Celestron CR-150 HD instruction manual How to Use This Manual AWordofCaution, Introduction

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How to Use This Manual

How to Use This Manual

AWordofCaution!

This manual is designed to instruct you in the proper use of your Celestron refracting telescope. This includes assembly, initial use, and long term operation and maintenance. There are four major sections to the manual. The first section covers the proper procedure for setting up your Celestron refracting telescope.

The second section covers basic operations that are common to all telescopes. This includes attaching the accessories, focusing, aligning the finderscope, and taking your first look.

The third section deals with the basics of astronomy and using your telescope for astronomical viewing. This includes polar alignment, aligning the setting circles and using your Celestron for astronomical observations, both visual and photographic. The last major section is on telescope maintenance, specifically on care and cleaning.

In addition to the major sections listed above, there is a list of optional accessories for all models of Celestron refractors. This includes a brief description of the accessory and its purpose.

Finally, there is a list of celestial objects visible through your Celestron telescope. Included are the coordinates for each object, its brightness and a code which indicates object type. In addition, there is a list of bright stars that can be used for aligning the setting circles on the CG-5 equatorial mount.

You should keep your refractor manual handy until you have fully mastered your telescope’s operation.

Your Celestron refractor is designed to give you hours of fun and rewarding observa- tions. However, there are a few things to consider before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and protect your eyes and your equipment.

WARNING ! NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITH THE NAKED EYE OR WITH A TELESCOPE. PERMANENT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT AN IMAGE OF THE SUN ONTO ANY SURFACE. INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP CAN DAMAGE THE TELESCOPE AND/OR ANY ACCESSORIES ATTACHED TO IT.

NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE SOLAR FILTER OR A HERSCHEL WEDGE. INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP INSIDE THE TELESCOPE CAN CAUSE THESE DEVICES TO CRACK OR BREAK, ALLOWING UNFILTERED SUNLIGHT TO PASS THROUGH TO THE EYE.

NEVER LEAVE THE TELESCOPE UNSUPERVISED, EITHER WHEN CHIL- DREN ARE PRESENT OR ADULTS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE CORRECT OPERATING PROCEDURES OF YOUR TELESCOPE.

NEVER POINT YOUR TELESCOPE AT THE SUN UNLESS YOU HAVE THE PROPER SOLAR FILTER. WHEN USING YOUR TELESCOPE WITH THE CORRECT SOLAR FILTER, ALWAYS COVER THE FINDER. ALTHOUGH SMALL IN APERTURE, THIS INSTRUMENT HAS ENOUGH LIGHT GATH- ERING POWER TO CAUSE PERMANENT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE. IN ADDITION, THE IMAGE PROJECTED BY THE FINDER IS HOT ENOUGH TO BURN SKIN OR CLOTHING.

Introduction • 5

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Contents 6 Refractor Model #21017The CR-150HD Assembling the CG-5Equatorial Mount T A B L E O F C O N T E N T Sii Table of Contents Table of Contents Using the Lens Cap Aperture Stop4 Introduction I N T R O D U C T I O NIntroduction How to Use This Manual AWordofCaution6 Introduction The Refractor Optical SystemThe Mount Unpacking Your CR-150HD A S S E M B L I N G Y O U R C R - 1 5 0 H DThe CR-150HD Tripod Head Setting Up the Tripod Adjusting the Tripod HeightAssembling the CG-5Equatorial Mount 10 The CR-150HD Attaching the Accessory TrayAttaching the Equatorial Mount 12 The CR-150HD Attaching the R.A. Slow Motion KnobAttaching the Declination Slow Motion Knob 14 The CR-150HD 1.Lock the DEC clamp to hold the mount in placeTube Rings Dovetail Bracket Attaching the Telescope to the Mount16 The CR-150HD Balancing the Telescope in R.ACOMPLETELY Balancing the Telescope in DEC18 The CR-150HD Adjusting the Mount in AltitudeAdjusting the Mount in Azimuth Disassembling and Transporting Your CR 150 HD Technical SpecificationsStoring Your CR- 150 HD OPTICAL TUBET E L E S C O P E B A S I C S Attaching the AccessoriesThe Star Diagonal The EyepieceFocuser Tension 1 1/4 AccessoryAdapter Built-inT-Adapter22 Telescope Basics FocusingAttaching the Finder Aligning the Finder YourFirstLook Image OrientationDaytimeObserving NEVER POINT YOUR TELESCOPE AT THE SUN UNLESSNighttime Observing 26 Telescope Basics Calculating MagnificationDetermining Field of View GeneralPhotographyHints Your Celestron telescope can be used for both terrestrial and astronomical photography. Your telescope has a fixed aperture and, as a result, a fixed f/ratio. To properly expose your subjects photographically, you need to set your shutter speed accordingly. Most 35mm single lens reflex SLR cameras offer through-the-lens metering that lets you know if your picture is under or overexposed. This is important for terrestrial photography where exposure times are measured in fractions of a second. In astrophotography, the exposures are much longer, requiring that you use the “B” setting on your camera. The actual exposure time is determined by how long you keep the shutter open. More on this in the section on “Celestial Photography.” 28 Astronomy Basics A S T R O N O M Y B A S I C SThe Celestial Coordi- nate System Astronomy Basics Motion of the StarsEquator Polar AlignmentDefinition 30 Astronomy BasicsFinding the Pole 32 Astronomy Basics Latitude ScalesPointingatPolaris 34 Astronomy Basics DeclinationDriftPolar Alignment Finders Aligning the R.A Setting CircleObserving the Observing the MoonPlanets C E L E S T I A L O B S E R V I N GObserving the Sun Using the Lens Cap Aperture StopSOLAROBSERVINGHINTS Celestial Observing38 Celestial Observing Using the Setting CirclesObserving Deep-SkyObjects StarHopping 40 Celestial Observing Transparency Viewing ConditionsSky Illumination Seeing42 Celestial Observing Celestial Photography C E L E S T I A L P H O T O G R A P H YLunar Phase Short Exposure Prime FocusCrescent QuarterThe exposure times listed here should be used as a starting point. Always make exposures that are longer and shorter than the recommended time. Also, try bracketing your exposures, taking a few photos at each shutter speed. This will ensure that you will get a good photo. If using black and white film, try a yellow filter to reduce the light intensity and to increase contrast 46 Celestial Photography PiggybackEktar 1000 color print Konica 3200 color print 48 Celestial Photography Projection PhotographyTelescope Maintenance Care and Cleaning of the OpticsT E L E S C O P E M A I N T E N A N C E O P T I O N A L A C C E S S O R I E S 50 Optional AccessoriesDual Axis Drive System - #93523 Super Modified Achromatic SMA EyepiecesOptional Accessories Motor Drive System - #93518 52 Optional AccessoriesNGC# THEMESSIERCATALOGConst Type54 The Messier Catalog Const Epoch LIST OF BRIGHT STARSStar Name ConstellationAstronomy Texts FOR FURTHER READINGAtlases General Observational AstronomyCELESTRON ONE YEAR WARRANTY Item #21017-INST Price $10.00 Celestron International 2835 Columbia StreetTorrance, CA Tel Fax