Celestron C10-N, C8-NGT Solar Observing Hints, Observing Deep Sky Objects, Seeing Conditions

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For safe solar viewing, use a solar filter that reduces the intensity of the Sun's light, making it safe to view. With a filter you can see sunspots as they move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright patches seen near the Sun's edge.

Solar Observing Hints

•The best time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler.

•To center the Sun without looking into the eyepiece, watch the shadow of the telescope tube until it forms a circular shadow.

•To ensure accurate tracking, be sure to select the solar tracking rate.

Observing Deep Sky Objects

Deep-sky objects are simply those objects outside the boundaries of our solar system. They include star clusters, planetary nebulae, diffuse nebulae, double stars and other galaxies outside our own Milky Way. Most deep-sky objects have a large angular size. Therefore, low-to-moderate power is all you need to see them. Visually, they are too faint to reveal any of the color seen in long exposure photographs. Instead, they appear black and white. And, because of their low surface brightness, they should be observed from a dark-sky location. Light pollution around large urban areas washes out most nebulae making them difficult, if not impossible, to observe. Light Pollution Reduction filters help reduce the background sky brightness, thus increasing contrast.

Seeing Conditions

Viewing conditions affect what you can see through your telescope during an observing session. Conditions include transparency, sky illumination, and seeing. Understanding viewing conditions and the effect they have on observing will help you get the most out of your telescope.

Transparency

Transparency is the clarity of the atmosphere which is affected by clouds, moisture, and other airborne particles. Thick cumulus clouds are completely opaque while cirrus can be thin, allowing the light from the brightest stars through. Hazy skies absorb more light than clear skies making fainter objects harder to see and reducing contrast on brighter objects. Aerosols ejected into the upper atmosphere from volcanic eruptions also affect transparency. Ideal conditions are when the night sky is inky black.

Sky Illumination

General sky brightening caused by the Moon, aurorae, natural airglow, and light pollution greatly affect transparency. While not a problem for the brighter stars and planets, bright skies reduce the contrast of extended nebulae making them difficult, if not impossible, to see. To maximize your observing, limit deep sky viewing to moonless nights far from the light polluted skies found around major urban areas. LPR filters enhance deep sky viewing from light polluted areas by blocking unwanted light while transmitting light from certain deep sky objects. You can, on the other hand, observe planets and stars from light polluted areas or when the Moon is out.

Seeing

Seeing conditions refers to the stability of the atmosphere and directly affects the amount of fine detail seen in extended objects. The air in our atmosphere acts as a lens which bends and distorts incoming light rays. The amount of bending depends on air density. Varying temperature layers have different densities and, therefore, bend light differently. Light rays from the same object arrive slightly displaced creating an imperfect or smeared image. These atmospheric

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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 Setting up the Tripod Attaching the Equatorial MountInstalling the Counterweight Bar Attaching the Center Leg BraceInstalling the Counterweight Attaching the Hand Control Holder Advanced GT Models OnlyAttaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount Telescope Installing the FinderscopeInstalling the Eyepieces Balancing the Tube in R.A Telescope Tube CompletelyAdjusting the Mount Adjusting the Mount in AltitudePowering the Telescope Attaching the Declination Cable For GT Models OnlyAdvanced GT Hand Control Hand Control Operation Alignment Procedures Startup ProcedureAuto Align Auto Three-Star AlignRe-Alignment Quick-AlignLast Alignment Object Catalog Selecting an ObjectTour Mode Setup Procedures Nine available slew speedsIdentify Scope Setup Features Observing Tip Helpful Hint Utility Features Helpful Hint Advanced GT Image Orientation Calculating Magnification FocusingAligning the Finderscope Determining Field of View General Observing HintsCelestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Latitude Scales Pointing at PolarisFinding the North Celestial Pole Declination Drift Method of Polar Alignment Observing the Planets Observing the MoonLunar Observing Hints Observing the SunSeeing Conditions Solar Observing HintsObserving Deep Sky Objects TransparencyPage 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 Additional RS232 Commands Reset The Position Of Azm Or AltAppendix 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.
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