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 disturbances vary from time-to-time and place-to-place. The size of the air parcels compared to your aperture determines the "seeing" quality. Under good seeing conditions, fine detail is visible on the brighter planets like Jupiter and Mars, and stars are pinpoint images. Under poor seeing conditions, images are blurred and stars appear as blobs.

The conditions described here apply to both visual and photographic observations.

Figure 5-3

Seeing conditions directly affect image quality. These drawings represent a point source (i.e., star) under bad seeing conditions (left) to excellent conditions (right). Most often, seeing conditions produce images that lie somewhere between these two extremes.

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Celestron 21035 manual Seeing Conditions, Transparency, Sky Illumination
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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.
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