How To Operate A Bushnell Telescope

If you’ve just gotten a Bushnell telescope, you might be wondering how to operate a Bushnell telescope to see the moon and stars. This guide will walk you through everything from setup to finding your first celestial target, making your stargazing journey smooth and enjoyable.

We’ll cover all the basics. You’ll learn about the different parts, how to put it together, and how to align the finder scope. Then, we’ll get into using the mount and the eyepieces to actually see things. It’s easier than you might think, and soon you’ll be viewing craters on the moon and maybe even Saturn’s rings.

How to Operate a Bushnell Telescope

Operating your telescope successfully starts with understanding its components and getting it set up correctly on solid ground. Let’s break it down step by step.

Understanding Your Telescope’s Parts

Before you start assembling, lay out all the parts and identify them. Most Bushnell models, like the NorthStar or Voyager series, share common components.

Optical Tube: This is the main body of the telescope. The large lens at the front (objective lens) gathers light.
Mount: This is the tripod and head that holds the tube. It allows you to point the telescope smoothly. Types include alt-azimuth (up-down, left-right) or equatorial (for tracking stars).
Finder Scope: A small, low-power telescope mounted on the main tube. It has a wide field of view to help you aim at objects before using the main telescope.
Eyepiece: This is the part you look through. They are removable and come in different magnifications (e.g., 10mm, 20mm). Lower mm number means higher magnification.
Focuser: The knob or rack-and-pinion system that moves the eyepiece in and out to bring the image into sharp focus.
Diagonal (for refractors): A mirror or prism that bends the light path for more comfortable viewing.

Step-by-Step Assembly

Always work on a flat, stable surface. If your mount has adjustable tripod legs, extend them to a comfortable height before attaching the optical tube.

Set Up the Tripod: Spread the tripod legs evenly and lock them in place. Ensure the mount head (where the tube attaches) is level.
Attach the Accessory Tray: If your model has one, secure it between the tripod legs. This adds stability and provides a place to put eyepieces.
Mount the Optical Tube: Locate the mounting bracket on the tube. Align it with the mount head on the tripod. Slide it in and tighten the locking screws or knobs firmly, but don’t over-tighten.
Install the Finder Scope: Slide the finder scope into its brackets on the main tube. Tighten the screws just enough so it holds, but can still be adjusted later for alignment.
Insert the Diagonal and Eyepiece: For refractor telescopes, insert the diagonal into the focuser drawtube. Then, choose your lowest power eyepiece (highest mm number, like 25mm) and insert it into the diagonal. Tighten the set screws.

Aligning the Finder Scope

This is the most critical step for learning how to operate a Bushnell telescope. If the finder isn’t aligned, you’ll never find anything in the main scope.

Do this during the daytime. Point your telescope at a distant, stationary object like a telephone pole top or a chimney.
Look through the main telescope with your low-power eyepiece. Center the object precisely in the middle of the field of view.
Now, look through the finder scope. You’ll likely see the object, but not centered. Using the adjustment screws on the finder scope brackets, slowly turn them until the crosshairs of the finder are centered on the exact same object.
Double-check by looking back in the main eyepiece. If it moved, re-center it and fine-tune the finder. A perfectly aligned finder makes nighttime viewing possible.

Using the Mount and Pointing the Telescope

Your mount has knobs or handles for movement. An alt-azimuth mount has one for up/down (altitude) and one for left/right (azimuth). An equatorial mount is different; it must be polar-aligned to track stars, which is a more advanced technique.

For beginners, use the alt-azimuth motions. Loosen the knobs slightly to move the tube, then tighten them to lock it in place.
Always start by sighting along the tube to point it roughly at your target. Then, use the finder scope to get it centered. Finally, look in the main eyepiece.
Use slow, gentle movements. The higher the magnification, the more the image will jump around with fast motions.

Focusing and Changing Eyepieces

Once your target is in the eyepiece, turn the focus knob slowly. You’ll see the image snap into clarity. If it doesn’t get sharp, you may be too far out of focus; try turning the knob the other direction.

To increase magnification, first center the object with your low-power eyepiece. Then, carefully remove it and insert a higher-power one (lower mm number). You will need to refocus slightly. Remember, higher power means a dimmer image and a smaller field of view, making the object harder to find and track.

Tips for Better Viewing

Let your telescope adjust to the outside temperature for 20-30 minutes before observing. This reduces internal air currents that blur images.
Start with easy targets: The Moon is the best first target. Then try bright planets like Jupiter or Saturn.
Never, ever look at the Sun through your telescope without a proper, professionally made solar filter. It will cause instant and permanent eye damage.

Maintaining Your Bushnell Telescope

Proper care ensures your telescope lasts for years. Store it in a dry place, covered, to prevent dust and moisture. The most important rule is to avoid touching the lenses or mirrors. Fingerprints contain oils that can damage coatings.

If dust accumulates, use a soft brush (like a photographer’s lens brush) or compressed air designed for optics. For stubborn smudges, use lens cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth made for cameras, applying very gentle pressure. Clean only when absolutly necessary.

Choosing Your First Targets

Knowing what to look at is half the battle. Here’s a simple list to get you started, in order of difficulty.

The Moon

The moon is perfect. It’s bright, easy to find, and full of detail. Observe along the “terminator” (the line between light and shadow) where craters and mountains cast long, dramatic shadows. Its appearance changes every night.

Bright Planets

Planets look like bright, non-twinkling stars. Venus shows phases like a tiny moon. Jupiter reveals its four largest moons and cloud bands. Saturn’s rings are visible even at moderate power. Mars appears as a small red disk, best during its close approaches to Earth.

Star Clusters and Nebulae

Once you’re comfortable, try deep-sky objects. The Orion Nebula (M42) is a glowing cloud of gas visible even from cities. The Pleiades star cluster (M45) looks like a tiny dipper. These objects require dark skies and patience—they will appear as faint, gray smudges, not colorful Hubble-like images.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Every new astronomer faces a few hurdles. Here’s how to solve the most common problems.

I Can’t See Anything Through the Eyepiece

Check that the lens cap is removed from the front of the telescope.
Ensure the eyepiece is fully inserted and secured in the diagonal or focuser.
You might be pointed at a blank patch of sky. Re-center using the finder scope on a very bright star or the Moon.
The focus knob might be turned all the way in one direction; try rotating it slowly through its full range.

The Image is Blurry or Wavy

This is often “bad seeing” – atmospheric turbulence. It’s worse when viewing objects low on the horizon. Wait for a steadier night.
Your telescope might need to cool down to the outside air temperature. Give it more time.
Make sure you’re not viewing through a window. Glass distorts the image significantly.

The Finder Scope is Off

If you centered an object in the main scope but it’s not in the finder, your alignment has shifted. Simply re-align it using the daytime method described earlier. It’s a good idea to check alignment every few observing sessions, especially if you transport your telescope.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Bushnell telescopes.

How do I use a Bushnell telescope for beginners?

Start with daytime assembly and finder scope alignment. Your first night, only use the lowest power eyepiece to find the Moon. Practice moving the mount and focusing. Don’t rush to high magnification; low power is easier for finding things.

What can I see with my Bushnell telescope?

You can see lunar craters, Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, phases of Venus, double stars, bright star clusters like the Pleiades, and nebulae like Orion. From dark skies, you can see many galaxies and fainter deep-sky objects.

Why is everything upside down in my telescope?

Astronomical telescopes often show images upside-down or mirrored. This is normal and doesn’t matter for space viewing. It happens because of the way the lenses and mirrors bend light. Some models come with an “erecting prism” for terrestrial use, but it reduces image quality slightly.

How do I maintain my Bushnell telescope?

Keep it covered and in a dry place. Avoid touching optical surfaces. Use a soft brush for dust. For storage, loosen the tension knobs on the mount to prevent springs from wearing out. If it has motors, remove batteries if you won’t use it for a while.

Can I take pictures with my smartphone through the eyepiece?

Yes, you can try “afocal” photography. You need a steady hand or a smartphone adapter that clamps onto the eyepiece. It works best on the Moon and bright planets. Don’t expect Hubble-quality images, but it’s fun for sharing what you see.

My telescope shakes when I touch it. How do I stop this?

Make sure the tripod legs are fully spread and locked. Ensure all mounting knobs are tight. Hang a small weight (like a sandbag) from the center hook of the tripod, if it has one, to add stability. Also, wait a moment for vibrations to settle after focusing.

Learning how to operate a Bushnell telescope is a rewarding skill. It opens up a window to the universe that has fascinated humans for millennia. Start slow, be patient with yourself, and allow time for your eyes and mind to adjust to the wonders above. Clear skies are ahead, and with this guide, you’re well on your way to enjoying them.