Celestron NexStar HC manual

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Eyepiece Filters - To enhance your visual observations of solar system objects, Celestron offers a wide range of colored filters that thread into the 1-1/4" oculars. Available individually are: #12 deep yellow, #21 orange, #25 red, #58 green, #80A light blue, #96 neutral density - 25%T, #96 neutral density - 13%T, and polarizing. These and other filters are also sold in sets.

Night Vision Flashlight - (#93588) - Celestron’s premium model for astronomy, using two red LED's to preserve night vision better than red filters or other devices. Brightness is adjustable. Operates on a single 9 volt battery (included).

Red Astro Lite – (#93590) – An economical squeeze-type flashlight fitted with a red cap to help preserve your night vision. Remove the red cap for normal flashlight operation. Very compact size and handy key chain.

Light Pollution Reduction (LPR) Filter - These filters are designed to enhance your views of deep sky astronomical objects when viewed from urban areas. LPR Filters selectively reduce the transmission of certain wavelengths of light, specifically those produced by artificial lights. This includes mercury and high

and low pressure sodium vapor lights. In addition, they also block unwanted natural light (sky glow) caused by neutral oxygen emission in our atmosphere. Celestron offers a model for 1-1/4" eyepieces (#94126A).

Hand Control, Upgrade (#93961) – Plugs into your NexStar HC to give you instant access to over 4,000 celestial objects. Combined with your telescope’s built-in slew motors, your NexStar will have the ability to automatically find all the Messier objects, dozens of double stars and all the planets at a touch of a button. Hand control comes with built-in RS-232

communication port capable of interfacing with popular astronomy software.

Moon Filter (#94119-A) - Celestron’s Moon Filter is an economical eyepiece filter for reducing the brightness of the moon and improving contrast, so greater detail can be observed on the lunar surface. The clear aperture is 21mm and the transmission is about 18%.

Planisphere (#93720) - A simple and inexpensive tool for all levels of observers, from naked eye viewers to users of highly sophisticated telescopes. The Celestron Planisphere makes it easy to locate stars for observing and is a great planet finder as well. A map of the night sky, oriented by month and day, rotates within a depiction of the 24 hours of the day, to display exactly which stars and planets will be visible at any given time. Ingeniously simple to use, yet quite effective. Made of durable materials and coated for added protection. Celestron Planispheres come in three different models, to match the latitude from which you’re observing:

For 20°

to 40° of latitude

#93720-30

For 30° to 50°of latitude

#93720-40

For 40°

to 60° of latitude

#93720-50

Polarizing Filter Set (#93608) - The polarizing filter set limits the transmission of light to a specific plane, thus increasing contrast between various objects. This is used primarily for terrestrial, lunar and planetary observing.

Sky Maps (#93722) - Celestron Sky Maps are the ideal teaching guide for learning the night sky. You wouldn’t set off on a road trip without a road map, and you don’t need to try to navigate the night sky without a map either. Even if you already know your way around the major constellations, these maps can help you locate all kinds of fascinating objects.

T-Adapter(#93635-A) - T-Adapter (with additional T-Ring) allows you to attach your SLR camera to the rear cell of your Celestron NexStar. This turns your NexStar into a 1300mm telephoto lens perfect for terrestrial photography and short exposure lunar and filtered solar photography.

T-Ring - The T-Ring couples your 35mm SLR camera body to the T-Adapter. This accessory is mandatory if you want to do photography through the telescope. Each camera make (i.e., Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, etc.) has its own unique mount and therefore, its own T-Ring. Celestron has 8 different models for 35mm cameras.

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Contents Page Celestial Coordinate System Telescope Maintenance Some of the many standard features of the NexStar include Flip Mirror Focuser Knob Direction Buttons Page Assembling the NexStar Powering the NexStarEyepiece Hand ControlEyepieceStarPointer Diagonal Flip Mirror Control Focuser KnobStar Pointer Finderscope with Mounting Bracket Star Pointer FinderscopePage Hand Control Rate Button Utility FeaturesGuideStar Software NexStar Hand Control Hand Control Operation Alignment ProcedureEnter Selecting an Object Object CatalogSlewing to an Object More InformationDirection Buttons Tour ModeObserving Tip Setup Procedures User Objects Helpful Utility FeaturesNexStar Ready Image Orientation Calculating Magnification FocusingDetermining Field of View General Observing Hints Celestial sphere seen from the outside showing R.A. and DEC Celestial Coordinate SystemMotion of the Stars Definition Polar Alignment with optional WedgeAttaching a Camera to the NexStar Photography with the NexStarFinding the North Celestial Pole Observing the Planets Observing the MoonObserving Deep Sky Objects Observing the SunSeeing Conditions TransparencySeeing Care and Cleaning of the Optics Super Modified Achromatic SMA Eyepieces 11/4 Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Appendix B Glossary of Terms Page Page Appendix C Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron ONE Year Warranty Page Addendum to Nexstar Telescope Manual

NexStar HC specifications

The Celestron NexStar Hand Controller (HC) is an advanced control unit designed to enhance the astronomical observation experience for both novice and experienced stargazers. This innovative device is an integral part of the NexStar telescope series and offers a range of features that simplify the process of locating celestial objects.

One of the main features of the NexStar HC is its user-friendly interface. The controller is equipped with a large, illuminated LCD screen that displays essential information clearly, even in low-light conditions. The layout is intuitive, allowing users to quickly familiarize themselves with its functions. The keypad includes dedicated buttons for common tasks, making it easy to navigate the expansive database of celestial objects.

The NexStar HC boasts an impressive database containing over 40,000 celestial objects, making it a powerful tool for astrophotography and observational astronomy. Users can access planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae at the touch of a button. The built-in database allows for precise and efficient locating of objects, significantly reducing the time spent searching the night sky.

One of the standout technologies featured in the NexStar Hand Controller is the GoTo functionality. This advanced tracking technology enables the telescope to automatically locate and track celestial objects with high precision. By entering the desired object into the controller, users can allow the telescope to autonomously adjust its position, providing a hassle-free experience.

Additionally, the NexStar HC supports various alignment methods, including SkyAlign, AutoAlign, and One-Star Align. These alignment techniques assist in calibrating the telescope for optimal tracking and positioning. The SkyAlign method, in particular, allows users to point the telescope at any three bright stars, and the HC will calculate the telescope's location in relation to those stars, making alignment accessible even for beginners.

The NexStar Hand Controller is also compatible with Celestron’s StarSense technology, enabling automatic alignment using a smartphone. This feature allows users to refine their observations seamlessly and provides a modern twist to traditional stargazing methods.

Other notable characteristics include programmable go-to tracking speeds and the ability to save user-defined locations. The controller’s ergonomic design ensures comfort during long observing sessions, while the robust build quality guarantees durability.

In summary, the Celestron NexStar Hand Controller combines a wealth of features and cutting-edge technologies to enhance the stargazing experience. Its user-friendly interface, extensive database, versatile alignment methods, and compatibility with advanced tracking systems make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.
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