Celestron C10-N, C8-NGT manual Finding the North Celestial Pole

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Remember, while Polar aligning, do NOT move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You do not want to move the telescope itself, but the polar axis. The telescope is used simply to see where the polar axis is pointing.

Like the previous method, this gets you close to the pole but not directly on it. The following methods help improve your accuracy for more serious observations and photography.

Finding the North Celestial Pole

In each hemisphere, there is a point in the sky around which all the other stars appear to rotate. These points are called the celestial poles and are named for the hemisphere in which they reside. For example, in the northern hemisphere all stars move around the north celestial pole. When the telescope's polar axis is pointed at the celestial pole, it is parallel to the Earth's rotational axis.

 

Many methods of polar alignment require that you know how to find the celestial pole by

 

identifying stars in the area. For those in the northern hemisphere, finding the celestial pole is

 

not too difficult. Fortunately, we have a naked eye star less than a degree away. This star,

 

Polaris, is the end star in the handle of the Little Dipper. Since the Little Dipper (technically

 

called Ursa Minor) is not one of the brightest constellations in the sky, it may be difficult to

 

locate from urban areas. If this is the case, use the two end stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper

 

(the pointer stars). Draw an imaginary line through them toward the Little Dipper. They point

 

to Polaris (see Figure 5-5). The position of the Big Dipper changes during the year and

 

throughout the course of the night (see Figure 5-4). When the Big Dipper is low in the sky

 

(i.e., near the horizon), it may be difficult to locate. During these times, look for Cassiopeia

 

(see Figure 5-5). Observers in the southern hemisphere are not as fortunate as those in the

 

northern hemisphere. The stars around the south celestial pole are not nearly as bright as those

 

around the north. The closest star that is relatively bright is Sigma Octantis. This star is just

Definition

within naked eye limit (magnitude 5.5) and lies about 59 arc minutes from the pole.

 

The north celestial pole is the point in the northern hemisphere around which all

 

stars appear to rotate. The counterpart in the southern hemisphere is referred to as

 

the south celestial pole.

Figure 5-4 The position of the

Big Dipper changes

throughout the year and the

night.

Figure 5-5

The two stars in the front of the bowl of the Big Dipper point to Polaris which is less than one degree from the true (north) celestial pole. Cassiopeia, the “W” shaped constellation, is on the opposite side of the pole from the Big Dipper. The North Celestial Pole (N.C.P.) is marked by the “+” sign.

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Contents Advanced Series Advanced Series GT Precise GoTo Scope Setup Features Telescope Maintenance Page Advanced Series Newtonian Advanced Series GT Newtonian Attaching the Equatorial Mount Setting up the TripodAttaching the Center Leg Brace Installing the Counterweight BarAttaching the Hand Control Holder Advanced GT Models Only Installing the CounterweightAttaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount Telescope Installing the FinderscopeInstalling the Eyepieces Telescope Tube Completely Balancing the Tube in R.AAdjusting the Mount in Altitude Adjusting the MountAttaching the Declination Cable For GT Models Only Powering the TelescopeAdvanced GT Hand Control Hand Control Operation Startup Procedure Alignment ProceduresAuto Three-Star Align Auto AlignRe-Alignment Quick-AlignLast Alignment Selecting an Object Object CatalogTour Mode Nine available slew speeds Setup ProceduresIdentify Scope Setup Features Observing Tip Helpful Hint Utility Features Helpful Hint Advanced GT Image Orientation Calculating Magnification FocusingAligning the Finderscope General Observing Hints Determining Field of ViewCelestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Pointing at Polaris Latitude ScalesFinding the North Celestial Pole Declination Drift Method of Polar Alignment Observing the Sun Observing the MoonLunar Observing Hints Observing the PlanetsTransparency Solar Observing HintsObserving Deep Sky Objects Seeing ConditionsPage Piggyback Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography Reducing Vibration Terrestrial PhotographyMetering Auto Guiding Aligning the Secondary Mirror Care and Cleaning of the OpticsCollimation Aligning the Primary Mirror Night Time Star Collimating Page Page Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Appendix B Glossary of Terms Page Eclipsing or obscuring the brightness of the star Appendix C Longitudes Latitudes Georgia Minnesota Rhode Island Canada Appendix D RS-232 Connection Reset The Position Of Azm Or Alt Additional RS232 CommandsAppendix E Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron TWO Year Warranty
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C10-N, C8-NGT, C8-N specifications

The Celestron C8-NGT, C8-N, and C10-N telescopes represent a range of superior astronomical instruments that cater to both novice and experienced astronomers alike. Among these, the C8-NGT combines the advanced features of a computerized telescope with the simplicity of a Newtonian design. Its 8-inch aperture allows for impressive light-gathering capability, making it ideal for observing distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. The GoTo mount enhances usability, enabling users to locate celestial objects effortlessly with the push of a button.

The C8-N, also featuring an 8-inch aperture, stands out with its open tube design that provides maximum airflow and minimizes thermal issues, ensuring optimal performance. The scope is designed with user-friendly adjustments and a sturdy equatorial mount, allowing for smooth tracking of celestial objects. Its high-quality optics provide sharp images and incredible clarity, making it suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observations.

On the other hand, the C10-N is the largest in this lineup, boasting a 10-inch aperture that dramatically enhances its light-gathering ability. This larger size makes the C10-N a powerhouse for serious astronomers looking to explore fainter objects and intricate details within astronomical features. Like the C8-N, it employs a Newtonian reflector design, allowing for a compact and manageable profile, while still providing stunning visuals across a range of celestial bodies.

All three telescopes incorporate Celestron's commitment to creating durable, robust, and user-friendly systems. They utilize premium quality glass and optics, which are coated to improve light transmission and provide high-contrast images. Additionally, they are designed with ease of assembly and portability in mind, catering to astronomers who enjoy observing in various locations.

The Celestron C8-NGT, C8-N, and C10-N serve as excellent options for anyone looking to deepen their astronomical pursuits, offering a blend of advanced technology, high-quality optical performance, and user-friendly features. Whether you're a beginner eager to peer into the wonders of the universe or an experienced observer at the peak of your skills, these telescopes offer a remarkable means to expand your cosmic horizons. With precision engineering and thoughtful design, Celestron continues to be a trusted name in the world of astronomy.