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Will Night Vision eyepieces make glass obsolete?
I've noticed an increasing and cult-like adoption of night vision tubes by our brethren in the US in place of traditional glass eyepieces. Some compare it to the Dobsonian revolution in the extent that changed amateur astronomy forever, others further predict glass eyepieces will become obsolete for DSO observing in about 20 years, in the same way digital has replaced film astrophotography.
I first heard of these newer gen 3 NV devices a few years ago, but was initially dismissive of them because I thought it would be similar to looking at a screen like other forms of EAA (Electronically Assisted Astronomy) and because of the comparatively high cost of NV. However users of NV insist the experience is nothing like other EAA, instead it's almost exactly the same as regular visual observing but much much better.
Currently NV devices are mainly produced for military and recreational hunting use, they are neither manufactured or marketed for astronomical use. So some small modifications and experimentation needs to be made to adapt them for use in your telescope. Also it appears there are restrictions in importing units into Australia from the US, but units from other countries may possibly be available.
Questions... has anyone here in Australia tried one of these devices? Are any available for the Australian market? And are they truly the next revolution in amateur Astronomy that will one day make traditional observing obsolete?
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