What To Observe; Atmospheric Conditions - Orion StarBlast Instruction Manual

Go to the Library Telescope tab at
these objects. The Constellations book in the pack attached to the telescope can help you
identify the constellations in which the objects are located.
The Moon
The moon is an easy and interesting object to observe. There is a simple moon map on the
telescope tube. For the best views, observe when it is well above the horizon. The best
time to observe is when it is in a partial phase, not full. The best place to observe is along
the "line" between the dark and sunlit portions of the moon's disk, called the terminator.
The Planets
The planets are moving in their orbits all the time as is the earth, so their positions in the
sky are slowly changing. You will need to refer to a current sky chart to find them.
Stars
A telescope can help you see color differences in stars as well as multiple stars. Mizar, the
middle star in the handle of the Big Dipper, is a double star. Albireo in the constellation
Cygnus is a pretty double star, each a slightly different color. Defocusing slightly can help
the color become more apparent.
Deep Sky Objects
If the sky is relatively free of light pollution, you may be able to see galaxies and star
clusters.
Seeing - steadiness of the atmosphere
- judged by amount of star twinkling
- best overhead, worst at the horizon
- in good seeing, star twinkling is minimal and
images appear steady in the eyepiece.
Transparency - clarity of atmosphere
- judged by the faintest objects visible naked eye
- bad transparency caused by moisture, smoke and
dust in the atmosphere
- bad transparency scatters light making objects
look dimmer
If seeing is bad but transparency is good = better views of faint objects like galaxies.
If transparency is bad but seeing is good = better views of bright objects like planets.
WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun through any telescope or its finder scope —
even for an instant — as permanent eye damage could result. Do not point the telescope
at the Sun, as parts will melt! Children should use this telescope only with adult
supervision.

What to Observe

rochesterskies.org

Atmospheric Conditions

Transparency is good if Megrez is visible.
for links to resources to help you find