Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ User Manual

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ENGLISH

Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Specifications

General

Lens coating	Fully Multi Coated (FMC)
Magnification	35 x
Fixed focal length	700 mm
Primary mirror size	70 mm
Maximum supported eyepiece diameter	20 mm
Tripod material	Aluminum

Summary

Introduction

Safety Warnings

Essential safety precautions for telescope use, including eye protection and supervision.

Assembly

Setting up the Tripod

Instructions for extending and stabilizing the telescope tripod for a secure base.

Attaching the Equatorial Mount

Step-by-step guide for mounting the equatorial head onto the tripod.

Installing the Counterweight Bar & Counterweight(s)

Procedure for attaching counterweights to balance the telescope mount.

Attaching the Slow Motion Cables

How to connect slow-motion control cables for precise adjustments.

Attaching the Telescope Tube to the Mount

Mounting the telescope optical tube onto the equatorial mount using rings.

Installing the Diagonal & Eyepiece (Refractor)

How to insert the diagonal and eyepiece into the refractor focuser.

Installing the Eyepiece on the Newtonian

Inserting eyepieces into the focuser of a Newtonian telescope.

Installing the Finderscope

Attaching the finderscope bracket and the finderscope itself.

Aligning the Finderscope

Method for aligning the finderscope with the main telescope optics.

Installing and Using the Barlow Lens

How to use the Barlow lens to increase magnification.

Moving the Telescope Manually

Techniques for manually slewing the telescope across the sky.

Balancing the Mount in R.A.

Balancing the telescope on the Right Ascension axis for smooth movement.

Balancing the Mount in Dec.

Balancing the telescope on the Declination axis for stability.

Adjusting the Equatorial Mount

General adjustment of the equatorial mount for polar alignment.

Adjusting the Mount in Altitude

Setting the altitude of the mount to match local latitude.

Telescope Basics

Image Orientation

Explains how images appear depending on telescope and eyepiece configuration.

Focusing

How to adjust the focuser knob to achieve a sharp image.

Calculating Magnification

Formula and method for determining telescope magnification.

Determining Field of View

Calculating the visible angular area of the sky through the eyepiece.

General Observing Hints

Tips for optimal viewing conditions and avoiding common mistakes.

Astronomy Basics

The Celestial Coordinate System

Introduction to R.A. and Declination for locating celestial objects.

Motion of the Stars

Explains the apparent movement of stars due to Earth's rotation.

Polar Alignment with the Latitude Scale

Using latitude to align the telescope's polar axis towards celestial north/south.

Pointing at Polaris

Method for aligning the telescope using Polaris as a guide.

Finding the North Celestial Pole

Identifying the North Celestial Pole using star patterns like the Big Dipper.

Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere

Process for polar alignment in the southern celestial hemisphere.

Pointing at Sigma Octantis

Method for aligning the telescope using Sigma Octantis in the south.

Finding the South Celestial Pole (SCP)

Using star patterns to locate the South Celestial Pole.

Aligning the Setting Circles

How to calibrate and use the telescope's setting circles for object location.

Motor Drive

Installation of the Motor Drive

Step-by-step instructions for installing the optional motor drive.

Operating the Motor Drive

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

Celestial Observing

Observing the Moon

Tips for observing the Moon, including optimal phases and using filters.

Lunar Observing Hints

Specific advice for enhancing lunar observation with filters.

Observing the Planets

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

Planetary Observing Hints

Recommendations for improving planetary viewing, considering atmospheric conditions.

Observing the Sun

Essential safety precautions and methods for observing the Sun.

Observing Deep-Sky Objects

Viewing star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and best viewing locations.

Seeing Conditions

Factors affecting image quality: transparency, illumination, and atmospheric seeing.

Transparency

Clarity of the atmosphere and its impact on visibility.

Sky Illumination

Effect of moonlight and light pollution on observing deep-sky objects.

Seeing

Atmospheric stability and its influence on image sharpness and detail.

Astrophotography

Short Exposure Prime Focus Photography

Introduction to imaging celestial objects directly through the telescope.

Piggyback Photography

Capturing wide-field shots of constellations or nebulae with a camera on the mount.

Planetary & Lunar Photography with Special Imagers

Using specialized cameras for high-quality planetary and lunar imaging.

CCD Imaging for Deep Sky Objects

Utilizing CCD cameras for detailed deep-sky astrophotography.

Terrestrial Photography

Adapting the telescope as a telephoto lens for land-based photography.

Telescope Maintenance

Care and Cleaning of the Optics

Proper methods for cleaning telescope lenses and mirrors to avoid damage.

Collimation of a Newtonian

Adjusting optical elements for optimal image quality in Newtonian reflectors.

Aligning the Secondary Mirror

Step-by-step procedure for aligning the secondary mirror in Newtonian telescopes.

Aligning the Primary Mirror

Adjusting the primary mirror to achieve proper optical alignment.

Night Time Star Collimating

Using stars for precise collimation adjustments during nighttime observation.