Celestial Coordinate System | Celestron 21035 manual

Up to this point, this manual covered the assembly and basic operation of your telescope. However, to understand your telescope more thoroughly, you need to know a little about the night sky. This section deals with observational astronomy in general and includes information on the night sky.

The Celestial Coordinate System

To help find objects in the sky, astronomers use a celestial coordinate system that is similar to our geographical co- ordinate system here on Earth. The celestial coordinate system has poles, lines of longitude and latitude, and an equator. For the most part, these remain fixed against the background stars.

The celestial equator runs 360 degrees around the Earth and separates the northern celestial hemisphere from the southern. Like the Earth's equator, it bears a reading of zero degrees. On Earth this would be latitude. However, in the sky this is referred to as declination, or DEC for short. Lines of declination are named for their angular distance above and below the celestial equator. The lines are broken down into degrees, minutes of arc, and seconds of arc. Declination readings south of the equator carry a minus sign (-) in front of the coordinate and those north of the celestial equator are either blank (i.e., no designation) or preceded by a plus sign (+).

The celestial equivalent of longitude is called Right Ascension or R.A. for short. Like the Earth's lines of longitude, they run from pole to pole and are evenly spaced 15 degrees apart. Although the longitude lines are separated by an angular distance, they are also a measure of time. Each line of longitude is one hour apart from the next. Since the Earth rotates once every 24 hours, there are 24 lines total. As a result, the R.A. coordinates are marked off in units of time. It begins with an arbitrary point in the constellation of Pisces designated as 0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds. All other points are designated by how far (i.e., how long) they lag behind this coordinate after it passes overhead moving toward the west.

Figure 4-1

The celestial sphere seen from the outside showing R.A. and DEC.

21035 specifications

The Celestron 21035 is a high-quality, versatile telescope that caters to both novice and experienced astronomers. This reflector telescope is part of the AstroMaster series, known for its ease of use, excellent optical performance, and sturdy construction. One of its standout features is the 70mm aperture, which allows for bright and clear images of celestial objects. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can gather, making it ideal for viewing the Moon, stars, and even some of the more distant planets in our solar system.

One of the key technologies integrated into the Celestron 21035 is its fully coated glass optics. The objective lens and the eyepieces feature multiple layers of coatings, enhancing light transmission and delivering sharper images with improved contrast. This optical design ensures that both the colors and details of celestial objects are rendered accurately, which is crucial for astronomical observation.

Ease of setup is another highlight of the Celestron 21035. The telescope comes with a pre-assembled mount and optical tube, allowing users to get started with minimal effort. The simple, intuitive design is perfect for beginners who want to dive into stargazing without being overwhelmed by complicated setup processes. The lightweight and portable nature of the telescope makes it easy to transport, whether you are going to a local observatory or simply heading to your backyard for some nighttime exploration.

Additionally, the Celestron 21035 features an adjustable, full-height tripod that provides sturdy support, minimizing vibrations and maintaining stability while observing. The mount is manually operated with slow-motion controls, enabling precise targeting of celestial objects. Users can easily track their target as it moves across the sky, enhancing the viewing experience.

For those who enjoy astrophotography, the Celestron 21035 offers the option to attach a smartphone or a camera, allowing you to capture stunning images of the night sky. The telescope's versatility is further highlighted by its compatible eyepiece sizes, providing users with the ability to swap in different magnifications based on their interests.

In summary, the Celestron 21035 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the universe. With its robust optical performance, user-friendly design, and impressive features, it serves as a reliable tool for amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike. Whether you’re observing lunar craters or distant galaxies, the Celestron 21035 promises an enjoyable and enriching experience under the stars.