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CELESTIAL OBSERVING
Now that your telescope is set up, you’re ready to observe This section covers visual observing hints for both solar system
and deep sky objects as well as general observing conditions which will affect your ability to observe
OBSERVING THE MOON
Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full At this time, the face
we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering In addition, little
or no contrast can be seen during this phase
One of the best times to observe the Moon is during its partial phases
(around the time of first or third quarter) Long shadows reveal a great
amount of detail on the lunar surface At low power, you will be able to see
most of the lunar disk at one time Change to optional eyepieces for higher
power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area
Lunar Observing Hints
To increase contrast and bring out detail on the lunar surface, use optional filters A yellow filter works well at improving
contrast while a neutral density or polarizing filter will reduce overall surface brightness and glare
OBSERVING THE PLANETS
Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets You can see
Venus go through its lunar-like phases Mars can reveal a host of surface
detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps You will be able to see the cloud
belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are
observing) In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as
they orbit the giant planet Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at
moderate power
Planetary Observing Hints
• Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on
how much planetary detail will be visible So, avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they
are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney See the “Seeing Conditions” section later in
this section
• To increase contrast and bring out detail on the planetary surface, try using Celestron eyepiece filters
OBSERVING THE SUN
Although overlooked by many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both rewarding and fun However, because
the Sun is so bright, special precautions must be taken when observing our star so as not to damage your eyes or your
telescope
For safe solar viewing, use a proper solar filter that reduces the intensity of the Sun’s light, making it safe to view With a
filter, you can see sunspots as they move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright patches seen near the Sun’s
edge
• The best time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler
• To center the Sun without looking into the eyepiece, watch the shadow of the telescope tube until it
forms a circular shadow
Содержание AstroMaster 102AZ
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