A device designed to connect a smartphone to a telescope, these mechanisms allow users to capture images and videos of celestial or terrestrial objects viewed through the telescope’s optics. They typically consist of a bracket or clamp that securely holds the phone in alignment with the telescope’s eyepiece. As an example, a person observing the moon through a telescope can use this type of connector to take a photograph of the lunar surface using their phone’s camera.
The utility of these tools lies in their ability to democratize astrophotography and nature photography. By enabling users to leverage the processing power and image quality of modern smartphones, they offer a convenient and accessible means of documenting observations. Historically, capturing images through a telescope required specialized cameras and complex setups. These adapters simplify the process, making it easier for amateur astronomers, birdwatchers, and other enthusiasts to share their observations.