Geoptik Artificial Star — fibre-optic point source for collimation and star testing The Geoptik Artificial Star (code 30A028) produces a small, steady point of light from a 50 µm optical fibre. Set up at a distance from the telescope, it gives a test star you can use in daylight or on cloudy nights, without waiting for good seeing or a suitable real star.
Manufacturer model: Geoptik Artificial Star, variable intensity (30A028) · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
The Geoptik Artificial Star (code 30A028) produces a small, steady point of light from a 50 µm optical fibre. Set up at a distance from the telescope, it gives a test star you can use in daylight or on cloudy nights, without waiting for good seeing or a suitable real star.
Geoptik designs this unit for collimation and star testing. The fibre output acts as a point source, so you can examine the defocused and in-focus star image to check optical alignment and evaluate the instrument's optics under repeatable conditions.
This is the variable version in Geoptik's artificial-star range. Its light output can be regulated, which Geoptik describes as a way to simulate different stellar magnitudes. A dimmer setting helps when testing smaller apertures or when a bright source would be uncomfortable to view.
The housing has a standard 1/4-inch photographic thread, so it fits an ordinary camera tripod. Geoptik states that it runs from a 9 V battery, included with the unit.
The star must be placed far enough away for the telescope to reach focus and for the test to be meaningful; the required distance increases with aperture and focal length. Geoptik does not publish a specific distance table for this unit, so follow your telescope manufacturer's collimation guidance. Do not stare into the light source at close range.
| Manufacturer code | 30A028 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 8058450360153 |
| Type | Fibre-optic artificial star generator |
| Optical fibre diameter | 50 µm |
| Light output | Adjustable intensity |
| Intended use | Telescope collimation and star testing |
| Power source | 9 V battery (included) |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Standard 1/4-inch photographic tripod thread |
| Listed weight | 0.5 kg, as listed in Geoptik's product data |
A tripod is not included.
Geoptik Artificial Star (30A028) product page
Variable-intensity white version (30A028), not the ON/OFF Stella artificiale small (30A026) or the RGB refractor version (30A027). 1/4-inch tripod thread; tripod not included. Runs on a 9 V battery. Geoptik publishes no test-distance table, brightness step count, spectral data or unit dimensions; do not state these.
| Fibre diameter (µm) | 50 |
|---|---|
| Intensity control | Adjustable intensity |
| Intended use | Collimation and star test |
| Listed weight (kg) | 0.5 |
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Geoptik Artificial Star — fibre-optic point source for collimation and star testing The Geoptik Artificial Star (code 30A028) produces a small, steady point of light from a 50 µm optical fibre. Set up at a distance from the telescope, it gives a test star you can use in daylight or on cloudy nights, without waiting for good seeing or a suitable real star.
Manufacturer model: Geoptik Artificial Star, variable intensity (30A028) · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
