Lyra

Star hopping will take some getting used to and objects that don’t have stars near them that are visible to the naked eye are challenging. One such object is M57 (Figure 5-2), the famed Ring Nebula. Here's how to find it:

1.Find the constellation of Lyra, a small parallelogram visible in the summer and fall months. Lyra is easy to pick out because it contains the bright star Vega.

2.Start at the star Vega—Alpha (α) Lyrae—and move a few degrees southeast to find the parallelogram. The four stars that make up this geometric shape are all similar in brightness, making them easy to see.

3.Locate the two southernmost stars that make up the parallelogram—Beta (β) and Gamma (γ) Lyra.

4.Point about halfway between these two stars.

5.Move about ½° toward Beta (β) Lyra, while remaining on a line connecting the two stars.

6.Look through the telescope and the Ring Nebula should be in your field of view. The Ring Nebula’s angular size is quite small and difficult to see.

7.Because the Ring Nebula is rather faint, you may need to use “averted vision” to see it. “Averted vision” is a technique of looking slightly away from the object you’re observing. So, if you are observing the Ring Nebula, center it in your field of view and then look off toward the side. This causes light from the object viewed to fall on the black and white sensitive rods of your eyes, rather than your eyes color sensitive cones. (Remember that when observing faint objects, it’s important to try to observe from a dark location, away from street and city lights. The average eye takes about 20 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness. So always use a red-filtered flashlight to preserve your dark-adapted night vision).

These two examples should give you an idea of how to star hop to deep-sky objects. To use this method on other objects, consult a star atlas, then star hop to the object of your choice using “naked eye” stars.

VEGA

The Ring Nebula

Figure 5-2

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.