily designed as a telescope mount with tracking for visual astronomy and electronically assisted astronomy, or EAA. It supports manual movement, GoTo control and tracking without forcing the observer to choose between separate operating modes. Learn more about the TTS-160 Panther Pro: https://trackthestars.com/product/tts... Track The Stars: https://trackthestars.com/ Get your Cosmic Curiosity Merch or Cosmic Field Guide here: 👉 https://deepspacebooks.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @cosmic_curiosity   #astrophotography #tutorial #cosmiccuriosity *** SOCOAL LINKS *** Got questions or just want to chat? Join our Discord community. 👉 https://discord.cosmiccuriosity.info Remember to subscribe for more videos 👉   / @cosmic_curiosity   *** SPONSORED LINKS *** Looking to upgrade your Astro gear? Astroshop.eu is the best place to shop. 👉https://astroshop.cosmiccuriosity.info ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Meet Niels Haagh and Track The Stars 00:43 - What is a Hybrid Mount 03:16 - The History of Track The Stars 05:03 - Target Lock 06:36 - Cable-Free Rotation 07:57 - Telescope Payload and Mounting Options 09:17 - Comfort Balancing 11:03 - Collision Protection 12:00 - The Folding Pier