3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and welcome to the
Celestron
world of astronomy. If you’re a newcomer to the hobby of
astronomy, some of the terms and telescope components described in this instruction manual may be new to
you. To assist you in assembling and operating your telescope, the next few pages will explain some
commonly used terms and show diagrams of your new telescope and its components. If you’re already well-
versed in the language of astronomy and telescopes, you might want to review these sections, then move on
to unpacking and assembling your new
Celestron
telescope.
This manual is designed to instruct you in the proper use of your Celestron telescope. You’ll also find this
instruction manual contains a wealth of useful information on celestial observing, commonly used terms in
astronomy, instruction on the care of your telescope, and optional accessories to enhance your viewing
experience. There are five major sections to the manual. The first section covers the proper procedure for
setting up your
Celestron Star Hopper
®
telescope. This includes unpacking and assembling the telescope
and mount, attaching the telescope to the mount and installing the finderscope.
The second section deals with the proper procedure for collimating the telescope. Daytime and nighttime
collimation techniques are included to insure that your telescope images are their sharpest. The third section
discusses the basics of operating your telescope. Topics include focusing and pointing the telescope as well
as calculating the eyepiece magnification and field of view. In the fourth section, visual observing of both solar
system and deep sky objects is covered, along with the techniques for finding these objects. Finally, the fifth
sections covers cleaning and care of the telescope’s optics.
In addition to the major sections mentioned previously, there is a list of optional accessories for your
Celestron Star Hopper
®
telescope that include a brief description of its purpose. This is the section to
consult when you’ve mastered the basics and ready for new, more challenging observations. The final part of
this manual contains the technical specifications for each of the
Star Hoppers
®
.
CAUTION: READ THIS SECTION BEFORE USING YOUR TELESCOPE
Your
Celestron Star Hopper
®
telescope is designed to give you hours of fun and rewarding observations.
However, there are a few things to be aware of before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and
protect your equipment.
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITH THE NAKED EYE OR WITH A TELESCOPE. NEVER POINT
YOUR TELESCOPE AT THE SUN UNLESS YOU ARE USING THE PROPER SOLAR FILTER.
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 THAT MAY
BE ATTACHED TO IT.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR TELESCOPE UNSUPERVISED, ESPECIALLY WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT.
THIS ALSO HOLDS TRUE FOR ADULTS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE CORRECT
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR YOUR TELESCOPE.
NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE SOLAR FILTER OR A HERSCHEL WEDGE. INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP
WITHIN THE TELESCOPE CAN CAUSE THESE DEVICES TO CRACK, BREAK OR DAMAGE YOUR
TELESCOPE. ANY SOLAR FILTER USED SHOULD BE A FILTER FOR THE PRIMARY LENS.
ALWAYS COVER A FINDERSCOPE (IF INSTALLED) WHEN USING YOUR TELESCOPE WITH THE
CORRECT SOLAR FILTER. ALTHOUGH SMALL IN APERTURE, THIS INSTRUMENT HAS ENOUGH
LIGHT GATHERING POWER TO CAUSE PERMANENT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE. THE IMAGE
PROJECTED BY THE FINDERSCOPE IS HOT ENOUGH TO BURN SKIN OR CLOTHING.
