If you’ve just gotten your first telescope, you might be wondering how to use a Tasco telescope. These instruments are a fantastic gateway to the night sky, and learning to use one properly will open up a whole new world. This guide will walk you through every step, from unboxing to finding your first galaxy.
We’ll cover how to set up the tripod, attach the optical tube, and align the finder scope. You’ll learn about the different eyepieces and how they change your view. We’ll also give you tips for locating planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be navigating the cosmos in no time.
How To Use A Tasco Telescope
Using your telescope effectively starts with understanding its parts. Most Tasco models are refractors or reflectors on a simple alt-azimuth mount. Knowing what each piece does is the first step to a successful stargazing session.
Unboxing and Identifying Your Telescope Parts
Carefully take everything out of the box. Lay the parts on a clean surface. You should have the main optical tube, the tripod, the mount head, and an accessory box.
- Optical Tube: The long tube that gathers light. For refractors, the lens is at the front. For reflectors, the mirror is at the bottom.
- Tripod: The three-legged stand that provides stability. Make sure the legs lock securely.
- Mount Head: This connects the tube to the tripod and allows you to move the telescope up/down and left/right.
- Accessories: Usually includes one or two eyepieces, a finder scope (red dot or small telescope), and a diagonal (for refractors).
Assembling the Tripod and Mount
Start by extending the tripod legs to a comfortable height. Tighten the leg locks firmly—a wobbly tripod is the biggest enemy of a clear view. Next, attach the mount head to the top of the tripod. This usually involves a single central bolt or a locking plate. Ensure it’s snug and doesn’t wobble.
Attaching the Optical Tube
This step is crucial. Most Tasco telescopes use a ring clamp or a set of screws to hold the tube. Place the tube into the mount’s cradle. Gently tighten the clamps or screws evenly. Don’t overtighten, as you could damage the tube. The tube should be secure but not crushed.
Installing the Finder Scope
The finder scope is your guide to the sky. It’s a low-power, wide-field sight. First, attach its bracket to the main tube using the provided screws. Loosely tighten them. You will align it later, so it just needs to be attached for now.
Adding Eyepieces and the Diagonal
If you have a refractor telescope, you need to insert the diagonal into the focuser first. The diagonal is a angled mirror or prism that makes viewing more comfortable. Then, choose your lowest-power eyepiece (the one with the highest millimeter number, like 25mm or 20mm) and insert it into the diagonal. For reflectors, you usually insert the eyepiece directly into the focuser.
Balancing Your Telescope
A poorly balanced telescope will be hard to point and will drift. Loosen the mount’s locks and see if the tube stays in place. If it tips forward or backward, you may need to slide the tube slightly in its rings to find a better balance point. This makes movement much smoother.
Aligning Your Finder Scope in Daylight
Never try to align your finder scope at night for the first time. It’s frustrating. Do this simple step during the day.
- Point your main telescope at a distant, stationary object. A telephone pole or a chimney on the far horizon works perfectly. Center the object in your main telescope’s eyepiece.
- Look through your finder scope. Is the same object centered? Probably not.
- Using the adjustment screws on the finder scope bracket (usually three or six little knobs), gently turn them to move the finder’s crosshair or red dot until it is precisely on the same object.
- Switch to a higher-power eyepiece in your main scope and re-center the object. Fine-tune the finder alignment again. This ensures pinpoint accuracy for night.
Understanding Eyepieces and Magnification
Eyepieces determine how much you magnify the image. The telescope’s focal length divided by the eyepiece’s focal length gives you the magnification.
- Low Power (e.g., 25mm): Wide field of view, brighter image. Perfect for finding objects and viewing large targets like the Moon or star clusters.
- Medium Power (e.g., 10mm): Good for planets and lunar details.
- High Power (e.g., 4mm): Narrow field, dimmer image. Used for very detailed planetary viewing, but only on nights with very steady air.
Always start with your lowest power eyepiece to find an object. It’s easier because you see more sky. Then you can switch to a higher power for a closer look, if the conditions allow.
How to Focus Your Telescope
Point your telescope at a distant object. Look through the eyepiece. Slowly turn the focus knob in one direction. You will see the image go from blurry, to sharp, to blurry again. Turn the knob back until the image is at its sharpest. If you run out of focus travel, you may need an extension tube, but most objects will come to focus within the normal range.
Taking Your Telescope Out for the First Night
Allow your telescope to adjust to the outside temperature for at least 30 minutes. This prevents heat waves inside the tube from ruining your view. Set up on solid, level ground. Avoid setting up on a wooden deck, as footsteps cause vibration.
Finding Your First Targets: The Moon and Planets
The Moon is the easiest and most rewarding first target. Use your finder scope to point the telescope at the Moon. Look through the eyepiece. You will be amazed at the detail. Try different eyepieces to see the difference in magnification.
For planets like Jupiter or Saturn, you’ll need to know roughly where they are in the sky. A stargazing app on your phone is very helpful for this. Use your low-power eyepiece and finder to get the planet in view. It will look like a bright star. Once centered, switch to a higher power to see Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings.
Tips for Clearer Planetary Views
- Let the planet drift into the center of your view. The edges of the eyepiece often have more distortion.
- Wait for moments of “good seeing” when the air stops shimmering. The image will suddenly snap into sharp focus.
- Observe for longer periods. Your eye will learn to see more subtle details over time.
Moving to Deep Sky Objects
Star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies are fainter and trickier. You need a very dark sky, away from city lights. The Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula are great starter targets.
- Use a star chart or app to locate the area of the sky.
- Star-hop: Use your finder scope to move from bright stars you know to fainter patterns until you’re pointing at the object’s location.
- Look carefully through the main eyepiece. Many deep-sky objects appear as faint, gray smudges. Don’t expect Hubble-like color; your eye will see subtle detail.
Maintaining Your Tasco Telescope
Proper care will keep your telescope performing for years. Always put lens caps on when not in use. Store it in a dry place to prevent mold on the lenses.
- Cleaning Optics: Avoid touching lenses or mirrors. Use a soft-bristled brush (like a photographer’s blower brush) to gently remove dust. Only use lens cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth made for optics if absolutely necessary, and apply minimal pressure.
- Avoid Moisture: If your telescope gets dew on it, let it dry completely before packing it away. You can use a simple hair dryer on a low, cool setting to gently remove dew.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Things don’t always go smoothly. Here are solutions to common problems.
I Can’t See Anything Through the Eyepiece
First, check that all lens caps are removed. Ensure you are pointing at a bright object like the Moon or a distant streetlight during the day. Make sure the focus knob is not all the way at one end—turn it slowly through its full range. Verify the finder scope is aligned.
The Image is Blurry and Won’t Focus
This often happens if you try to look at something too close. Telescopes are designed for objects far away. Ensure you are pointed at a target at least a quarter-mile away. Also, if you’re using a reflector, the secondary mirror might be out of alignment (collimation), which requires a special tool to fix.
Everything Shakes When I Touch the Telescope
This is usually due to an unstable tripod. Make sure all leg locks and mount locks are fully tightened. Extend the thicker, upper sections of the legs first before using the thinner, lower sections. You can also hang a small weight (like a sandbag) from the center hook of the tripod to add stability.
I Can’t Find Objects With My Finder Scope
Re-do the daylight alignment process. It’s the most important step. Also, remember that finder scopes often have a small screw to adjust the brightness of a red dot. If the dot is too dim or too bright, you won’t see it properly against the sky.
Helpful Accessories to Consider
As you get more into the hobby, a few affordable accessories can make a big difference.
- A Better Eyepiece: Replacing the stock 4mm eyepiece with a better-quality 6mm or 9mm “gold-line” eyepiece can greatly improve planetary views.
- Moon Filter: The full Moon is very bright. A neutral density Moon filter cuts the glare and improves contrast, letting you see more detail.
- Star Atlas or App: A planisphere or a free app like Stellarium is essential for learning the night sky.
FAQ: Using Your Tasco Telescope
What can I see with my Tasco telescope?
You can see lunar craters, Jupiter’s four largest moons, Saturn’s rings, bright star clusters like the Pleiades, the Orion Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy. Light pollution will affect how well you see fainter objects.
Why is everything upside down in my telescope?
Astronomical telescopes often produce an inverted image. This is normal and doesn’t matter for space observation. Some models come with an erecting lens for terrestrial use, but it reduces image quality slightly.
How do I use a Tasco telescope to look at the moon?
Align your finder in daylight first. At night, point the telescope at the Moon using the finder scope. Look through the main eyepiece and adjust the focus knob until the craters are sharp. Start with a low-power eyepiece for the whole view, then try higher power for close-ups.
Can I use my telescope during the day?
Yes, but only for viewing distant landscapes, birds, or ships. Never, ever point your telescope at or near the Sun. Without a proper, professionally installed solar filter, looking at the Sun will cause instant and permanent eye damage.
My telescope won’t stay in position. What’s wrong?
The tension knobs on the mount might be too loose. Look for one or two knobs on the side of the mount that control how stiff the movement is. Tighten them until the telescope moves smoothly but doesn’t drift on its own when you let go.
Learning how to use a Tasco telescope is a journey. Your first nights might involve some trial and error, but that’s part of the fun. Start with easy targets, be patient with the process, and soon you’ll be finding celestial wonders with confidence. Remember, the most important tool is your own curiosity. Clear skies!