User manual CELESTRON POWERSEEKER 127 Instruction Manual

[. . . ] PowerSeeker 127 INSTRUCTION MANUAL #21049 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Celestron world of amateur astronomy. Some of the terms and parts described in these instructions may be new to you, so a few commonly used terms you'll want to be familiar with are defined below. Equatorial mount ­ a type of mounting that allows the telescope to be aligned with the earth's axis in order to track the motion of the sky. Focal length - the distance from the optical center of the lens to the point where the incoming light rays converge, creating a clear, focused image. [. . . ] The north celestial pole, which has a declination of +90°, would be directly overhead (i. e. , 90 above the horizon). Now, let's say that you move one degree south -- your latitude is now +89° and the celestial pole is no longer directly overhead. You would have to travel 70 miles north or south to change your latitude by one degree. As you can see from this example, the distance from the northern horizon to the celestial pole is always equal to your latitude. If you are observing from Los Angeles, which has a latitude of 34°, then the celestial pole is 34° above the northern horizon. All a latitude scale does then is to point the polar axis of the telescope at the right elevation above the northern (or southern) horizon. Adjust the mount in altitude until the latitude indicator points to your latitude. Moving the mount affects the angle the polar axis is pointing. This method can be done in daylight, thus eliminating the need to fumble around in the dark. Although this method does NOT put you directly on the pole, it will limit the number of corrections you will make when tracking an object. Pointing at Polaris This method utilizes Polaris as a guidepost to the celestial pole. Since Polaris is less than a degree from the celestial pole, you can simply point the polar axis of your telescope at Polaris. Although this is by no means perfect alignment, it does get you within one degree. Unlike the previous method, this must be done in the dark when Polaris is visible. Loosen the DEC clutch knob and move the telescope so that the tube is parallel to the polar axis. If the declination setting circle is not aligned, move the telescope so that the tube is parallel to the polar axis. Adjust the mount in altitude and/or azimuth until Polaris is in the field of view of the finder. Center Polaris in the field of the telescope using the fine adjustment controls on the mount. Declination Setting Circle Declination Lock Latitude Scale Right Ascension Lock Latitude Adjustment Screws Right Ascension Setting Circle 3. 4. Figure 9 ­ Equatorial Head PowerSeeker 127 Remember, while Polar aligning, do NOT move the telescope in R. A. The telescope is used simply to see where the polar axis is pointing. 9 Figure 10- Aligning the Equatorial mount to the polar axis of the Earth. Finding the North Celestial Pole In each hemisphere, there is a point in the sky around which all the other stars appear to rotate. These points are called the celestial poles and are named for the hemisphere in which they reside. For example, in the northern hemisphere all stars move around the north celestial pole. When the telescope's polar axis is pointed at the celestial pole, it is parallel to the Earth's rotational axis. Many methods of polar alignment require that you know how to find the celestial pole by identifying stars in the area. [. . . ] As a condition to the obligation of Celestron to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to Celestron together with proof-of-purchase satisfactory to Celestron. The Proper Return Authorization Number must be obtained from Celestron in advance of return. Call Celestron at (310) 328-9560 to receive the number to be displayed on the outside of your shipping container. All returns must be accompanied by a written statement setting forth the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the owner, together with a brief description of any claimed defects. [. . . ]