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their positions during any 2 or 3 hour observing session, the platform on which the telescope is sitting (the Earth) rotates once every 24 hours underneath these fixed objects. To keep astronomical objects centered in the field, simply move the telescope on one or both of its axes (vertical and/or horizontal), using the altitude control handle (5, Fig. 1) as appropriate. At higher powers, astronomical objects will seem to move through the field more rapidly.
4.Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations resulting from such contact will cause the image to move. Likewise, avoid observing sites where vibrations may resonate the tripod. Viewing from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image movement.
5.Allow a few minutes for your eyes to become “dark adapted” prior to attempting any serious observations. Use a
6.Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through an open window (or worse yet, a closed window pane). Images viewed in such a manner may appear blurred or distorted due to temperature differences between inside and outside air. Also, it is a good idea to allow your telescope a chance to reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an observing session.
7.We repeat the warning stated at the outset of this manual:
NEVER POINT THE TELESCOPE DIRECTLY AT OR NEAR THE SUN AT ANY TIME! OBSERVING THE SUN, EVEN FOR THE SMALLEST FRACTION OF A SECOND, WILL RESULT IN INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE, AS WELL AS PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE TELESCOPE ITSELF.
8.Certain atmospheric conditions can distort an observed image. Planets, in particular, viewed while low on the horizon, often exhibit lack of
9.The
10.The number of fascinating objects visible through your
•Jupiter and its four major moons, visible around the planet, changing position each night. Also cloud belts across the surface of Jupiter.
•Saturn and its famous ring system.
•The Moon: A veritable treasury of craters, mountain ranges and fault lines. The Moon is best observed during its crescent or half phase when Sunlight strikes the Moon’s surface at an angle. It casts shadows and adds a sense of depth to the view. No shadows are seen during a full Moon, causing the overly bright Moon to appear flat and rather uninteresting through the telescope.
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•Terrestrial objects: Your telescope may also be used for high resolution land viewing. In this case, note that the diagonal mirror results in an image which is reversed