Powerseeker 50 Refractor | Celestron Power Seeker 50 guide

THE POWERSEEKER 50 REFRACTOR

The PowerSeeker is a classical, two element refracting telescope that comes on an altazimuth mount. This section instructs you on the proper assembly and use of your PowerSeeker telescope, which is shipped in one box, containing all the parts you need to assemble it. Unpack and lay out all of the parts in a large, clear area where you’ll have room to work. Keeping track of the parts, use the list below and the telescope diagram to confirm you have, and can identify each part.

1.Objective Lens

2.Telescope Mounting Plate

3.Altitude locking screw

4.Tripod Head

5.Tripod legs with a collapsible center leg brace

6.Focus Knob

7.90° diagonal .96"

8.Eyepiece .96"

9.Finderscope Bracket

10.5x24 Finderscope

11.Telescope Optical Tube

Assembling Your Telescope

To set up the tripod, locate the tripod legs (5) and the telescope optical tube (11).

Remove the tripod from the box and spread the legs apart until the center leg brace is fully extended.

1.Extend the inner portion of each of the three tripod legs to the desired height. Tighten the thumb screw on the side of each tripod leg to secure them in place. See Figure 1

2.After all the screws have been hand-tightened, you are ready to attach the telescope tube to the mount. Remove the altitude locking screw (3) from the tripod head (4).

3.Place the telescope tube on the altazimuth mount so that the hole in the mounting platform (2) lines up with the holes in the tripod head (4).

4.Insert the altitude locking screw (3) through the tripod head (4) and mounting platform (2) and tighten the retaining nut to the other side of the screw.

Attaching the Accessories

Your telescope comes with the following optical accessories:

•Star Diagonal .96"

•20mm eyepieces .96"

•12mm eyepieces .96"

•4mm eyepiece .96 "

•3x Barlow Lens .96"

1.Remove the caps from the focuser and the diagonal .

2.Insert the chrome end of the diagonal into the focuser (Figure 3) and lock into place by tightening the thumb screws on the focuser.

3.Remove caps from the eyepiece and place it into the diagonal (Figure 4). Lock it into place with the thumb screw.

4.Your telescope also comes with a 3x Barlow lens which triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece (see Magnification section of the manual). To use the barlow lens, remove the diagonal and insert the barlow lens directly into the focuser. Then start by using the low power eyepiece such as the 20mm, and insert it either directly into the barlow lens or into the diagonal. See Figure 5.

Power Seeker 50 specifications

The Celestron PowerSeeker 50 is an entry-level telescope designed to provide novice astronomers with an accessible way to explore the night sky. It features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up, ideal for families and beginners eager to embark on their astronomical journeys.

One of the main features of the PowerSeeker 50 is its 50mm aperture. This allows users to gather enough light to view celestial objects in detail, from the craters of the Moon to the rings of Saturn and even some deep-sky objects like star clusters. The telescope comes equipped with a 350mm focal length, which provides adequate magnification for observing the planets and the Moon.

The PowerSeeker 50 is built with a simple and user-friendly design that makes it easy to operate. The telescope features a lightweight aluminum tripod that provides stability while remaining easy to carry. Its mount is an azimuth type, allowing for smooth up-and-down and side-to-side movements. This simplicity is particularly beneficial for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by more complex telescope models.

In terms of optics, the Celestron PowerSeeker 50 utilizes high-quality glass lenses that provide clear images. The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 20mm and a 4mm. This variety allows users to switch between lower and higher magnification, making it versatile for different types of objects in the sky.

A prominent technology in the PowerSeeker 50 is its finderscope, which is crucial for locating celestial objects. The included optical finderscope has a red-dot sighting system, enabling users to easily point the telescope at objects of interest. This feature is particularly useful for beginners who may struggle with aligning their telescope without assistance.

The Celestron PowerSeeker 50 also includes an easy-to-follow instruction manual that guides users in setting up the telescope, as well as tips for observing various celestial bodies. This hands-on approach encourages curiosity and learning for those new to astronomy.

In conclusion, the Celestron PowerSeeker 50 is a fantastic introductory telescope, combining portability, ease of use, and quality optics. Its sturdy design, innovative technologies, and thoughtful features make it a solid choice for beginners seeking to explore the wonders of the universe. As users become more familiar with their telescope, the PowerSeeker 50 will help ignite a lifelong passion for astronomy.