Aligning the R.A. Setting Circle

5.Using the altitude and azimuth adjustment screws (#14 & #20), move the mount until Polaris is in the field of view of the finderscope. Rough adjustments in azimuth can be made by moving the tripod.

6.Center Polaris using the altitude and azimuth controls. Remember, do not move the telescope in

R.A. and DEC. You want to adjust the direction the polar axis is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where the polar axis is pointing.

This gets you close to the pole but not directly on it. In order to improve your accuracy for more serious observations and photography Celestron offer an optional Polar Axis Finderscope (#94221) that fits into the polar axis of the mount.

Before you can use the setting circles to find objects in the sky you need to align the R.A. setting circle. The declination setting circle is aligned during the process of polar alignment.

In order to align the R.A. setting circle, you will need to know the names of a few of the brightest stars in the sky. If you don’t, they can be learned by using the Celestron Sky Maps (#93722) or consulting a current astronomy magazine.

To align the R.A. setting circle:

1.Locate a bright star near the celestial equator. The farther you are from the celestial pole the better your reading on the R.A. setting circle will be. The star you choose to align the setting circle with should be a bright one whose coordinates are known and easy to look up.

2.Center the star in the finderscope.

3.Look through the main telescope and see if the star is in the field. If not, find it and center it.

4.If you purchased an optional motor drive, start it now so that it will track the star.

5.Look up the coordinates of the star.

6.Rotate the circle until the proper coordinates line up with the R.A. indicator (the zero mark on the vernier scale). The R.A. setting circle should rotate freely.

NOTE: Because the R.A. setting circle does NOT move as the telescope moves in R.A., the setting circle must be aligned each time you want to use it to find an object. This holds true even if you are using an optional motor drive. However, you do not need to use a star each time. Instead, you can use the coordinates of the object you are currently observing.

Once the setting circles are aligned you can use them to find any objects with known coordinates. The accuracy of your setting circles is directly related to the accuracy of your polar alignment.

1.Select an object to observe. Use a seasonal star chart to make sure the object you chose is above the horizon. As you become more familiar with the night sky, this will no longer be necessary.

2.Look up the coordinates in an atlas or reference book.

3.Hold the telescope and release the DEC clamp.

4.Move the telescope in declination until the indicator is pointing at the correct declination coordinate.

5.Lock the declination clamp to prevent the telescope from moving.

21077, 1510, 21016, 31027 specifications

Celestron is a renowned brand in the world of astronomy, known for producing high-quality telescopes and accessories that cater to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Among their popular products, the Celestron 31027, 21016, 1510, and 21077 telescopes stand out due to their distinctive features, innovative technologies, and user-friendly designs.

The Celestron 31027, also known as the Astromaster 70AZ telescope, is an excellent choice for novices. It features a 70mm aperture, which provides striking clarity of celestial objects. With a lightweight and portable design, this telescope is easy to transport and set up. The smooth Alt-Az mount allows for effortless tracking of objects, and the included finderscope enhances navigation through the night sky. Additionally, the Astromaster 70AZ comes with two eyepieces, offering different magnification options for both planetary and deep-sky observations.

Celestron's 21016 model, the Astromaster 90AZ telescope, takes the features of the 31027 to a higher level with a 90mm aperture. This larger gathering of light significantly enhances the viewing experience, providing detailed images of planets, the Moon, and star clusters. Similar to the 31027, it also includes a sturdy Alt-Az mount and high-quality optics, making it user-friendly for beginners and experienced users alike.

The Celestron 1510 telescope, part of the FirstScope series, is uniquely designed with a compact and portable form factor ideal for impromptu stargazing. This telescope features a 76mm aperture and a simple design optimized for ease of use. The FirstScope's ease of assembly and lightweight construction allows observers to quickly set up the telescope and enjoy a night under the stars. Remarkably, the 1510 model incorporates a stable base, making it perfect for both stationary use and quick setups in the field.

The Celestron 21077 is the NexStar 5SE telescope, which offers an advanced experience with its computerized mount and a 125mm aperture. This telescope is equipped with Celestron's SkyAlign technology, allowing users to quickly align the telescope with the night sky using three simple star alignments. The NexStar 5SE comes with a database of thousands of celestial objects, enabling users to locate planets, star clusters, and galaxies with ease. Additionally, its compact design ensures portability while still providing excellent light-gathering capabilities.

In summary, Celestron's 31027, 21016, 1510, and 21077 telescopes each present unique advantages that cater to different levels of experience and usage preferences. From beginner-friendly models that prioritize ease of use, to more advanced options with computerized features, Celestron effectively bridges the gap between novice and experienced stargazers. Each telescope is meticulously designed, making stunning astronomical views accessible to everyone.