Telescope Basics • 21
The G-9
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comes with a 6x30mm finder. The finder is designed to help you find
objects that are easily overlooked in the main optics of the telescope. The first
number used to describe the finder is the power. The second number is the diameter
of the objective lens in millimeters. For example, the G-9
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finder is 6x30 which means
it is 6 power and has a 30mm objective lens. Incidentally, power is always compared
to the unaided human eye. So, a 6 power finder magnifies images six times more than
the human eye.
To make things a little easier, you should align the finder during the day when it is
easier to locate objects. To align the finder:
1. Choose a conspicuous object that is over 500 yards away. This will eliminate
any possible parallax effect.
2. Point your telescope at the target and center it in the main optics of the tele-
scope.
3. Lock the R.A. and DEC clamps to hold the telescope in place.
4. Check the finder to see where the object is located in the field of view.
5. Adjust the screws on the finder bracket, tightening one while loosening another,
until the cross hairs are centered on the target.
6. Tighten each screw an additional quarter of a turn until you are sure they will not
come loose easily.
Accurate alignment of the finder will make it much easier to find objects in the main
optical tube.
Aligning the Finder
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