The Hestia Smart Telescope by Vaonis transforms your smartphone into a smart telescope through a unique combination of optics, prisms, and a companion app called Gravity. The Hestia is available in two packages: the standard and the premium. In this review, we're covering the premium package, a powerful tool for exploring the solar system and night sky!
Vaonis Hestia Overview
The Hestia features a 30mm lens that provides 25x more magnification than a smartphone alone. Around the lens is a simple, reliable focuser that twists to adjust sharpness. The eyepiece includes magnetic brackets for securing your smartphone to the Hestia. The package also includes a tripod with three extendable legs, reaching approximately 5 feet in height. Its adjustable head allows precise movement and includes a mounting shoe that connects the Hestia to the tripod.
Before setting up, users are advised to download the Gravity app, which requires scanning a QR code on the Hestia to unlock its features. Additionally, the premium package includes a solar filter and a sun finder. Everything is neatly packaged in a durable carrying case, making setup straightforward.
The Gravity App
The Gravity app enhances the Hestia’s functionality. Upon launching, users see two main shortcuts: Moon mode and Sun mode. These provide information about the Moon and Sun, such as their positions and distances. Accessing the camera button opens five imaging modes.
Scenery Mode
This mode allows free movement and adjustment of exposure time, ISO, framing, and focus. Focusing is achieved by twisting the lens, but the app also offers a focus assistant that takes multiple photos at different focus points, letting users select the sharpest one. This mode is intuitive and offers excellent starting results.
Lunar Mode
By selecting "Moon" in the drop-down menu, users can manually align the Hestia with the Moon. The 25x magnification makes centering easy. Focus and exposure settings are similar to those in Scenery Mode, delivering detailed lunar images.
Solar Mode
This mode requires users to follow safety protocols, such as using the included solar filter. After aligning the Hestia with the Sun, users can adjust camera settings to capture details like sunspots. Photos can be processed using stacking software for enhanced results, making this mode particularly exciting for solar observation.
Deep Sky Mode
This mode employs plate solving, a technique to identify celestial objects by comparing the star field to a database. After selecting a deep-sky object, the app provides directional guidance using a blue glow and a compass for fine alignment. Real-time updates ensure precise centering, allowing users to capture detailed images of deep-sky objects. While this mode doesn’t work with all smartphones yet, compatibility is expanding.
Planetary Mode
Users manually locate planets, as plate solving is not currently available for this mode. Adjusting exposure and ISO settings reveals planetary details, such as Jupiter's moons. This mode highlights how the Hestia can capture both planetary disks and their surrounding features.
The Final Verdict
The Hestia’s versatility and ease of use, particularly with its companion app, cannot be understated. The ability to enhance and process images with minimal equipment makes it an excellent tool for astronomy enthusiasts.
Learn More
Interested in diving deeper into the world of astronomy? Not sure where to begin? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
