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Although overlookedby many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both rewarding and fun. However, because
the Sun is so bright, special precautions must be taken when observing our star so as not to damage your eyes or your
telescope.
Never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Because of the folded optical desi gn, tremendous heat
build-up will result inside the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accessories attached to the
telescope.
Fors afe solar viewing, use a solar filter that reduces t he intensity of the Sun's light, making it s afe to view. With
a filteryou can see sunspots as they move across the solar disk and faculae,which are bright patches seen near
theSun's edge.
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• Thebest time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon when theair is cooler.
• To center the Sun without looking into the eyepiece, watch the shadow of the telescope tube until it forms a
circularsh adow.
• Toensu re accurate tracking, be sure to select solar tracking rate.
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Deep-sky objects are simply those objectsoutside the boundaries of our solar system. They include star clusters,
planetarynebulae, diffuse nebulae, double stars and other galaxies outside our own Milky Way. Mostdeep-sky objects
havea l arge angular size. Therefore,low-to -moderate power is all you need to see them. Visually, they are too faint to
revealan y of the color seen in long exposure photographs. Instead, they appear black and white. And, because of their
low surface brightness,they should be observed from a dark-sky location. Light pollution around large urban areas
washes out most nebulae makingthem difficult, if not impossible, to observe. Light Pollution Reduction filters help
reducethe background sky brightness, thus increasing contrast.
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Viewing conditionsaffect 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
willhelp you get the most out of your telescope.
Transparency
Transparencyis the clarity of the atmosphere which is affected by clouds,moisture, and other airborne particles. Thick
cumulus clouds are completely opaquewhile cirrus can be thin, allowing the light from the brightest stars through.
Hazy skies absorbmore light than clear skies making fainter objects harder to see and reducing contraston brighter
objects. Aerosolsejected into th e upper atmosphere from volcanic eruptions also affect transparency. Ideal conditions
arewhen the night sky is inky black.
Sky Illumination
Generalsky brightening caused by the Moon, aurorae, natural airglow, and light pollutiongreatly 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 majorurban areas. LPR filters enhance deep sky viewing from light
pollutedareas by blocking unwanted light while transmitting light from certain deepsky objects. You can, on the other
hand,observe planets and stars from light polluted areas or when the Moonis out.