3
1. terminology
Altazimuth Mount A simple type of telescope mount that
allows the telescope to be moved in two perpendicular direc-
tions: up-and-down (altitude) and sideways (azimuth).
Altitude Micro-Motion (or Slow-Motion) Control A two-
piece threaded rod that is anchored to the altazimuth mount
and to the telescope tube. A thumbwheel on the rod can be
turned to slowly lengthen or shorten its length, resulting in
small changes in the pointing altitude of the telescope.
Dew Cap Reduces moisture buildup on objective lens; reduc-
es off-axis glare.
Diagonal Diverts the light cone by means of a mirror or prism
to provide a more comfortable viewing angle (usually 90° or
45°). Diagonals are often used with refractor and catadioptric
telescopes, but not with Newtonian reflectors.
Eyepiece The part into which you look. It contains a number
of lenses that together magnify the image formed by the tele-
scope and allow your eye to focus on it. Eyepieces of different
focal lengths will produce different magnifications.
Finder Scope Aids in aiming the telescope. It is a small, low-
power refracting scope, usually with crosshairs, that rides
piggyback on the main telescope’s optical tube. Its wide field
of view greatly facilitates the location of target objects for
viewing in the main telescope’s eyepiece.
Focal Length For refractors, the distance from the objective
lens to the point at which the light rays converge to the focus
point. The focal length of a refractor is a function of the curva-
ture of the objective lens as well as on the type of glass it is
made of. Focal length is usually expressed in millimeters.
Objective Lens The main lens system on the front end of a
refractor. It gathers light and brings it to a focus. The objective
lens of this telescope actually consists of two lens compo-
nents (elements).
Optical Tube The main body of the telescope, which houses
the optics.
Rack-and-Pinion Focuser A type of focusing device that
employs a grooved rack gear and a meshing pinion gear to
move the eyepiece-holding drawtube in and out, thereby
allowing adjustment of the image focus.
C
ongratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion telescope! Your new Observer 60mm Ultra
Altazimuth Refractor is designed primarily for astronomical viewing, but can also be used for terrestrial
observation (with the recommended addition of an image-erecting prism).
If you have never used a telescope before, we would like to welcome you to amateur astronomy. Take
some time to familiarize yourself with the night sky. Learn to recognize the patterns of stars in the major
constellations; a star wheel, or planisphere, available from Orion or your local telescope shop, will
greatly help. With a little practice, a little patience, and a reasonably dark sky away from city lights, you'll
find your telescope to be a never-ending source of wonder, exploration, and relaxation.
These instructions will help you set up and properly use and care for your telescope. Please read them
over thoroughly before getting started.
table of contents
1. Terminology ......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Parts List .............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Assembly ............................................................................................................................. 4
4. Aligning the Finder Scope ................................................................................................... 4
5. Using the Telescope ............................................................................................................ 5
6. Astronomical Viewing ........................................................................................................... 6
7. Terrestrial Viewing ................................................................................................................ 7
8. Care and Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 7
9. Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 8
Warning:
Never look directly at the Sun
through your telescope or its finder scope—
even for an instant—without a professionally
made solar filter that completely covers the front
of the instrument, or permanent eye damage
could result. Be sure to also cover
the front of the finder scope with an opaque
material. Young children should use this
telescope only with adult supervision.