34 • Celestial Observing
CELESTIAL OBSERVING
With your telescope set up, you are ready to use it for celestial observing. This
section covers visual observing of both solar system and deep-sky objects.
In the night sky, the Moon is a prime target for your first look because it is ex-
tremely bright and easy to find. Often, it is a temptation 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 higher power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area. Keep
in mind that if you are not using an optional motor drive, the rotation of the Earth
will cause the Moon to drift out of your field of view. You will have to manually
adjust the telescope to keep the Moon centered. This effect is more noticeable at
higher power.
If you are using a motor drive and have polar aligned, the Moon will remain
centered. Consult your local newspaper or a current astronomy magazine to find
out when the Moon will be visible. Try using filters to increase contrast and bring
out more detail on the lunar surface.
Other easy targets in the night sky 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 this gas giant. Saturn
with its beautiful ring system and Cassini's division are easily visible at moderate
power. All you need to know is where to look. Most astronomy publications tell
where the planets can be found in the sky each month.
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PlanetsPlanets
PlanetsPlanets
Planets
This scanned drawing of Jupiter provides a good representation of what you can expect
to see with moderate magnification during good seeing conditions. The large, bright
cloud belts should be immediately obvious. Smaller, faint belts become visible with
practice and experience.
Figure 5-1
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