How To Work A Celestron Telescope

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If you’ve just gotten your first Celestron telescope, you might be wondering how to work a Celestron telescope. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the knobs and parts, but don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything in simple, clear steps. You’ll be set up and viewing the moon’s craters in no time.

How To Work A Celestron Telescope

Working your telescope boils down to three main phases: assembly, alignment, and finding targets. We’ll cover each one. First, let’s make sure you have all the pieces ready to go.

Unboxing and Identifying Your Telescope Parts

Carefully take everything out of the box. Lay the parts on a clean floor. Most Celestron telescopes include these key components:

  • The optical tube (the main body of the telescope).
  • The mount (the tripod or base that holds the tube).
  • Eyepieces (these are the lenses you look through; they often come in different sizes like 25mm and 10mm).
  • A finderscope (a small, low-power scope attached to the main tube).
  • The accessory tray and any tools provided.

Check your manual against the parts. It’s crucial to know what each piece is called before you start putting them together.

Step-by-Step Assembly of Your Mount and Tripod

Start with the mount and tripod. This is your telescope’s foundation. A wobbly base means shaky, frustrating views.

  1. Extend the tripod legs to a comfortable height. Tighten the leg locks securely.
  2. Attach the accessory tray to the center brace. This adds stability and gives you a place to put eyepieces.
  3. Place the mount head onto the tripod. For an Alt-Azimuth mount, it usually just sits on top. For a German Equatorial Mount (GEM), you may need to screw it onto a central bolt.
  4. Ensure all knobs are tight so nothing slips during use.

Attaching the Optical Tube and Finderscope

Now, connect the telescope tube to the mount.

  1. Locate the mounting rings or the dovetail bar on your optical tube.
  2. If using rings, open them and place the tube inside, then close and tighten. If using a dovetail, slide it into the clamp on the mount and tighten the securing screws.
  3. Balance the tube. Loosen the mount clutches and see if one end dips. Adjust the tube forward or backward in the rings/clamp until it stays put when you let go.
  4. Attach the finderscope to its bracket on the optical tube. Tighten the screws, but don’t align it yet. That comes later.

Understanding Your Eyepieces and Focuser

The eyepiece determines your magnification. The lower the number (e.g., 25mm), the lower the power and wider the view. The higher the number (e.g., 10mm), the higher the magnification.

  • Always start with your lowest power eyepiece (highest mm number). It’s easier to find objects and get a clear focus.
  • Insert the eyepiece into the focuser drawtube. Tighten the setscrew so it doesn’t fall out.
  • The focuser knobs move the eyepiece in and out. Turn them slowly until the image becomes sharp.

What is the Barlow Lens?

You might also have a Barlow lens. This accessory doubles or triples the power of any eyepiece you put into it. Insert the Barlow into the focuser first, then put your eyepiece into the Barlow.

The Critical Step: Aligning Your Finderscope

A misaligned finderscope is the number one reason beginners can’t find anything. Do this in daylight, never at night.

  1. Point your telescope at a distant, stationary object like a telephone pole or a chimney.
  2. Look through your main telescope with a low-power eyepiece and center the object. Get it perfectly focused.
  3. Now, look through the finderscope. Is the same object centered in its crosshairs? Probably not.
  4. Use the adjustment screws on the finderscope bracket to move the crosshairs until they point directly at the object you see in the main telescope.
  5. Double-check by looking back through the main scope. They should now be aligned.

How to Set Up and Use a Computerized GoTo Mount

Many Celestron scopes have computerized “GoTo” mounts. These can automatically point to thousands of objects. Here’s the basic startup routine:

  1. Install the batteries or connect an external power supply. These mounts need steady power.
  2. Place the telescope in its “home” position. This is usually with the optical tube level and pointing North (for equatorial mounts) or just level (for Alt-Azimuth). Check your manual.
  3. Turn on the hand control. It will ask for basic information: date, time, location, and daylight savings status. Be as accurate as possible.
  4. The mount will then perform an alignment. It will ask you to center two or three bright stars in the eyepiece. Take your time with this. Accurate alignment is key to the GoTo function working well.

Finding Your First Night Sky Targets

Start with easy, bright objects. The Moon is perfect. It’s big, bright, and shows amazing detail.

  • Point your telescope roughly at the Moon. Use the finderscope to get it in the center of view.
  • Look through the main eyepiece. It should be there. Use the focus knobs until the craters are sharp.
  • Try swapping to a higher-power eyepiece to see more detail.

After the Moon, try Jupiter or Saturn. You can see Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings with even a small telescope. Use a star chart, app, or your GoTo hand control to locate them.

Tips for Getting the Best View Possible

Your viewing conditions are as important as your telescope.

  • Let your telescope cool down. If it’s been inside, bring it outside 30 minutes before you observe. This stops heat waves from distorting the image.
  • Avoid looking over rooftops or pavement that release heat.
  • Start observing when objects are high in the sky. You’re looking through less atmosphere, which means clearer views.
  • Be patient. Your eyes need about 20 minutes to fully adapt to the dark. Avoid looking at bright phone screens.

Routine Maintenance and Care

Taking good care of your telescope ensures it lasts for years.

  • Always put lens caps on when not in use.
  • Store it in a dry, temperature-stable place.
  • If you need to clean the lens, use a special lens brush or air blower first. Only use lens cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth made for optics if absolutely necessary. Never wipe a dry lens.
  • Keep the finderscope alignment checked, especially after transporting the telescope.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are quick fixes for typical issues:

  • Everything looks blurry: You are out of focus. Turn the focus knobs slowly in both directions. Also, ensure you’re using an appropriate eyepiece; too high power on a faint object can look like a blur.
  • I see a shadow in the middle of the view: This means the secondary mirror is visible, which happens when you’re not perfectly aligned with the eyepiece. Gently move your eye around.
  • The mount won’t stay still: Check that all clutch knobs and locks are tightened. Make sure the tripod legs are fully spread and on solid ground.
  • GoTo points to the wrong place: Your initial alignment was off. Redo the alignment process, making sure you precisely center the alignment stars.

Moving Beyond the Basics: Next Steps

Once you’re comfortable, you can expand your experience.

  • Learn a few key constellations to help you navigate manually.
  • Consider keeping an observing logbook to record what you see.
  • Look into different eyepieces or filters. A Moon filter, for example, cuts glare and makes lunar viewing more comfortable.
  • Join a local astronomy club. Sharing the hobby with others is incredibly rewarding and you’ll learn fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can’t I see anything through my Celestron telescope?

First, check that all lens caps are removed. Then, ensure you are using the lowest power eyepiece (highest mm number) to start. Point at a bright, distant object in daylight (like a treetop) to practice focusing. At night, always start with the Moon.

How do I use a Celestron telescope for planets?

Planets need higher magnification. Use your higher-power eyepiece (e.g., 10mm) or your Barlow lens. Look when the planet is high in the sky. Patience is key; wait for moments of steady air when the view sharpens.

What’s the best way to learn how to operate a Celestron telescope?

Read the manual that came with your specific model. Practice setup in the daytime. Start with easy targets like the Moon. Don’t rush the alignment process for computerized models. Online videos for your specific model can also be very helpful visual guides.

How do you set up a Celestron telescope for deep sky objects?

For faint objects like galaxies, use your lowest power eyepiece for the widest, brightest view. Find a very dark sky location far from city lights. Let your eyes fully dark-adapt. Use a star chart or app to “star-hop” from bright stars to your target.

Can I use my Celestron telescope to look at things on land?

Yes, but with an important note. Most astronomical telescopes present an upside-down or mirror image. This is fine for the sky but disorienting for terrestrial viewing. You can purchase an erecting prism to correct the image, but it’s not usually included.

Why is my view shaky?

A shaky view usually comes from a wobbly tripod. Make sure all leg locks and mount connections are fully tightened. Don’t fully extend the legs if you don’t need to; shorter legs are more stable. Also, avoid touching the telescope while viewing; use the slow-motion controls or hand control.

Remember, astronomy is a hobby of patience. Your first few sessions might involve some trial and error, but that’s part of the process. Each time you set up, it will get easier and faster. Before long, you’ll be sharing views of Saturn’s rings with friends and family, explaining just how you got your telescope to find it.