Last Supermoon of 2023: Cyber Monday Deals on Stargazing Gear

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The final supermoon of the year, the “Cold Moon,” peaks on Thursday, December 4th. For those hoping to witness this celestial event up close, Cyber Monday offers a final chance to snag discounted telescopes, binoculars, and cameras. Deals are ending tonight, so quick action is advised to ensure delivery before the moon reaches its peak.

Why This Matters

Supermoons occur when the full moon coincides with the closest point in its orbit to Earth, making it appear brighter and larger than usual. These events are visually striking, but require some equipment for optimal viewing. The discounts available now make astronomy accessible to more people. The timing also highlights the consumer trend of leveraging seasonal events (like supermoons) for targeted marketing.

Telescope Deals: From Beginner to Enthusiast

Several telescope options are on sale, catering to different skill levels and budgets.

  • Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ: Down 25% to $186.85 at Amazon, this entry-level telescope pairs with a smartphone app to guide users through the night sky. It’s ideal for beginners looking at the moon, planets, and star clusters.
  • Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114AZ: A step up at $182.39 (30% off), this model offers a larger aperture for better deep-sky observation (like the Andromeda Galaxy) while remaining user-friendly.
  • Celestron Powerseeker 60AZ: For under $80, this is a simple, affordable option for absolute beginners, capable of showing lunar and planetary details.
  • Celestron Moon Mission 100mm Tabletop Dobsonian: At $149.99 (17% off), this compact telescope requires minimal setup and includes a moon map and filter for comfortable viewing.

Binocular Discounts: Portable Stargazing

Binoculars provide a convenient alternative to telescopes.

  • Celestron Skymaster 25×70: At $109.99 (21% off), these high-magnification binoculars are ideal for observing the moon and brighter objects, but require a tripod due to their size.
  • Celestron Upclose G2 10×50: A budget-friendly option at $47.90, these binoculars offer a decent view of the moon for under $50.
  • Celestron Nature DX ED 10×50: Priced at $219.95 (save $50), these binoculars feature ED glass for sharper, clearer images with minimal color fringing.

Camera Deals: Capturing the Moon

Astrophotography cameras can capture high-quality lunar images.

  • Canon EOS R7: Discounted to $1,349 (save $300), this APS-C camera benefits from a 1.6x crop factor for extended telephoto reach.
  • Sony A7 III: Priced at $1,498, this full-frame camera remains a versatile option for astrophotography.
  • Nikon Nikon Z5 II: At $1,596.95 (save $253), this affordable entry-level camera includes Starlight Mode for easier night sky composition.
  • OM SYSTEM OM-5 with 12-45mm F4.0 Pro lens: Priced at $1,299.99 (save $300), this Micro Four Thirds camera features Starry Sky Autofocus for reliable tracking.

These deals expire tonight, making now the time to act if you want to upgrade your stargazing setup before the Cold Moon reaches its peak.

The discounts presented today underscore the growing consumer interest in astronomy, fueled by accessible technology and visually spectacular events. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, there’s an option to enhance your lunar viewing experience.