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Celestron NEXSTAR 4 - User Manual

Celestron NEXSTAR 4
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Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Celestron NEXSTAR 4 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Introduction

Quick Setup

Inputting Date and Time

Entering essential date, time, and location information for telescope operation.

Using the Tour Mode

Activating and navigating the Tour mode to find visible celestial objects.

Performing Alignment

Step-by-step guide for aligning the telescope using alignment stars and the Star Pointer.

Assembly

Assembling the NexStar

Instructions for removing the telescope from packaging and preparing it for setup.

Powering the NexStar

Details on installing batteries and turning on the NexStar telescope.

The Hand Control

The Eyepiece

Information on installing and understanding the function of the telescope eyepiece.

The Star Pointer Finderscope

Star Pointer Installation

Steps for physically attaching the Star Pointer finderscope to the telescope.

Star Pointer Operation

How to turn on, align, and use the Star Pointer finderscope for aiming.

Hand Control

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Window

Description of the dual-line, 16-character backlit display on the hand controller.

Keypad Functions

Explanation of Align, Direction Keys, Catalog Keys, Info, Tour, Enter, Undo, Menu, Scroll Keys, Rate, RS-232.

Hand Control Operation

Alignment Procedure

Steps for aligning the telescope with the sky for accurate pointing.

Auto-Align

Easiest method for aligning the NexStar by using guided star selection.

Two Star Alignment

Method requiring user selection of two bright stars for telescope alignment.

Quick-Align

Bypassing star slewing by modeling the sky based on entered data.

NexStar Re-Alignment

Object Catalog

Selecting an Object

Methods for choosing objects via lists or entering catalog numbers.

Slewing to an Object

Options for moving the telescope to a selected celestial object.

Tour Mode

Direction Buttons

Rate Button

Setup Procedures

Tracking Mode

Options for setting telescope tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South, or Off.

Tracking Rate

Selecting tracking rates (Sidereal, Lunar, Solar) for different celestial objects.

View Time-Site & Sidereal Time

Displaying telescope location data and current sidereal time.

Filter Limits

Setting altitude limits to customize displayed objects based on horizon visibility.

User Defined Objects

Saving Objects (Sky & Land)

Saving celestial or terrestrial objects by coordinates or location.

Entering and Going to Objects

Manually entering R.A./Dec. or Alt/Az and slewing to user-defined objects.

Getting Coordinates

Displaying current telescope Right Ascension/Declination and Altitude/Azimuth.

Utility Features

Time-Site and Model Selection

Customizing time/location and selecting the correct NexStar model.

Anti-backlash and Slew Limits

Compensating for backlash and setting altitude limits for accurate pointing.

Direction Buttons and Light Control

Adjusting button logic and controlling display illumination.

RS-232 Communication

Connecting to computer programs via the RS-232 port for remote control.

Telescope Basics

Image Orientation

Explanation of how the eyepiece affects the orientation of the observed image.

Focusing

Calculating Magnification

Determining Field of View

General Observing Hints

Astronomy Basics

The Celestial Coordinate System

Explanation of the R.A. and Dec system used for locating celestial objects.

Motion of the Stars

Polar Alignment (with optional Wedge)

Aligning the NexStar 4 on a Wedge

Steps for performing star alignment when using an equatorial wedge.

Photography with the NexStar 4

Attaching a Camera to the NexStar

Guide to connecting a 35mm camera body using T-adapter and T-ring.

Finding the North Celestial Pole

Celestial Observing

Observing the Moon

Tips for observing the Moon during its partial phases for maximum detail.

Observing the Planets

Guide to observing planets, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Observing the Sun

Observing Deep Sky Objects

Seeing Conditions

Transparency

Clarity of the atmosphere affecting light transmission and object visibility.

Sky Illumination

Impact of Moon, aurorae, and light pollution on observing deep-sky objects.

Seeing

Telescope Maintenance

Care and Cleaning of the Optics

Procedure for cleaning the corrector plate and lenses to avoid damage.

Optional Accessories

Eyepieces and Filters

Details on various eyepieces and filters for enhancing observations.

Lights and Navigation Tools

Flashlights, planispheres, and sky maps for observation and guidance.

Photography Accessories

T-Adapters and T-Rings for attaching SLR cameras for astrophotography.

Tripod and Stability Accessories

Tripods and vibration pads for stable telescope mounting and photography.

Appendix A - Technical Specifications

Appendix C - Maps of Time Zones

January - February Sky

Celestron One Year Warranty

Summary

Introduction

Quick Setup

Inputting Date and Time

Entering essential date, time, and location information for telescope operation.

Using the Tour Mode

Activating and navigating the Tour mode to find visible celestial objects.

Performing Alignment

Step-by-step guide for aligning the telescope using alignment stars and the Star Pointer.

Assembly

Assembling the NexStar

Instructions for removing the telescope from packaging and preparing it for setup.

Powering the NexStar

Details on installing batteries and turning on the NexStar telescope.

The Hand Control

The Eyepiece

Information on installing and understanding the function of the telescope eyepiece.

The Star Pointer Finderscope

Star Pointer Installation

Steps for physically attaching the Star Pointer finderscope to the telescope.

Star Pointer Operation

How to turn on, align, and use the Star Pointer finderscope for aiming.

Hand Control

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Window

Description of the dual-line, 16-character backlit display on the hand controller.

Keypad Functions

Explanation of Align, Direction Keys, Catalog Keys, Info, Tour, Enter, Undo, Menu, Scroll Keys, Rate, RS-232.

Hand Control Operation

Alignment Procedure

Steps for aligning the telescope with the sky for accurate pointing.

Auto-Align

Easiest method for aligning the NexStar by using guided star selection.

Two Star Alignment

Method requiring user selection of two bright stars for telescope alignment.

Quick-Align

Bypassing star slewing by modeling the sky based on entered data.

NexStar Re-Alignment

Object Catalog

Selecting an Object

Methods for choosing objects via lists or entering catalog numbers.

Slewing to an Object

Options for moving the telescope to a selected celestial object.

Tour Mode

Direction Buttons

Rate Button

Setup Procedures

Tracking Mode

Options for setting telescope tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South, or Off.

Tracking Rate

Selecting tracking rates (Sidereal, Lunar, Solar) for different celestial objects.

View Time-Site & Sidereal Time

Displaying telescope location data and current sidereal time.

Filter Limits

Setting altitude limits to customize displayed objects based on horizon visibility.

User Defined Objects

Saving Objects (Sky & Land)

Saving celestial or terrestrial objects by coordinates or location.

Entering and Going to Objects

Manually entering R.A./Dec. or Alt/Az and slewing to user-defined objects.

Getting Coordinates

Displaying current telescope Right Ascension/Declination and Altitude/Azimuth.

Utility Features

Time-Site and Model Selection

Customizing time/location and selecting the correct NexStar model.

Anti-backlash and Slew Limits

Compensating for backlash and setting altitude limits for accurate pointing.

Direction Buttons and Light Control

Adjusting button logic and controlling display illumination.

RS-232 Communication

Connecting to computer programs via the RS-232 port for remote control.

Telescope Basics

Image Orientation

Explanation of how the eyepiece affects the orientation of the observed image.

Focusing

Calculating Magnification

Determining Field of View

General Observing Hints

Astronomy Basics

The Celestial Coordinate System

Explanation of the R.A. and Dec system used for locating celestial objects.

Motion of the Stars

Polar Alignment (with optional Wedge)

Aligning the NexStar 4 on a Wedge

Steps for performing star alignment when using an equatorial wedge.

Photography with the NexStar 4

Attaching a Camera to the NexStar

Guide to connecting a 35mm camera body using T-adapter and T-ring.

Finding the North Celestial Pole

Celestial Observing

Observing the Moon

Tips for observing the Moon during its partial phases for maximum detail.

Observing the Planets

Guide to observing planets, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Observing the Sun

Observing Deep Sky Objects

Seeing Conditions

Transparency

Clarity of the atmosphere affecting light transmission and object visibility.

Sky Illumination

Impact of Moon, aurorae, and light pollution on observing deep-sky objects.

Seeing

Telescope Maintenance

Care and Cleaning of the Optics

Procedure for cleaning the corrector plate and lenses to avoid damage.

Optional Accessories

Eyepieces and Filters

Details on various eyepieces and filters for enhancing observations.

Lights and Navigation Tools

Flashlights, planispheres, and sky maps for observation and guidance.

Photography Accessories

T-Adapters and T-Rings for attaching SLR cameras for astrophotography.

Tripod and Stability Accessories

Tripods and vibration pads for stable telescope mounting and photography.

Appendix A - Technical Specifications

Appendix C - Maps of Time Zones

January - February Sky

Celestron One Year Warranty

Celestron NEXSTAR 4 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Optical DesignMaksutov-Cassegrain
Focal Length1325 mm
Focal Ratiof/13
Eyepiece 125 mm (53x)
Star Diagonal1.25" Star Diagonal
Highest Useful Magnification241x
Lowest Useful Magnification15x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude12.5
Resolution (Rayleigh)1.37 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)1.14 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power212x
Tracking RatesSidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking ModesAlt-Az
Aperture102 mm (4 inches)
Mount TypeAltazimuth
FinderscopeStarPointer
TripodSteel tripod
Weight21 lb (9.53 kg)
Power Supply8 AA batteries (not included)
DatabaseOver 40, 000 objects
Alignment ProceduresSkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Align, Solar System Align
Communication PortsRS-232 port
GPS CompatibleOptional GPS Accessory
Warranty2-year limited warranty

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