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Remember that you are seeing these objects using your own
telescope with your own eyes! The object you see in your eye-
piece is in real-time, and not some conveniently provided
image from an expensive space probe. Each session with
your telescope will be a learning experience. Each time you
work with your telescope it will get easier to use, and stellar
objects will become easier to find. Take it from us, there is big
difference between looking at a well-made full-color NASA
image of a deep-sky object in a lit room during the daytime,
and seeing that same object in your telescope at night. One
can merely be a pretty image someone gave to you. The other
is an experience you will never forget!
objects to observe
Now that you are all set up and ready to go, one critical deci-
sion must be made: what to look at?
A. The Moon
With its rocky surface, the Moon is one of the easiest and
most interesting targets to view with your telescope. Lunar
craters, marias, and even mountain ranges can all be clearly
seen from a distance of 238,000 miles away! With its ever-
changing phases, you’ll get a new view of the Moon every
night. The best time to observe our one and only natural satel-
lite is during a partial phase, that is, when the Moon is NOT
full. During partial phases, shadows are cast on the surface,
which reveal more detail, especially right along the border
between the dark and light portions of the disk (called the “ter-
minator”). A full Moon is too bright and devoid of surface
shadows to yield a pleasing view. Make sure to observe the
Moon when it is well above the horizon to get the sharpest
images.
Use an optional Moon filter to dim the Moon when it is very
bright. It simply threads onto the bottom of the eyepieces (you
must first remove the eyepiece from the focuser to attach a
filter). You’ll find that the Moon filter improves viewing comfort,
and also helps to bring out subtle features on the lunar sur-
face.
B. The Planets
The planets don’t stay put like the stars, so to find them you
should refer to Sky Calendar at our website (telescope.com),
or to charts published monthly in Astronomy, Sky & Telescope,
or other astronomy magazines. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and
Saturn are the brightest objects in the sky after the Sun and
the Moon. Other planets may be visible but will likely appear
star-like. Because planets are quite small in apparent size,
optional higher-power eyepieces are recommended and often
needed for detailed observations. Not all the planets are gen-
erally visible at any one time.
C. The Stars
Stars will appear like twinkling points of light. Even powerful
telescopes cannot magnify stars to appear as more than a
point of light. You can, however, enjoy the different colors of
the stars and locate many pretty double and multiple stars.
The famous “Double-Double” in the constellation Lyra and the
gorgeous two-color double star Albireo in Cygnus are favor-
ites. Defocusing a star slightly can help bring out its color.
D. Deep-Sky Objects
Under dark skies, you can observe a wealth of fascinating
deep-sky objects, including gaseous nebulas, open and glob-
ular star clusters, and a variety of different types of galaxies.
Most deep-sky objects are very faint, so it is important that
you find an observing site well away from light pollution. Take
plenty of time to let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Do not
expect these subjects to appear like the photographs you see
in books and magazines; most will look like dim gray smudges.
Our eyes are not sensitive enough to see color in deep-sky
objects except in a few of the brightest ones. But as you
become more experienced and your observing skills get
sharper, you will be able to ferret out more and more subtle
details and structure.
6. terrestrial Viewing
The Transporter 70 Min-EQ can be used for long-distance
viewing over land. We recommend using an optional 45° cor-
rect-image prism diagonal instead of the included 90° mirror
star diagonal. The correct-image diagonal will yield upright,
non-reversed images and provide a more comfortable viewing
angle.
The equatorial mount should not be used for terrestrial view-
ing. While it is excellent for tracking the stars, the equatorial
mount will make aiming the telescope towards terrestrial tar-
gets difficult. however, the Transporter 70’s optical tube can
be mounted to any sturdy camera tripod via the 1/4”-20
threaded holes in its mounting block. Any tripod capable of
handling 2.5lbs. or more can support the Tranporter 70’s opti-
cal tube. Simply unthread the attachment knobs and remove
the optical tube from the Min-EQ mount, then attach the opti-
cal tube to the camera tripod by threading the camera tripods
mounting stud into the Transporter 70’s mounting block. Use
the threaded hole that will best balance the optical tube on the
tripod.
Remember to aim well clear of the Sun, unless the front of the
telescope is fitted with a professionally made solar filter and
the finder scope is covered, or better yet, removed altogether.
7. transporting the
telescope
The Transporter 70 Min-EQ was designed for observers who
wanted a telescope that is easy to transport. The entire tele-
scope, including the optical tube and Min-EQ mount, will fit in
the provided soft carry case. This makes the Transporter 70
Min-EQ incredibly portable.
To use the carrying case, you need to disassemble the mount.
Once disassembled, place the counterweight shaft and tele-
scope legs at the very bottom of the carry case, underneath
the case’s padded “floor”. The counterweight goes into the
corner separated by a padded wall. The mount itself is secured
to the padded “floor” with the cloth velcro straps. Place the
slow motion control cables in with the mount. Then, place the
padded compartment separator on top of the mount and
