Slewing to an Object

Once the desired object is displayed on the hand control screen, you have two options:

Press the INFO Key. This will give you useful information about the selected object such as magnitude, constellation and fascinating facts about many of the objects.

Press the ENTER Key. This will automatically slew the telescope to the coordinates of the object. While the telescope is slewing to the object, the user can still access many of the hand control functions (such as displaying information about the object).

If you slew to an object that is below the horizon, NexStar will notify you by displaying a message reminding you that you have selected an object outside of your slew limits (see Slew Limits in the Scope Setup section of the manual). Press UNDO to go back and select a new object. Press ENTER to ignore the message and continue the slew. The NexStar hand control will only display objects that are below the horizon if the Filter Limits are set below 0º in altitude. See Filter Limits in the Utility Feature section of the manual for more information on setting the filter limits.

Caution: Never slew the telescope when someone is looking into the eyepiece. The telescope can move at fast slew speeds and may hit an observer in the eye.

Object information can be obtained without having to do a star alignment. After the telescope is powered on, pressing any of the catalog keys allows you to scroll through object lists or enter catalog numbers and view the information about the object as described above.

Finding Planets

The NexStar can locate all 8 of our solar systems planets plus the Sun and Moon. However, the hand control will only display the solar system objects that are above the horizon (or within its filter limits). To locate the planets, press the PLANET key on the hand control. The hand control will display all solar system objects that are above the horizon:

Use the Up and Down keys to select the planet that you wish to observe.

Press INFO to access information on the displayed planet.

Press ENTER to slew to the displayed planet.

To allow the Sun to be displayed as an option in the database, see Sun Menu in the Utilities section of the manual.

Tour Mode

The NexStar includes a tour feature which automatically allows the user to choose from a list of interesting objects based on the date and time in which you are observing. The automatic tour will display only those objects that are within your set filter limits. To activate the Tour mode, press the TOUR key on the hand control. The NexStar will display the best objects to observe that are currently in the sky.

To see information and data about the displayed object, press the INFO key.

To slew to the object displayed, press ENTER.

To see the next tour object, press the Down key.

Constellation Tour

In addition to the Tour Mode, the NexStar telescope has a Constellation Tour that allows the user to take a tour of all the best objects within a particular constellation. Selecting Constellation from the LIST menu will display all the constellation names that are above the user defined horizon (filter limits). Once a constellation is selected, you can choose from any of the database object catalogs to produce a list of all the available objects in that constellation.

To see information and data about the displayed object, press the INFO key.

To slew to the object displayed, press ENTER.

To see the next tour object, press the Up key.

19

Page 19
Image 19
Nexstar 114, 60, 80, 102, 130 manual Slewing to an Object, Finding Planets, Tour Mode, Constellation Tour

60, 130, 80, 102, 114 specifications

The Nexstar series telescopes, including the Nexstar 114, 102, 80, 130, and 60 models, represent a significant advancement in amateur astronomy, offering a blend of portability, user-friendly design, and advanced technology. Each model is uniquely tailored to cater to different levels of enthusiasts, from beginners to more experienced stargazers.

The Nexstar 114 boasts a 114mm aperture and a focal length of 1000mm, making it ideal for detailed views of planets and deep-sky objects. Its reflector design allows for higher light gathering capability, ensuring bright and clear images. The telescope features a computerized GoTo mount, allowing users to locate and track celestial objects with ease. Its ergonomic design and lightweight build emphasize portability, making it a great choice for both backyard and remote observing.

Next in the lineup is the Nexstar 102, equipped with a 102mm aperture. This refractor telescope is known for its exceptional color correction and crisp images, particularly for planetary viewing. The 102 is user-friendly, with a sturdy mount and easy setup that appeals to newcomers. Its computerized tracking system simplifies locating celestial bodies, enhancing the observing experience.

The Nexstar 80, with its 80mm aperture, is incredibly compact and travel-friendly, perfect for those who want to explore the night sky on the go. Despite its size, it provides impressive views of the moon and bright planets. The telescope offers a lightweight design and quick setup features, making it an excellent starter telescope for kids and casual stargazers.

For those seeking a larger aperture, the Nexstar 130 features a 130mm aperture that delivers stunning views of a variety of celestial objects. With a focal length of 650mm, this compact telescope excels in observing both planets and deep-sky objects. Its GoTo mount provides automated tracking, making it a favorite among intermediate users who desire a bit more capability without extensive setup.

Finally, the Nexstar 60 is an entry-level model that combines affordability with efficiency. With a 60mm aperture, it’s lightweight and extremely portable, perfect for casual observations. It’s equipped with a simple mount and straightforward controls, making it an ideal choice for children or those new to astronomy.

Overall, the Nexstar series telescopes are designed with advanced optics, computerized mounts, and user-friendly interfaces, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from novices to more experienced astronomers. Whether you are looking for ease of portability or more advanced features, there is a Nexstar model tailored to meet your needs and enhance your stargazing experience.