Celestron 70 manual Finding the North Celestial Pole

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3.Adjust the mount in altitude and/or azimuth until Polaris is in the field of view of the finder.

4.Center Polaris in the field of the telescope using the fine adjustment controls on the mount.

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.

Figure 10- Aligning the Equatorial mount to the polar axis of the Earth.

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 12). The position of the Big Dipper changes during the year and throughout the course of the night (see Figure 11). 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 12). 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 within naked eye limit (magnitude 5.5) and

 

lies about 59 arc minutes from the pole.

 

Definition

Figure 11 - The position of

 

 

the Big Dipper changes

 

 

 

 

throughout the year and the

 

 

night.

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.

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Contents Firstscope 70 & 90 EQ Telescope Firstscope Refractor Introduction Identifying Parts of Your FirstscopeAssembling Your Telescope Star Pointer Finderscope StarPointer Finderscope with Mounting BracketBalancing the Telescope in Right Ascension R.A Balancing the Telescope in Declination DECFocusing Image OrientationCelestial Coordinate System Motion of the StarsPointing at Polaris Latitude ScalesFinding the North Celestial Pole Aligning the Equatorial mount to the polar axis of the EarthUsing the Setting Circles Magnification Power Lunar Observing Hint Celestial ObservingObserving the Moon Observing the PlanetsSky Illumination TransparencySeeing Telescope Maintenance Optional Accessories #21076 #21085Series 3 #94119-30 Series 1 #94119-10Series 2 #94119-20 Series 4 #94119-40Page Celestron TWO Year Warranty Celestron

70 specifications

The Celestron 70 telescope, specifically the Celestron Astromaster 70, is a popular choice among amateur astronomers and casual stargazers. This telescope is known for its user-friendly design and impressive optical performance, making it suitable for both beginners and those with some experience in astronomy.

One of the most notable features of the Celestron 70 is its 70mm aperture. This size provides ample light-gathering capability, allowing for the observation of celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and even some of the brighter deep-sky objects. The optical system consists of a refractor design with fully coated glass optics, ensuring bright and clear images.

The Celestron 70 also incorporates a sturdy mount. The manual Altazimuth mount is intuitive and easy to use, making it simple for users to locate and track astronomical objects in the night sky. It is often equipped with slow-motion controls that help with precision tracking. The lightweight design of the telescope allows for easy portability, making it ideal for viewing sessions in various locations, whether in your backyard or at a remote dark-sky site.

Another key technology in the Celestron 70 is its erect image optics, which produce images that are oriented correctly, making it suitable for both astronomical and terrestrial viewing. Users can easily switch between observing the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or scenic landscapes during the day.

In addition, the Celestron 70 comes with several useful accessories. It typically includes a finderscope that assists users in locating celestial objects, as well as a collection of interchangeable eyepieces to enhance the viewing experience. The included software often provides a great introduction to astronomy, helping users learn about the various constellations and celestial bodies they can observe.

Overall, the Celestron 70 telescope combines affordability with quality, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to astronomy or anyone looking for a reliable scope for casual observation. With its impressive features, robust design, and user-friendly functionality, it caters to the growing interest in stargazing, inviting users of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe. Whether a clear night brings a chance to observe the intricacies of the Moon's surface or distant stars, the Celestron 70 is poised to provide an enjoyable viewing experience.
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