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10
Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions
Q: I can’t get to focus my telescope, only get a bright circle.
A: Make sure you have inserted the diagonal Zenith mirror and an eyepiece
(start by the lowest power eyepiece – 25mm).
Q: I use the finder-scope to point to objects but I always miss the
target.
A: You probably need to realign the finder-scope on the target if you accidentally
nudge the telescope. After and learning how to tighten the telescope into
position of the target you will find you improve on this.
Q: When I use the barlow lens and the 10mm eyepiece the image
is so dark I can’t hardly see anything.
A: It depends on how stable the atmosphere is, too much turbulence causes
image distortion. The more magnified the image is the darker it gets.
Q: The stars only appear as points in the telescope, is this normal?
A: This is normal. Stars will always appear only as points, even in the largest
telescopes in the world. It is more interesting for beginners to observe two-
dimensional objects, such the moon or planets. Once you find these, you will
be able to start learning about the astronomical calendar.
Q: I would like to observe the Sun. How can I do it?
A: An appropriate specialist solar filter, placed over the objective, is essential for
observing the sun. These are available as plastic foil or glass filters (not
supplied by us). They allow only a tiny and harmless fraction of sunlight into the
telescope’s aperture. When securely positioned over the objective, they allow
observation of the sun in complete safety. Eyepiece solar filters should be
avoided at all costs as they are considered unsafe.
NOTE: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN THROUGH A TELESCOPE
WITHOUT AN OBJECTIVE SOLAR FILTER!
Q: I can’t see anything when I look through my telescope.
Did I do something wrong?
A: Check you have removed all the lens dust caps. All Telescopes are only suitable
for astronomical observing and when used outside at night when the sky is
clear is when you achieve the best results. Observing from inside a house
through a window or during the day is not usually best practice unless
practising and learning how to use the telescope.
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