So, you’ve got a new National Geographic telescope. That’s exciting! Learning how to use the National Geographic telescope is your first step to seeing the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and distant star clusters. This guide will walk you through everything, from unboxing to finding your first celestial target, in simple, clear steps.
Let’s get you from the box to the stars.
What’s in the Box?
First, carefully unpack everything. Your telescope likely came with several key parts. Lay them all out on a clean surface. Common components include:
* The optical tube (the main body of the telescope).
* The mount (the tripod and the head that holds the tube).
* Eyepieces (these are the lenses you look through; they often come in different magnifications like 10mm and 20mm).
* A finderscope (a small, low-power scope on the side used for aiming).
* Possibly a diagonal mirror (for refractor telescopes, it makes viewing more comfortable).
* Accessories like a Moon filter or smartphone adapter.
Identify each piece using the manual. Don’t force any connections; they should fit together smoothly.
How to Use the National Geographic Telescope
This is your core process. We’ll break it down into stages, from setup to observing.
Stage 1: Assembling Your Telescope
Always set up your telescope indoors first. It’s much easier to learn in a well-lit room than in the dark outside.
Step 1: The Mount and Tripod
Extend the tripod legs to a comfortable height, usually so the eyepiece is near your eye level when your not standing fully upright. Tighten the leg locks securely. An unstable tripod is the biggest cause of wobbly, frustrating views. Place the mount head onto the tripod if it isn’t already attached.
Step 2: Attaching the Optical Tube
Locate the mounting bracket on the tube. There’s usually a slot or ring that clamps onto this bracket. Secure the tube to the mount, but don’t overtighten yet. You’ll need to balance it later.
Step 3: Adding the Finderscope
The finderscope mounts in a bracket on the main tube. It needs to be aligned with the telescope, which we’ll do later. Just attach it loosely for now.
Step 4: Inserting the Eyepiece
Start with your lowest-power eyepiece (the one with the highest millimeter number, like 20mm or 25mm). This gives the widest, brightest view and is easiest for finding things. Insert it into the focuser at the back of the tube (or into the diagonal, which then goes into the focuser).
Stage 2: Understanding the Controls
Before going outside, know what each knob does.
The Focuser
This is the knob or rack-and-pinion that moves the eyepiece in and out. Turning it slowly changes the focus from blurry to sharp. Everything you observe will require adjusting the focuser.
The Mount Controls
Your National Geographic telescope likely has an alt-azimuth (up-down, left-right) mount. There should be two slow-motion control cables or knobs. One controls vertical (altitude) movement, the other controls horizontal (azimuth) movement. These let you track objects smoothly once you’ve found them.
The Finderscope Adjustments
The finderscope has small screws or knobs around its base. These are for aligning it precisely with the main telescope.
Stage 3: First Outdoor Setup
Choose a night with a clear sky. Start by observing the Moon—it’s the easiest and most impressive target.
Location is Key
Set up on a solid, level surface like a patio or driveway. Avoid wooden decks that vibrate. Let your telescope sit outside for 20-30 minutes to adjust to the outdoor temperature; this reduces heat waves inside the tube that blur the image.
Powering Up (If Applicable)
If your model has electronic tracking or a motor, insert the required batteries or connect a power pack. Always have spare batteries on hand.
Stage 4: Aligning the Finderscope (Crucial Step!)
This is the most important step for success. A misaligned finderscope makes finding anything impossible. Do this in daylight first.
1. Point your telescope at a distant, stationary object like a telephone pole top or a chimney. Use your low-power eyepiece.
2. Center the object in the main telescope’s view. Take your time to get it exactly in the middle.
3. Now, look through the finderscope. The same object will likely not be centered.
4. Without moving the main telescope, adjust the finderscope’s screws until the crosshairs are centered on that exact same object.
5. Switch to a higher-power eyepiece in the main scope, re-center, and fine-tune the finderscope alignment again. The more precise this is, the better.
Stage 5: Finding and Observing Your First Target
Let’s find the Moon. If the Moon isn’t out, a bright star like Sirius or Vega is a good alternative.
Using the Finderscope
Loosen the mount’s locks so you can move the telescope freely. Look through the finderscope (keep both eyes open, it’s easier) and point it at the Moon. Center the Moon in the finderscope’s crosshairs.
Your First Look
Now, look through the main telescope’s eyepiece. The Moon should be in view! If you see only a bright blur, slowly turn the focuser knob until the surface details snap into sharp view. You’ll see craters, mountains, and plains.
Tracking the Object
The Earth rotates, so objects will drift out of view. Use the slow-motion control knobs to gently nudge the telescope and keep the object centered. Practice this.
Moving On to Planets and Stars
Once you’ve mastered the Moon, try a planet like Jupiter or Saturn.
Finding Planets
Use a free astronomy app on your smartphone to see where planets are in the sky tonight. Point your finderscope at the bright “star” that doesn’t twinkle (that’s likely a planet).
What to Expect
* Jupiter: You should see it as a small disk, possibly with its four largest moons lined up beside it.
* Saturn: With steady air and good focus, you might make out its famous rings. It’s smaller than you think, but breathtaking.
* Stars: They will always look like points of light, not disks. Try looking at double stars or star clusters like the Pleiades.
Essential Tips for Better Viewing
* Let Your Eyes Adjust: Spend at least 15 minutes in the dark for your night vision to improve.
* Use a Red Light: Cover a flashlight with red cellophane to read charts without ruining your night vision.
* Start Low, Then Go High: Always find objects with your low-power eyepiece first. Then you can switch to a higher-power one (lower mm number) for a closer look, but know that higher power makes the image dimmer and shakier.
* Be Patient: Astronomy requires patience. Some nights the air will be turbulent, making views fuzzy. Try again another night.
Maintenance and Care
Your telescope is a precision instrument. Taking care of it ensures years of use.
* Lens Cleaning: Avoid touching glass surfaces. Use a soft-bristled brush (like a photographer’s lens blower brush) to remove dust. Only use lens cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth for stubborn smudges, and be very gentle.
* Storage: Keep the telescope in a dry, dust-free place. Store it with all lens caps on. If possible, keep the optical tube horizontal to avoid dust settling on the primary mirror or lens.
* Avoid Moisture: If dew forms on the telescope, let it evaporate naturally indoors. Don’t wipe it off or pack it away wet.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Everything looks blurry and won’t focus.
Check: You might be using too high a magnification for the conditions, or the finderscope is misaligned. Ensure you started with the low-power eyepiece and that the finderscope is perfectly aligned.
Problem: The image is shaking.
Check: Make sure the tripod legs are fully locked and on solid ground. Also, wait a second after adjusting the telescope for vibrations to settle before looking.
Problem: I can’t see anything through the eyepiece.
Check: Are all lens caps removed? Is the telescope pointed at a bright object (try a distant streetlight in daylight alignment)? Is the focuser wound all the way in or out? Try turning it slowly through its full range.
Problem: The finderscope is useless at night.
Solution: You probably didn’t align it well enough in daylight. Re-do the alignment process carefully. A good finderscope alignment is non-negotiable.
Recommended Accessories to Enhance Your Experience
While the kit has everything to start, a few additions can make a big difference.
1. Additional Eyepieces: A good quality 6mm or 8mm “Goldline” eyepiece can provide better planetary views than some kit eyepieces.
2. Moon Filter: It screws onto an eyepiece and cuts the Moon’s bright glare, increasing contrast and comfort.
3. Star Chart or App: Apps like Stellarium or SkySafari are incredible for planning your observing sessions and identifying what you see.
4. Better Finderscope: Some observers prefer a “red dot” finder, which projects a dot onto the sky, making aiming very intuitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why can’t I see anything through my National Geographic telescope?
A: The most common reasons are lens caps left on, severe finderscope misalignment, or pointing at an empty patch of sky. In daylight, practice aligning the finderscope and focusing on a distant land object over a mile away.
Q: How do I use the National Geographic telescope to see planets?
A: Use an app to find where the planet is. Align your finderscope perfectly in daylight. Point the finderscope at the planet (it will look like a bright star), then look in the main eyepiece. Start with your lowest-power eyepiece to get it in view, then switch to a higher power once it’s centered.
Q: What can I realistically see with a National Geographic telescope?
A: You can see incredible detail on the Moon, Jupiter’s cloud bands and its four largest moons, Saturn’s rings, bright star clusters like the Pleiades, and some nebulae like the Orion Nebula as a fuzzy patch. Setting realistic expectations is key—you won’t see Hubble-like color images, but the live view is magical.
Q: Is the National Geographic telescope good for beginners?
A: Yes, these telescopes are designed specifically for beginners. They provide a straightforward way to learn the basics of astronomy and telescope operation. Mastering one gives you the skills to move on to more advanced models later.
Q: How do I take pictures with my phone through the telescope?
A: You’ll need a smartphone adapter. This holds your phone securely over the eyepiece. Align the phone’s camera lens with the eyepiece, get the object focused in the telescope, and then adjust the phone until the image fills the screen. Use your phone’s timer or voice control to take the picture without shaking the setup.
Remember, astronomy is a hobby of patience and gradual learning. Your first night might be spent mostly learning to set up and align. The next, you’ll find the Moon quickly. Soon, you’ll be hunting for planets and deep-sky objects. Each clear night is an opportunity to learn something new and see something amazing. Keep your manual handy, refer back to these steps, and most importantly, enjoy the process of looking up.