The clear skies and full moon over Easter proved mighty helpful for those of us needing to navigate our way to campgrounds in the middle of the night. And the star-filled nights reminded me of just how little I know about the night sky, and put me in mind to buy a decent book on the subject.
Alternatively, if my Lotto numbers ever come in, I might just invest in a Celestron SkyScout.
This dead clever hand-held telescope cum personal planetarium deservedly won a coveted "Best of Innovations" award at this year's International Consumer Electronics show.
It combines GPS technology with point and click convenience to identify stars, constellations and planets. All you have to do is aim the SkyScout at any star and press the "target" button.
It will instantly tell you what you are looking at and can provide audio (via headphones) and text facts, trivia, history and mythology about the most popular celestial objects.
To locate a specific star or planet, select from the menu then follow the directional arrows through the viewfinder.
SkyScout also finds comets, asteroids and even satellites. It connects to your computer to update its own database via the internet, so can be kept up with any late-breaking celestial "news".
It is due in American stores in May (no word on local availability yet but check www.celestron.com) and will retail for US$400 ($633).
Airshield sunglasses are not quite so universally enlightening, but are potential lifesavers for those who find themselves allergic to camping holidays. These special glasses are designed to relieve your eyes from the misery of hay fever.
An adjustable air tube just behind the ear connects the frames to a battery-operated air pump containing a special filter to help remove microscopic particles.
They work by filtering the air around your face and blowing pollen away from your sensitive eyes. You carry the pump in a handbag or pocket or wear it on a belt.
If neither the night sky nor the birds and bees justify leaving the TV behind for a compulsory family camping holiday, consider investing $1000 or so in another type of eyewear.
The eMagin Eyebud 800 personal display system delivers high-resolution video from any video-capable iPod or other personal video player, allowing you to watch movies in trains, planes and automobiles - or anywhere else you can use an iPod.
The display can be adjusted for either left- or right-eye dominant pirate wannabes. To complete the personal theatre experience, the system also includes high quality stereo earbuds and a noise-cancelling microphone.
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