Using the R.A. Vernier Scale

6.Hold the telescope and release the R.A. clamp.

7.Move the telescope in R.A. until the indicator points to the correct coordinate.

8.Lock the R.A. clamp to prevent the telescope from slipping in R.A. The telescope will track in R.A. as long as the motor drive is operating.

9.Look through the finderscope to see if you have located the object.

10.Center the object in the finder.

11.Look in the main optics and the object should be there. For some of the fainter objects, you may not be able to see them in the finder. When this happens, it is a good idea to have a star chart of the area so that you can “star hop” through the field to your target.

This process can be repeated for each object throughout any given night.

To increase the accuracy of the R.A. setting circle, the mount comes with a vernier. This device allows you to get more precise readings down to one minute of right ascension.

Before we go into the specifics on how to use the vernier, let’s take a look at the scale and learn how to read it. First, the zero (0) mark on the vernier is the R.A. indicator and will hereafter be referred to as such. It is on the extreme right end of the vernier scale with the other numbers increasing as you move toward the left.

If the R.A. indicator is right on one of the marks of the R.A. setting circle, then that is the coordinate the telescope is pointing at. The problem arises when the R.A. indicator (zero mark) is in between two of the marks on the R.A. setting circle. If this is the case you will notice that along the vernier scale, one of the marks will line up with one of the marks on the setting circle. This mark indicates the number of minutes that should be added to the R.A. reading of the indicator. Since the indicator is between two R.A. marks, add the minutes to the lower value that the R.A. indicator falls between.

For example, let’s say the R.A. indicator (zero mark on the vernier) is just left of the 5h 40m mark. This would place it between the 5h 40m mark and the 5h 50m mark. If you look down the vernier scale, you will see that the “4” is the only mark to line up with any of the marks on the R.A. setting circle (see figure 8).

This means that you are 4 minutes to the left of the 5h and 40m mark or more simply at 5h and 44m.

Figure 8

Here’s how to use the vernier:

1.Look up the coordinates of the object you want to observe. For our example we will use the Ring Nebula (M57) which is at 18h 53m right ascension.

2.Release the R.A. clamp and rotate the telescope until the R.A. indicator is between the 18h 50m mark and the 19h 00m mark on the R.A. setting circle.

3.Lock the R.A. clamp to hold the telescope in place.

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.