Celestron FIRSTSCOPE 60 EQ User Manual

Preparation for Astronomical Observing
1. Orient the telescope so that the right ascension (polar) axis is pointing as close to true north as possible. You
can use a magnetic compass to determine which direction is north.
2. Adjust the mount so that it’s level You may find using a carpenter’s level helpful.
3. Recheck all hardware and knobs to make sure they’re tight.
UNDERSTANDING THE SKY
The Celestial-Coordinate System
The celestial-coordinate system is an imaginary projection of the earth's geographical coordinate system onto the
celestial sphere, which gives the appearance of rotating overhead at night. This celestial grid is complete with
equator, latitudes, longitudes and poles. The celestial equator is a full 360° circle dividing the celestial sphere into
the northern celestial hemisphere and the southern celestial hemisphere. Like the earth’s equator, it is the prime
parallel of latitude and is designated 0°. The celestial parallels of latitude are called “coordinates of declination
(DEC).” As with the earth's latitudes, they’re named for their angular distances from the equator. These distances
are measured in degrees, minutes and seconds of arc. There are 60 minutes of arc in each degree, and 60 seconds of
arc in each arc minute. Declinations north of the celestial equator are "+" and declinations south are M - ’ \ The north
pole is +90 and the south pole is -90 .
Figure 2
The celestial meridians of longitude are called “coordinates of right ascension” (RA). Like the Earth's longitude
meridians, they extend from pole to pole. There are 24 major RA coordinates, evenly spaced around the 360°
equator, one every 15°. Like the earth's longitudes, RA coordinates are a measure of time, as well as angular
distance. We speak of each of the earth’s major longitude meridians as being separated by one hour of time because
the earth rotates once every 24 hours (one hour = 15°). The same principle applies to celestial longitudes since the
celestial sphere appears to rotate once every 24 hours. Right ascension hours are also divided into minutes of arc
and seconds of arc, with each hour having 60 minutes of arc and each arc minute being divided into 60 arc seconds.

Celestron FIRSTSCOPE 60 EQ Specifications

General

Brand	Celestron
Model	FIRSTSCOPE 60 EQ
Category	Telescope
Language	English