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. [. . . ] It has moved one degree closer toward the northern horizon. This means the pole is now 89° above the northern horizon. If you move one degree further south, the same thing happens again. 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. Make sure the polar axis of the mount is pointing due north. Use a landmark that you know faces north. 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. Set the telescope up so that the polar axis is pointing north. Loosen the DEC clutch knob and move the telescope so that the tube is parallel to the polar axis. When this is done, the declination setting circle will read +90°. 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. [. . . ] 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. [. . . ]