IMAGE ORIENTATION
The image orientation changes depending on how the eyepiece is inserted into the telescope. When using
a star diagonal with refractors, the image is right-side-up, but reversed from left-to-right (i.e., mirror im-
age). If inserting the eyepiece directly into the focuser of a refractor (i.e., without the diagonal), the image
is upside-down and reversed from left-to-right (i.e., inverted).
Newtonian reflectors produce a right-side-up image but the image will appear rotated based on the loca-
tion of the eyepiece holder in relation to the ground.
FOCUSING
To focus your refractor or Newtonian telescope, simply turn the focus knob located directly below the eye-
piece holder (see Figures 1-1 and 1-2). Turning the knob clockwise allows you to focus on an object that is
farther than the one you are currently observing. Turning the knob counterclockwise from you allows you
to focus on an object closer than the one you are currently observing.
Note: If you wear corrective lenses (specifically glasses), you may want to remove them when observing
with an eyepiece attached to the telescope. However, when using a camera you should always wear correc-
tive lenses to ensure the sharpest possible focus. If you have astigmatism, corrective lenses must be worn
at all times.
ALIGNING THE FINDERSCOPE
The Star Pointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly at a desired object in the
sky. It’s like having a laser pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. The Star Pointer is a zero
magnification pointing tool that uses a coated glass window to superimpose the image of a small red dot
onto the night sky. While keeping both eyes open when looking through the Star Pointer, simply move your
telescope until the red dot, seen through the Star Pointer, merges with the object as seen with your unaided
eye. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode (LED); it is not a laser beam and will not damage the
glass window or your eye. The star pointer is powered by a long life 3-volt lithium battery (#CR1620) see
Figure 3-4. Like all finderscopes, the Star Pointer must be properly aligned with the main telescope before it
can be used. The alignment procedure is best done at night since the LED dot will be difficult to see during
the day.
10
Image orientation as seen with the
unaided eye & using erecting de-
vices on refractors & Newtonians
Figure 3-3
Reversed from left to right, as
viewed using a Star Diagonal on
a refractor
Inverted image, normal with
Newtonians & as viewed with
eyepiece directly in a refractor