Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ User Manual

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ENGLISH

Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Specifications

General

Aperture	130 mm
Focal Length	650 mm
Focal Ratio	f/5
Mount Type	Equatorial
Optical Design	Newtonian Reflector
Highest Useful Magnification	307x
Lowest Useful Magnification	19x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	13.1
Resolution (Rayleigh)	1.07 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)	0.89 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power	345x
Optical Tube Length	24 inches
Eyepieces	20mm, 10mm
Finderscope	StarPointer
Optical Coatings	Aluminum
Tripod	Steel
Optical Tube Weight	14 lbs

Summary

Introduction

Warning

Safety precautions for telescope use, including sun viewing and handling.

Assembly

Setting up the Tripod

Instructions for assembling the tripod and attaching the accessory tray.

Attaching the Equatorial Mount

Procedure for mounting the equatorial mount onto the tripod head.

Installing the Counterweight Bar & Counterweights

Steps to install the counterweight bar and balance the telescope.

Attaching the Slow Motion Cables

Connecting the R.A. and Dec. slow motion control cables to the mount.

Attaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount

Securing the telescope optical tube to the equatorial mount.

Installing the Diagonal & Eyepieces (refractor)

How to install the diagonal and eyepieces for refractor telescopes.

Installing the Eyepieces on the Newtonians

Procedure for attaching eyepieces to Newtonian telescope focusers.

Moving the Telescope Manually

Guidance on manually adjusting the telescope's position.

Balancing the Mount in R.A.

How to balance the telescope mount in the Right Ascension axis.

Balancing the Mount in Dec.

How to balance the telescope mount in the Declination axis.

Adjusting the Equatorial Mount

Adjusting the equatorial mount for proper alignment.

Adjusting the Mount in Altitude

Procedure for setting the mount's altitude angle for polar alignment.

Telescope Basics

Image Orientation

Explanation of how eyepieces affect image orientation in refractors and Newtonians.

Focusing

Instructions on how to focus the telescope using the focus knob.

Aligning the Finderscope

Steps to align the Star Pointer finderscope with the main telescope.

Calculating Magnification

Formula and explanation for calculating telescope magnification.

Determining Field of View

Method for calculating the actual field of view using magnification.

General Observing Hints

Tips for optimal visual observing and avoiding common pitfalls.

Astronomy Basics

The Celestial Coordinate System

Introduction to the celestial sphere and coordinate systems (RA/DEC).

Motion of the Stars

Explanation of how stars appear to move due to Earth's rotation.

Polar Alignment with Latitude Scale

Using the latitude scale for polar alignment.

Pointing at Polaris

Using Polaris to approximately align the telescope's polar axis.

Finding the North Celestial Pole

Identifying key stars to locate the North Celestial Pole (NCP).

Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere

Polar alignment procedures specific to the Southern Hemisphere.

Pointing at Sigma Octantis

Using Sigma Octantis for approximate polar alignment in the south.

Finding the South Celestial Pole (SCP)

Methods for locating the South Celestial Pole using star patterns.

Declination Drift Method of Polar Alignment

Advanced method for accurate polar alignment using star drift monitoring.

Aligning the Setting Circles

Procedure for aligning and using the telescope's setting circles.

Motor Drive

Installation of the Motor Drive

Instructions for installing the optional motor drive onto the mount.

Operating the Motor Drive

How to power, adjust speed, and use the motor drive for tracking.

Celestial Observing

Observing the Moon

Tips for observing the Moon, including best phases and detail enhancement.

Observing the Planets

Guidance on observing planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Observing the Sun

Safety precautions and methods for observing the Sun.

Observing Deep-Sky Objects

Advice for observing objects beyond the solar system, like nebulae and galaxies.

Atmospheric Viewing Conditions

Understanding transparency, sky illumination, and seeing for optimal viewing.

Astrophotography

Prime Focus and Piggyback Photography

Methods for prime focus and piggyback astrophotography.

Specialized Imaging Techniques

Overview of planetary, CCD, and terrestrial photography with telescopes.

Telescope Maintenance

Care and Cleaning of the Optics

Proper methods for cleaning telescope lenses and mirrors.

Collimation of a Newtonian

Introduction to optical alignment (collimation) for Newtonian telescopes.

Aligning the Primary Mirror

Procedure for aligning the primary mirror of a Newtonian telescope.

Night Time Star Collimating

Using stars for precise collimation adjustments.