Using The Refracting Telescope P22 - NATURE & DECOUVERTES mizar 60/700 Mode D'emploi

7. The refracting telescope is now entirely set up. To move the refracting telescope and pass from one
object to another, first gently unscrew one of the locking screws (star shaped) (5) which are used to
vertically lock, then unscrew the azimuth lock (horizontal) (6). When these knobs are unscrewed, you
can freely move the refracting telescope (vertically or horizontally) in any direction, so that you can
point the refracting telescope towards any observable celestial or terrestrial object.
ALIGNMENT OF THE FINDERSCOPE
The wide optical field of the 5 x 24mm finderscope allows us to easily locate an object, before obser-
ving it with the high magnification refracting telescope. To align the finderscope:
1. Firstly, remove the cap from the objective (21). Then, use the eyepiece with the weakest magnifi-
cation (Kellner 25mm) placed on the star diagonal, as described in paragraph 6, point the main sight
towards a clearly defined object on the ground (for example, the top of a telephone pole) at least 200
metres away.
2. Look into the finderscope (2) and tighten or release the adjustment screw (3) on the finderscope
(6) located on its mount (23), until the reticle on the finderscope is specifically centred on the object
already centred in the field of the main sight. Advice: centre the finderscope on its mount using the
three knurled screws on the band.
3. Once the adjustment has been made, the objects previously located using the finderscope will be
centred in the field of the main sight. The image in the finderscope is focussed by turning the threaded
part of it (Note: the finderscope gives an inverse image, which is normal for astronomical finder-
scopes).
USING THE REFRACTING TELESCOPE
Once the refracting telescope has been set up, as described above, you will be ready to start your ob-
servations.
1. First choose an object that is easy to locate. During the day, objects on the ground are a good way to
get used to the functions and use of the refracting telescope. At night, first try and observe the Moon,
if it is visible, or a bright star.
2. To centre an object in the main sights, first use the finderscope (once aligned) to locate the object
that you wish to observe. If necessary, slightly unscrew one of the vertical locks (5) and the vertical
lock pin (16) to reset the refracting telescope so that you can centre the object in the finderscope.
When the object is centred in the finderscope, it should be located somewhere in the field of the
refracting telescope. Then, using the 25mm eyepiece, centre the object in the field of the refracting
telescope, and focus the image using the focussing button (22). The 25mm eyepiece is included as part
of the standard set-up, and is preferred for use when initially searching for and centring an object.
The 25mm eyepiece has an extended and bright field, which is ideal for general land and astronomical
observation, as well as for star fields, star groups, nebulae and galaxies. To observe the Moon and the
planets, choose an eyepiece with stronger magnification such as the Kellner 9mm, if the conditions
are suitable. If the image starts to become blurred when you increase the magnification, you will need
to return to a weaker magnification. The atmosphere is not calm enough to use high magnification.
3. If you observe an astronomical object (the Moon, a planet, a star, etc.) you will immediately notice
that the object moves slowly but continuously, across the field of the refracting telescope. This mo-
vement is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis, which causes the apparent movement of the
object in the field of the refracting telescope. This means that, while the Moon, the planets and the
stars are for practical reasons in a fixed position during the 2 to 3 hours of an observation session, the
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