Solar Observing Hints, Transparency | Celestron Advanced Series GT

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

Advanced Series GT, C6-R, C6-RGT specifications

The Celestron C6-RGT and C6-R models, part of the Advanced Series GT lineup, are popular choices for amateur astronomers seeking high-quality optics and reliable features. The C6-RGT, equipped with a 6-inch refractor, is designed for both visual and astrophotographic pursuits. Its impressive features make it a great option for anyone looking to explore the night sky in greater detail.

One of the standout characteristics of the C6-RGT is its large 6-inch aperture, which allows for exceptional light-gathering capability. This feature is crucial for viewing faint celestial objects, giving users the ability to observe details in nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images across a wide range of viewing conditions.

The telescope comes with a fully multi-coated optics system that enhances light transmission and contrast, creating brighter and clearer images. The C6-R is also designed with a robust aluminum tube that not only ensures durability but also helps maintain stability during long observing sessions.

The Advanced Series GT mount is another essential element of the C6-RGT and C6-R models. This computerized mount features a sturdy, stable design that supports a wide range of telescopes while providing smooth tracking of celestial objects. The GoTo technology allows users to locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects with ease. This high level of automation is particularly helpful for beginners who may be unfamiliar with the night sky.

Another notable feature of the Advanced Series GT is its ability to be controlled through a smartphone or tablet, thanks to Celestron's SkyPortal app. This integration opens doors for enhanced stargazing experiences, offering customizable tours and educational information right at your fingertips.

In terms of usability, both models have a comfortable height and the mount can be easily adjusted to accommodate various observing positions. The telescope is also portable, making it convenient for outreach events or trips to dark-sky locations.

Overall, the Celestron C6-RGT and C6-R models, with their combination of powerful optics, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, represent an excellent choice for both budding astronomers and passionate enthusiasts. With Celestron’s commitment to quality and innovation, these telescopes promise to deliver unforgettable views of the wonders of the universe.