Celestron 8i manual Alignment Procedures, Auto Two-Star Align

Page 14

Alignment Procedures

In order for the NexStar to accurately point to objects in the sky, it must first be aligned to two known positions (stars) in the sky. With this information, the telescope can create a model of the sky, which it uses to locate any object with known coordinates. There are many ways to align the NexStar with the sky depending on what information the user is able to provide: Auto Two-Star Align will ask the user to input date and location information and identify one star in order to locate a second alignment star; Two-Star Alignment does require the user to identify and manually slew the telescope to the two alignment stars. Finally, EQ North and EQ South alignments are designed to assist you in aligning the NexStar when polar aligned using an equatorial wedge. Each alignment method is discussed in detail below.

Auto Two-Star Align

Auto Two-Star Align allows the user to input all the necessary time/site information needed to align the telescope. After choosing Auto Two-Star Align, NexStar will ask you to input first the local time and date, then it will ask for your location. Once this information is received, NexStar will prompt you to slew the telescope and point at one known star in the sky. The NexStar now has all the information it needs to choose a second alignment star that will assure the best possible alignment.

With the NexStar set up outside with all accessories attached and the tripod leveled, follow the steps below to Align the NexStar:

1.Once the NexStar is powered on, the hand control will read NexStarSE Ready. Press ENTER to begin alignment.

2.Use the Up and Down scroll keys (10) to select Auto Two-Star Align and press ENTER.

3.The hand control will then display the following information for you to accept or modify. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons (10) to scroll through the information. If any of the parameters need to be updated, press the UNDO button and enter the current information. If all the information is correct, press ENTER to accept.

(Note: the NexStar will always retain the most recent time/site information entered into the hand control unless the optional CN16 GPS accessory is being used. When using the CN16, the GPS receiver will update local time and location information automatically)

Time - Enter the current local time for your area. You can enter either the local time (i.e. 08:00), or you can enter military time (i.e. 20:00 ).

•Select PM or AM. If military time was entered, the hand control will bypass this step.

•Choose between Standard time or Daylight Savings time. Use the Up and Down scroll buttons (10) to toggle between options.

•Select the time zone that you are observing from. Again, use the Up and Down buttons (10) to

Helpful

scroll through the choices. Refer to Time Zone map in Appendix E for more information.

Hint

Date - Enter the month, day and year of your observing session.

 

If the wrong information has been input into the hand control, the UNDO button will act as a backspace allowing

 

the user to re-enter information.

4.Finally, you must enter the longitude and latitude of the location of your observing site. Use the table in Appendix C to locate the closest longitude and latitude for your current observing location and enter those numbers when asked in the hand control, pressing ENTER after each entry. Remember to select "West" for longitudes in North America and "North" for latitudes in the North Hemisphere. For international cities, the correct hemisphere is indicated in the Appendix listings.

5.The SELECT STAR 1 message will appear in the top row of the display. Use the Up and Down scroll keys (10) to select the star you wish to use for the first alignment star. Press ENTER.

6.NexStar then asks you to center in the eyepiece the alignment star you selected. Use the direction buttons to slew the telescope to the alignment star and carefully center the star in the eyepiece.

15

Page 13 Page 15
Image 14
Page 13 Page 15
Contents Page Hand Control Operation Alignment Procedures Care and Cleaning of the Optics Collimation Page NexStar 8i SE StarPointer Finderscope Eyepiece Diagonal Visual Back Appendix C Longitude Latitude Assembling the NexStar Mounting the Telescope to the TripodStar Diagonal Powering the NexStarHand Control Star Pointer Finderscope Star Pointer InstallationEyepiece Star Pointer Operation NexStar Computerized Hand Control Hand Control Operation Double StarsAlignment Procedures Auto Two-Star AlignTwo Star Alignment NexStar Re-Alignment Object CatalogEQ North / EQ South Alignment Selecting an ObjectSlewing to an Object Tour ModeFinding Planets Rate Button Setup ProceduresDirection Buttons Page Scope Setup Features MenuUtility Features Helpful Hint NexStar Ready Image Orientation Determining Field of View FocusingCalculating Magnification General Observing Hints Celestial Coordinate System Motion of the Stars Polar Alignment with optional Wedge Wedge AlignFinding the North Celestial Pole Observing the Sun Observing the MoonObserving the Planets Lunar Observing HintsTransparency Observing Deep Sky ObjectsSeeing Conditions Sky IlluminationPage Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography Eyepiece Projection FullLong Exposure Prime Focus Photography Planet ISO Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter SaturnPage Metering Terrestrial PhotographyCCD Imaging Reducing VibrationCare and Cleaning of the Optics CollimationCollimated telescope Should appear Symmetrical with Page Adapter, Car Battery #18769 Page Page Appendix a Technical Specifications Page Appendix B Glossary of Terms Trillion km 5.87 X 1 trillion mi Right Ascension RA Appendix C Longitudes Latitudes Georgia Minnesota Rhode Island Canada Appendix D RS-232 Connection Communication ProtocolAppendix E Maps of Time Zones Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Celestron TWO Year Warranty

8i specifications

The Celestron 8i is a highly regarded telescope that has made a significant impact in the world of amateur astronomy, renowned for its performance, advanced features, and user-friendly design. Part of Celestron's Advanced Series, the 8i model boasts an impressive 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system, which combines the advantages of a large aperture with a compact design. This allows enthusiasts to explore celestial objects with greater clarity, providing bright, sharp images of planets, star clusters, and nebulae.

One of the standout features of the Celestron 8i is its Fast Star capability, which allows for rapid imaging of celestial objects. Coupled with its advanced StarBright XLT coatings, this system enhances light transmission and increases contrast, resulting in a more vivid and detailed observation experience. This combination makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced astronomers who seek high-quality visuals of deep-sky objects.

The telescope's computer-controlled GoTo mount simplifies the process of locating and tracking celestial objects. With the push of a button, users can easily access a database containing over 40,000 astronomical objects, allowing for an effortless stargazing experience. The Celestron 8i also features an intuitive hand controller that enables users to customize their observations and seamlessly navigate the night sky.

The Celestron 8i is designed for portability, despite its robust optical performance. Weighing in at around 45 pounds, it is relatively easy to transport to different observing locations. The telescope's sturdy construction ensures stability while providing ease of setup, facilitating a hassle-free stargazing experience.

In terms of accessories, the 8i comes equipped with a 25mm eyepiece, offering a moderate magnification that is perfect for a variety of targets. Additionally, users can expand their observing capabilities with optional eyepieces, filters, and focal reducers, catering to both visual and astrophotography pursuits.

Overall, the Celestron 8i stands out as a versatile and powerful telescope that meets the needs of amateur astronomers at various skill levels. With its advanced features, superior optics, and impressive usability, the 8i offers a unique and rewarding experience under the night sky. Whether for planetary observation or deep-sky exploration, the Celestron 8i remains a top choice for astronomy enthusiasts.
Top Page Image Contents