Vaonis’ Hestia: Transforming Your Smartphone into an Astro-imaging Powerhouse
The Hestia telescope by Vaonis is revolutionizing smartphone astrophotography, offering an innovative and compact way to capture celestial wonders. Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth and home, Hestia launched following a hugely successful 2023 Kickstarter campaign, raising $4.1 million in just a month. Unlike previous Vaonis smart telescopes, Hestia relies on your smartphone and the Gravity app to process images, making it an affordable yet powerful tool for astronomy enthusiasts.
A Smart Telescope for Everyone
Priced at $349, the Hestia Ultimate Pack comes in a sleek, well-designed hardshell case with a solar filter, a Sun pointer, and a lightweight tripod. While compact and portable, the tripod lacks stability when fully extended. Additionally, Hestia’s mount supports only ⅜” threaded screws, limiting compatibility with some standard tripods.
Featuring a patented six-lens optical system, the 1.2-inch (30mm) objective lens and 25x zoom allow users to observe the Sun, Moon, and bright deep-sky objects. While the Hestia lacks electronics for tracking, the Vaonis Gravity App compensates by using image-stacking software to enhance image quality.
User Experience & Compatibility
Setting up the Hestia is simple:
- Place your smartphone in the adjustable magnetic brackets (though heavier phones may require additional support).
- Align the phone’s camera lens with Hestia’s eyepiece.
- Use the Gravity app (available on iOS & Android) to guide your celestial imaging.
However, not all smartphones are compatible. Only iPhone 13 and newer models support deep-sky photography, while Android users should check the Vaonis website for compatibility before purchasing.
Performance & Image Quality
The Gravity app makes imaging effortless by using your phone’s GPS to locate celestial objects. The Sun filter ensures safe solar observation, while the app’s catalog guides users to bright stars and deep-sky targets.
While the Hestia excels at solar and lunar imaging, deep-sky photography depends on dark sky conditions. Light pollution and moonlight can affect image quality, making rural locations ideal for capturing nebulae and galaxies.
A Budget-Friendly Astronomy Companion
The Hestia telescope is a game-changer for casual astronomers and smartphone photographers. While it may not replace high-end telescopes, it serves as an excellent companion device, allowing users to explore the universe without breaking the bank. Vaonis continues to push the boundaries of innovation, making astroimaging more accessible than ever.
Product Details:
Aperture: 1.2 inches
Zoom Magnification: Up to 25x
Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches (24.1 x 16.5 x 5.1 cm)
Required App: Gravity (Free)
Price: Four pack options available, from $199 to $349
Contact:
Explore Scientific
1010 S. 48th Street
Springdale, AR 72762
Phone: 1-866-252-3811
Website: www.explorescientific.com
