Observing the Sun

Although overlooked by 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 design, tremendous heat build- up will result inside the optical tube. This can damage the telescope and/or any accessories attached to the telescope.

For safe solar viewing, use a solar filter that reduces the intensity of the Sun's light, making it safe to view. With a filter you can see sunspots as they move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright patches seen near the Sun's edge.

Solar Observing Hints

The best time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler.

To center the Sun without looking into the eyepiece, watch the shadow of the telescope tube until it forms a circular shadow.

To ensure accurate tracking, be sure to select the solar tracking rate.

Observing Deep Sky Objects

Deep-sky objects are simply those objects outside the boundaries of our solar system. They include star clusters, planetary nebulae, diffuse nebulae, double stars and other galaxies outside our own Milky Way. Most deep-sky objects have a large angular size. Therefore, low-to-moderate power is all you need to see them. Visually, they are too faint to reveal any 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 making them difficult, if not impossible, to observe. Light Pollution Reduction filters help reduce the background sky brightness, thus increasing contrast.

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

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Celestron 93507 manual Observing the Sun, Observing Deep Sky Objects, Seeing Conditions, Transparency, Sky Illumination

93507 specifications

The Celestron 93507 is a powerful and versatile telescope designed for both amateur and seasoned astronomers. This model combines advanced technologies and practical features to deliver an enriching stargazing experience. One of the standout characteristics of the Celestron 93507 is its robust optical design. It features a 90mm aperture, allowing users to capture bright, detailed views of celestial objects, from the lunar surface to distant galaxies. The telescope employs a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, known for its compact form factor and high-quality images, free from chromatic aberration.

In terms of usability, the Celestron 93507 is designed with an easy setup in mind. It comes equipped with a solid mount that provides stability during observation. The mount also includes slow-motion controls, facilitating smooth panning across the night sky, allowing astronomers to track celestial objects effortlessly. This feature is particularly beneficial for viewing planets and other fast-moving astronomical phenomena.

Furthermore, the telescope comes with high-grade optics, including fully coated glass elements that enhance light transmission and ensure sharper images with higher contrast. It includes two eyepieces — a low-power 25mm and a high-power 10mm — that provide versatility in viewing options, whether you’re looking at wide expanses of the night sky or zooming in on close details of lunar craters.

Additionally, the Celestron 93507 is compatible with various Celestron accessories, including solar filters and advanced eyepieces, enabling users to expand their observational capabilities. The telescope's compact design makes it portable, perfect for amateur astronomers who enjoy taking their telescope for trips to dark-sky locations.

Another noteworthy feature of this telescope is its durability. Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor usage, the materials used in the Celestron 93507 are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that users can enjoy stargazing for years.

Overall, the Celestron 93507 is a well-rounded instrument that combines advanced optical technology, user-friendly features, and portability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the universe. Whether you're interested in planetary observation, lunar details, or deep-sky wonders, this telescope offers the tools necessary to make your astronomical explorations rewarding.