Detailed instructions for use are in the User's Guide.
The CR-150 HD 6" Refractor
Model #21017
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TABLE
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CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 4 How to Use this Manual .................................................................................................................. 5 A Word of Caution .......................................................................................................................... 5 TheRefractor OpticalSystem.......................................................................................................6 ASSEMBLING YOUR CR-150 HD ................................................................................................. 7 The CR-150 HD .......................................................................................................................... 8 Assembling the CG-5 Equatorial Mount............................................................. 9 Setting Up the Tripod ......................................................................................................... 9 Adjusting the Tripod Height ................................................................................................ 9 Attaching the Accessory Tray ............................................................................................ 10 Attaching the Equatorial Mount ......................................................................................... 11 Attaching the R.A. Slow Motion Knob ..................................................................12 Attaching the Declination Slow Motion Knob ........................................................ 13 Attaching the Counterweight Bar and Counterweights .............................................14 Attaching the Telescope to the Mount .................................................................................15 Removing the Lens Cap ..................................................................................................... 16 Balancing the Telescope in R.A. ......................................................................................... 17 Balancing the Telescope in DEC ........................................................................................17 Adjusting the Mount in Altitude ......................................................................................... 18 Adjusting the Mount in Azimuth ........................................................................................18 Disassembling and Transporting Your CR-150 HD .............................................................19 Storing Your CR-150 HD .................................................................................................. 19 Technical Specification................................................................................................19
v TELESCOPE BASICS ..................................................................................................................... 2 0 Attaching the Accessories ...............................................................................................................20 The Star Diagonal .............................................................................................................20 The Eyepiece .................................................................................................................... 20 Focusing ........................................................................................................................................22 Attaching the Finder................................................................................................................22 Aligning the Finder ........................................................................................................................23 Image Orientation .......................................................................................................................... 24 Your First Look ............................................................................................................................. 24 Daytime Observing ........................................................................................................... 24 Nighttime Observing .........................................................................................................25 Calculating Magnification ...............................................................................................................26 Determining Field of View .............................................................................................................26 General Photography Hints .............................................................................................................27
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ASTRONOMY BASICS ................................................................................................................... 2 8 The Celestial Coordinate System ..................................................................................................... 28 Motion of the Stars .........................................................................................................................29 Polar Alignment ............................................................................................................................. 30 Finding the Pole ............................................................................................................................. 31 Latitude Scales ..................................................................................................................32 Pointing at Polaris .............................................................................................................33 Declination Drift ..............................................................................................................34 Polar Alignment Finders ....................................................................................................35 Aligning the R.A. Setting Circle ......................................................................................... 35
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CELESTIAL OBSERVING ........................................................................................................... 3 6 Observing the Moon ....................................................................................................................... 36 Observing the Planets .....................................................................................................................37 Using the Lens Cap Aperture Stop.............................................................................................37 Observing the Sun .......................................................................................................................... 37 Observing Deep-Sky Objects ........................................................................................................... 38 Using the Setting Circles ....................................................................................................38 Star Hopping .....................................................................................................................39 Viewing Conditions ........................................................................................................................41 Transparency .................................................................................................................... 41 Sky Illumination ...............................................................................................................41 Seeing ...............................................................................................................................41 CELESTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 4 3 Short Exposure Prime Focus ........................................................................................................... 44 Piggyback ...................................................................................................................................... 46 Projection Photography ..................................................................................................................48
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TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................... 4 9 Care and Cleaning of the Optics .......................................................................................................49 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................... 5 0 THE MESSIER CATALOG ............................................................................................................ 5 3
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v LIST OF BRIGHT STARS .............................................................................................................. 5 6 v FOR FURTHER READING ........................................................................................................... 5 7
Table of Contents · iii
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Celestron world of amateur astronomy! For more than a quarter of a century, Celestron has provided amateur astronomers with the tools to explore the universe. The line of Celestron refractors continues in this proud tradition. Each telescope is made of the highest quality materials to ensure durability and stability. And, your Celestron refractor is versatile -- it will grow as your interest grows. All this adds up to a telescope that will give you a lifetime of pleasure with a minimal amount of maintenance. All you need to do is take the time to familiarize yourself with your Celestron telescope and its operation.
4 · Introduction
How to Use This Manual This manual is designed to instruct you in the proper use of your Celestron
refracting telescope. This includes assembly, initial use, and long term operation and maintenance. There are four major sections to the manual. The first section covers the proper procedure for setting up your Celestron refracting telescope. The second section covers basic operations that are common to all telescopes. This includes attaching the accessories, focusing, aligning the finderscope, and taking your first look. The third section deals with the basics of astronomy and using your telescope for astronomical viewing. This includes polar alignment, aligning the setting circles and using your Celestron for astronomical observations, both visual and photographic. The last major section is on telescope maintenance, specifically on care and cleaning. In addition to the major sections listed above, there is a list of optional accessories for all models of Celestron refractors. This includes a brief description of the accessory and its purpose. Finally, there is a list of celestial objects visible through your Celestron telescope. Included are the coordinates for each object, its brightness and a code which indicates object type. In addition, there is a list of bright stars that can be used for aligning the setting circles on the CG-5 equatorial mount. You should keep your refractor manual handy until you have fully mastered your telescope's operation.
A Word of Caution!
Your Celestron refractor is designed to give you hours of fun and rewarding observations. However, there are a few things to consider before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and protect your eyes and your equipment. NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITH THE NAKED EYE OR WITH A TELESCOPE. PERMANENT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE MAY RESULT. NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT AN IMAGE OF THE SUN ONTO ANY SURFACE. INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP CAN DAMAGE THE TELESCOPE AND/OR ANY ACCESSORIES ATTACHED TO IT. NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE SOLAR FILTER OR A HERSCHEL WEDGE. INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP INSIDE THE TELESCOPE CAN CAUSE THESE DEVICES TO CRACK OR BREAK, ALLOWING UNFILTERED SUNLIGHT TO PASS THROUGH TO THE EYE. NEVER LEAVE THE TELESCOPE UNSUPERVISED, EITHER WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT OR ADULTS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE CORRECT OPERATING PROCEDURES OF YOUR TELESCOPE. NEVER POINT YOUR TELESCOPE AT THE SUN UNLESS YOU HAVE THE PROPER SOLAR FILTER. WHEN USING YOUR TELESCOPE WITH THE CORRECT SOLAR FILTER, ALWAYS COVER THE FINDER. ALTHOUGH SMALL IN APERTURE, THIS INSTRUMENT HAS ENOUGH LIGHT GATHERING POWER TO CAUSE PERMANENT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE. IN ADDITION, THE IMAGE PROJECTED BY THE FINDER IS HOT ENOUGH TO BURN SKIN OR CLOTHING.
WARNING !
Introduction · 5
The Refractor Optical System
Developed in the early 1600s, the refractor is the oldest telescope design. It derives its name from the method it uses to focus incoming light rays. The refractor uses a lens to bend or refract incoming light rays, hence the name (see Figure 1-1). E ...
