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Fig5-2a-Actualimage
orientationas seen with the
unaided eye
Fig5-2b - Reversed fro m left to
right,as vi ewed through the
eyepiece
Figure5-1
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Atelescope is an instrument that collects and focuses light. Thenature of the optical design determines how the light is focused.
Sometelescopes, known as refractors, use lenses. Othertelescopes, known as reflectors,use mirrors. TheMaksutov-Cassegrain
opticalsystem uses a combination of mirrors and lenses and is referredto as a compound or catadioptric telescope. Thisunique
design offerslarge-diameter optics while maintaining very short tube lengths, makingthem extremely portable. TheMaksutov-
Cassegrain system consists of a corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror spot. Once light rays enter the
opticalsystem, they travel the length of the optical tube threetimes.
Theoptics of the NexStar have enhanced multi-layer coatingson the primary and secondary mirrors for increased reflectivity and
amulti coated correctorfor the finest anti-reflection characteristics.
Insidethe optical tube, a black tube extends out from the center hole in the primary mirror. Thisis the primary baffle tube and it
preventsstray light from passing through to the eyepiece or camera.
IImmaaggeeOOrriieennttaattiioonnTheimage orientation changes depending on how the eyepieceis inserted into the telescope. TheNexStar uses three reflective
surfacesto bouncethe light to the eyepiece. Thisproduces an image th at is right-side-up, but reversed from left-to-right (i.e.,
reversed). This is normal for the Maksutov-Cassegrain design.