The level of magnification required depends on the object being observed. Optimal performance is obtained if
the magnification is typically not more than approximately 30X for every 10-mm of objective lens diameter.
Magnification of around 210X less is ideal for a telescope with a 70-mm diameter objective lens and is best for
observing most celestial objects. A lower magnification power and a wider field of view are advisable for the
observation of galaxies and nebulae. The highest magnification power should be used for highly detailed
observations of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, or any object that is quite bright.
1) Take your telescope outside. Viewing objects through closed or open windows is not recommended. Your
view can be distorted by reflections in the glass of a closed window or by air currents of differing
temperatures passing through an open window.
2) Let your telescope adjust to the outside temperature. Your telescope will perform much better if the
temperature of the lenses and the air inside the tube are the same as the outside temperature. It may take
up to 30 minutes to equalize the temperatures when the difference in temperatures is extreme.
3) Find a location far from glaring light. If you live in an urban area, your viewing will probably improve the
farther you move away from the city lights. The sky glow of a town or city can dramatically reduce the
telescope’s performance and viewing capabilities.
4) Remove the large, round plastic dust cover from the front of your telescope.
5) We recommend starting your viewing with the 20-mm eyepiece because it gives you the widest angle and
brightest, sharpest views.
When possible, avoid sudden temperature changes, as the moisture in the air will condense on the objective
lens. Should this occur after bringing your telescope inside, leave the lens cap off the objective lens, tilt the
objective (front) lens facedown, and allow the telescope to reach room temperature.
C
ARE AND
C
LEANING OF
O
PTICS
Optical components of a telescope get dirty over time. Dirt or dust on a lens should be removed with the utmost
care. A considerable amount of dirt or dust would have to accumulate on the optical surface before your view
would be compromised.
1) Keeping dust caps on during storage and transport will reduce dust accumulation.
2) Condensation may collect on the optical surfaces when the telescope is not in use.
Remove the dust caps and allow the moisture to evaporate naturally. Point the telescope downward to minimize
the accumulation of airborne dust.
3) Once all moisture has evaporated, replace the dust caps.
If, after several attempts, you cannot remove the particles, take the telescope to an optical professional for
cleaning.
If you keep the dust caps on your telescope when it is not in use and avoid handling the lenses or mirrors, only
minimal optical maintenance of your telescope should be required. Extensive cleaning is usually only necessary
every few years.
W
HAT TO
L
OOK
F
OR IN THE
N
IGHT
S
KY
There is a whole universe of objects you could view at night, so where do you start? We recommend starting
with the most prominent objects first.
T
HE
M
OON
The Moon is the easiest target to find at night. When the Moon is in full position, it bathes the night with a silvery
light that washes the sky of all but the brightest objects. The best time to view the Moon is not when it is full, but
rather when it is less than half full. The dividing line between dark and light on the Moon, called the terminator,
shows the best detail in the craters and mountains.
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