18
BEGINNING OBSERVATION - THE MOON
As you set out to begin viewing, one of the easiest and most enjoyable
objects to look at is the moon. Finding the moon and adjusting to view it is a
good way to acquaint yourself with the movements of your telescope. Follow
these steps carefully to gain a basic understanding of the adjustments you
can make to your scope.
To aim your telescope at the moon, you will have to adjust both the Right
Ascension and Declination. One at a time, make the following adjustments.
•
Loosen the Base Mount Screw and swivel the telescope until it is pointed
in the direction of the moon. This is adjusting the Right Ascension.
•
Loosen the Latitudinal Adjustment Screws (large silver screws near the
base of your mount) and adjust the angle of your telescope until it is
pointing up at the moon. This is adjusting the Declination.
While looking through the eyepiece, use the R.A. and Declination
adjustment cables to make smaller, more precise adjustments to the
position of your telescope. For best results, only adjust one axis at a time.
The adjustment cables feature stops which allow and a limited degree
of adjustment. To move past a stop, loosen the clamp for the axis you
would like to move and rotate the optical tube assembly past the stop.
Be sure to retighten the clamps before viewing.
If you notice resistance while moving the Optical Tube Assembly, try
adjusting the counterweight position up or down to properly balance the
telescope. The OTA should move very easily and smoothly - never try and
force the OTA to move as this can permanently damage your telescope.
Once you’ve located the moon and successfully pointed your telescope
at it, experiment with focusing and your different eyepieces. This will help
familiarize you with the different results you can get from your telescope.
