Setting Up the Telescope

1 - Go Outside

Take the telescope outside and set it on a flat surface. Remove the top tube cover (leave the bottom one on to help stabilize the temperature for your mirror.)

2 - Telrad

Install the Telrad finder by putting its two feet into the two slots and tightening the white screws. The long skinny part of the Telrad faces the front of the telescope, and the angled glass is toward the back.

3 - Save That Cap!

Loosen the screw and take the cap off the focuser. Put it somewhere safe, where it won't be lost!

4 - Careful with that Eyepiece!

Put the low power (longer) eyepiece into the hole in the focuser and tighten the screw. Don't touch the glass end of the eyepiece or your galaxies will look remarkably like a fingerprint. Careful, don't drop it!

5 - Where's that Bull's Eye?

Turn on the Telrad by moving the lever on the side of the angled glass. If you don't see the red Bull's Eye when you look through it, turn the lever up farther to brighten the image. If you still don't see it, check the batteries. If you still can't find it, make sure you installed the Telrad facing the right direction. If you have trouble with dew on the glass, try leaving a handkerchief on the Telrad when you're not using it. That will help keep its heat from radiating away.

6 - Pick Something

Pick something you want to look at. Your Observing Guide has ideas and maps.

7 - Finding It

Target the Telrad on the object, if it's visible. If not, point it in the vicinity of where the object should be.

8 - Moving the telescope

Look through the eyepiece. If your object isn't there, you may have to scan the area by moving your telescope. Move it by holding the edge of the tube, the handle on the box, or by nudging the tube. The focuser, eyepiece, and the Telrad are not handles! If you use them as such they might either break off or become misaligned. (And, your project leader might barbecue you!)

9 - Done?

When you're done, replace the eyepiece in its box with its little lids on. Put the lid back on the focuser (you didn't lose it, did you?).

10 - Turn off the Telrad

Turn the Telrad off! Then unscrew the screws and replace it in its box.

11 - Cover the tube

Put the cover back on the tube.

12 - Indoors, please

Carry the telescope back into the house. Don't ever leave it outside! Store the tube upside down to help keep dust off your mirror.

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