-------------------------------------------------------
Sky And Scopes, Issue #001 -- The Exploration Begins
-------------------------------------------------------

In this issue of 'Sky And Scopes'.....

1) Let the exploration begin, an easy introduction into the first steps to take in observing the celestial wonders of the night sky..

If you like this ezine maybe you could do me a big favor and 'pay it forward'. If a friend passed it on and you find it interesting, please subscribe here....

-------------------------------------------------------
First Step..

Selecting an Eyepiece

Maybe you have already purchased your scope or are in the process of doing so, and you will be eager to discover and observe the many wonderful celestial objects in our universe.

But before you dive on in with your exploration of the night sky, you should start your viewing session with the lowest power eyepiece first, 20mm or 25mm would be ideal.

Don't forget the the base power of each eyepiece is determined by the focal length of the telescope objective lens. A simple formula enables you to determine the power of each eyepiece. The telescope objective lens focal length divided by eyepiece focal length = magnification.

Focusing

You can try focusing your telescope in the daylight to begin with by simply focusing on a distant object using the focusing mechanism, but if you're using a refractor scope don't be alarmed if your image appears upside down, as this is normal for this type of scope.

Additionally you will need to align your finderscope. Look through the finderscope, alternating and tightening each adjustment screw until the crosshairs of the finderscope are centered on exactly the same object that you have already centered in the main telescope.

If you have done this correctly you will be able to locate objects in the night using the finderscope and they will also be centered in the main telescope tube’s view.

Night Sky

Once you have located the object you wish to view in the finderscope, center it in the field of view of the scope and ensure it is in sharp focus.. Then step up the magnification. if the image starts to get a bit fuzzy go back to the lower magnification as atmospheric conditions are not satisfactory to support high power magnification at the time of viewing.

Remember, that eyepieces of 20mm and 25mm provide a wide field of view for general astronomical viewing such as galaxies and nebulae, and are probably the best eyepieces to use during the intial location and centering of any object.

The Moon is a wonderful starting point and can be enjoyed with a varying magnification. Experiment with different magnifications and at different phases of the moon.You will be astounded at the lunar landscape.

-------------------------------------------------------

Have you any comments, ideas, feedback? I'm always interested to hear from new and seasoned amateur astronomers. Just reply to this e-zine.

See you next month!

Michael