4. The recurring astronomical theater we call the night sky is an ever-changing billboard. In
other words, not the same movie plays all the time. Rather, the positions of the stars change
not only hourly as they seem to rise and set, but also throughout the year. As the earth orbits
the sun our perspective on the stars changes on a yearly cycle about that orbit. The reason
the sky seems to move daily just as the sun and the moon "move" across our sky, is that the
earth is rotating about its axis. As a result you may notice that after a few minutes or a few
seconds depending on what power you are viewing at, the objects in your telescope will
move. At higher magnifications especially, you will notice that the moon or Jupiter will
"race" right out of the field of view. To compensate, just move the fine adjustment controls
on your telescope to "track" it in the necessary path.
Helpful Hints
1. Your telescope is a very sensitive instrument. For best results and fewer vibrations set your
telescope up on a level location on the ground rather than your concrete driveway or your
wooden deck. This will provide a more stable foundation for viewing, especially if you've
drawn a crowd with your new telescope.
2. If possible view from a location that has relatively few lights. This will allow you to see
much fainter objects. You'd be surprised how much more you'll see from your local lake or
park when compared to a backyard in the city.
3. Using your telescope out a window is NEVER recommended.
4. View objects that are high in the sky if possible. Waiting until the object rises well above the
horizon will provide a brighter and crisper image. Objects on the horizon are viewed
through several layers of earth's atmosphere. Ever wonder why the moon appears orange as
it sets on the horizon. It's because you are looking through a considerable more amount of
atmosphere than you would directly overhead. (Note: If objects high in the sky are distorted
or wavy, you are probably viewing on a very humid night.) During nights of unstable
atmosphere, viewing through a telescope can be frustrating if not impossible. Astronomers
refer to crisp, clear nights as nights of "good seeing."
Where do I start?
Your Bushnell telescope can bring the wonders of the universe to your eye. While this manual is
intended to assist you in the set-up and basic use of this instrument, it does not cover everything
you might like to know about astronomy. The first thing you need to do is get a very simple star
chart and a flashlight with a red bulb or red cellophane over the end. For objects other than stars
and constellations, a basic guide to astronomy is a must. Some recommended sources appear on
our website at
www.bushnell.com
. Also on our website will be current events in the sky for
suggested viewing. But, some of the standbys that you can see are:
The Moon--a wonderful view of our lunar neighbor can be enjoyed with any magnification. Try
viewing at different phases of the moon. Lunar highlands, lunar maria (lowlands called "seas"
for their dark coloration), craters, ridges and mountains will astound you.
Saturn--even at the lowest power you should be able to see Saturn's rings and moons. This is one
of the most satisfying objects in the sky to see simply because it looks like it does in pictures.
Imagine seeing what you've seen in textbooks or NASA images from your backyard!
Jupiter--the largest planet in our solar system is spectacular. Most noted features are its dark
stripes or bands both above and below its equator. These are the north and south equatorial
belts. Also interesting are Jupiter's four major moons. Pay close attention to their positions from
night to night. They appear to be lined up on either side of Jupiter.
