Celestron Travel Scope 80mm f/5 AZ Refractor Telescope Kit - Manual (Page 13)

ENGLISH I 13
CELESTIAL OBSERVING
With your telescope set up, you are ready to use it for observing This section covers visual observing hints for solar system and
deep sky objects as well as general observing conditions which will affect your ability to observe
OBSERVING THE MOON
With your telescope set up, you are ready to use it for observing This section covers visual observing hints for solar system and
deep sky objects as well as general observing conditions which will affect your ability to observe
Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full At this time, the face
we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering In addition,
little or no contrast can be seen during this phase One of the best times
to observe the Moon is during its partial phases (around the time of first or
third quarter) Long shadows reveal a great amount of detail on the lunar
surface At low power you will be able to see most of the lunar disk at
one time Change to optional eyepieces for higher power (magnification) to
focus in on a smaller area
Lunar Observing Hints
To increase contrast and bring out detail on the lunar surface, use optional
filters A yellow filter works well at improving contrast while a neutral density
or polarizing filter will reduce overall surface brightness and glare
OBSERVING THE PLANETS
Other fascinating targets include the five naked eye planets You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases Mars can reveal
a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps You may be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red
Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing) In addition, you will also
be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet Saturn,
with its beautiful rings, is e visible at moderate power
Planetary Observing Hints
• Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on
how much planetary detail will be visible So, avoid observing the planets
when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source
of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney See the “Seeing
Conditions” section later in this section
• To increase contrast and bring out detail on the planetary surface, try
using Celestron eyepiece filters
OBSERVING THE SUN
Although overlooked by many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both rewarding and fun However, because the Sun is so
bright, special precautions must be taken when observing our star so as not to damage your eyes or your telescope
For safe solar viewing, use a proper solar filter that reduces the intensity of the Sun’s light, making it safe to view With a filter you
can see sunspots as they move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright patches seen near the Sun’s edge
• The best time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler
• To center the Sun without looking into the eyepiece, watch the shadow of the telescope tube until it forms a circular shadow