National Geographic NG90EQ Care and Cleaning of Optics, What to Look for in the Night SKY, Moon

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CARE AND CLEANING OF OPTICS

Optical components of a telescope get dirty over time. Dirt or dust on a lens should be removed with the utmost care. A considerable amount of dirt or dust would have to accumulate on the optical surface before your view would be compromised.

1)Keeping dust caps on during storage and transport will reduce dust collection.

2)Condensation may collect on the optical surfaces when the telescope is not in use. Remove the dust caps and allow the moisture to evaporate naturally. Point the telescope downward to minimize the accumulation of airborne dust.

3)Once all moisture has evaporated, replace the dust caps.

4)Filtered, compressed air may be used to remove surface dust from lenses and mirrors. Remove the dust cap and the dew shield. Once removed, point the can away from the lens and gently expel some air and any condensation or dust that has accumulated on the discharge tube. Spray the lens or mirror with short bursts of air to carefully remove the dust particles. DO NOT HOLD THE TRIGGER OF THE COMPRESSED AIR CAN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS BECAUSE PROPELLANT FROM THE CAN MIGHT ESCAPE AND DAMAGE THE OPTICAL SURFACE.

If, after several attempts, you cannot remove the particles, take the telescope to an optical professional for cleaning.

If you keep the dust caps on your telescope when it is not in use and avoid handling the lenses or mirrors, only minimal optical maintenance of your telescope should be required. Extensive cleaning is usually only necessary every few years.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE NIGHT SKY

There is a whole universe of objects you could view at night, so where do you start? We recommend starting with the most prominent objects first.

The moon

The moon is the easiest target to find at night. When the moon is in full position, it bathes the night with a silvery light that washes the sky of all but the brightest objects. The best time to view the moon is not when it is full, but rather when it is less than half full. The dividing line between dark and light on the moon, called the terminator, shows the best detail in the craters and mountains.

The planets

The planets, our solar system companions, range in size and substance from moon-size rocky bodies to giant gas balls, which could hold Earth 1,000 times over. To find the planets, you will need information about their times of visibility. An astronomy magazine will give you the locations of the planets as they change position from month to month. The Internet is also an excellent source of information, offering star charts, maps, and more!

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Contents NG90EQ Parts of your NG90EQ Telescope Introduction Assembly Page Page Finder Scope Alignment Equatorial Mount Word about the TWO Eyepiece Ports About Magnification Eyepiece Power Power With 3X Barlow LensUsing Your Telescope for Astronomical Viewing Right ascension tightening knob Azimuth locking knob Using Your Telescope for Terrestrial ViewingWhat to Look for in the Night SKY Care and Cleaning of OpticsMoon PlanetsHow far can I see? Frequently Asked QuestionsMade in China Why can’t I see anything through my telescope?

NG90EQ specifications

The National Geographic NG90EQ is a premium-quality, fully-equipped equatorial telescope that provides amateur astronomers and enthusiasts with an exceptional viewing experience. This powerful telescope is ideal for both planetary observation and deep-sky tracking, making it a versatile addition to any stargazer's collection.

One of the standout features of the NG90EQ is its impressive 90mm aperture. This large lens collects ample light, allowing for bright and detailed images of celestial bodies. With a focal length of 900mm, the telescope offers a focal ratio of f/10, which is well-suited for high-magnification observation. This design ensures that users can easily spot planets like Jupiter and Saturn, as well as a variety of stars and nebulae.

The NG90EQ is equipped with an equatorial mount, an essential component for tracking celestial objects as they move across the night sky. This mount allows users to precisely align the telescope with the North Star, simplifying the process of finding and following planets and stars. The included setting circles further assist in locating astronomical objects, making it easier for newcomers to explore the night sky.

Another notable characteristic of the NG90EQ is its user-friendly design. The telescope features an adjustable, ergonomic tripod that provides stability and supports easy height adjustment. With an optical finderscope, users can quickly locate objects before zooming in with the main telescope. The scope also includes high-quality eyepieces, offering multiple magnification options for varied viewing experiences.

Durability is a key aspect of the NG90EQ, as it is built with robust materials that withstand regular use. Its compact design makes it portable, perfect for taking to dark sky locations away from city lights. The telescope's ease of assembly means that novice astronomers can set it up in a matter of minutes, encouraging exploration and learning.

In summary, the National Geographic NG90EQ telescope stands out due to its excellent optical performance, user-friendly features, and sturdy construction. With its equatorial mount and quality optics, this telescope is perfect for discovering the wonders of the universe, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike.