Orion StarBlast 4.5 Instruction Manual page 5

Focusing the Telescope: Try out the telescope during the day when you can see what you're doing. Remove the dust caps from the
eyepiece and telescope tube. Do not point the telescope at the Sun.
The "power" of a given telescope depends upon the eyepiece you use. This scope has a Zoom eyepiece. Always start by using the
telescopes' lowest-power (turn the body of the Zoom so the pointer is at "24") to locate and center an object. Low magnification
shows a larger area of sky in the eyepiece, making finding and centering an object much easier.
With the eyepiece adjusted for low power (24 mm), aim the telescope in the general direction of an object at least 1/4-mile away.
Slowly rotate the focus wheels until the object comes into sharp focus. Go a little bit beyond sharp focus until the image starts to blur
again, then reverse the rotation of the knob, just to make sure you've hit the exact focus point. When focusing on stars, bring them to
as small a point as possible.
Many "deep-sky" objects are big, but dim. Low magnification will be better for them. Once you've centered an object in the
eyepiece, you can switch to a higher magnification by twisting the Zooms' barrel towards the "8". This is recommended for small and
bright objects, like planets and double stars. The Moon also takes higher magnifications well. You may have to refocus a little after
changing power.
Operating the Finder Scope
The finder scope has a wider field of view than the telescope eyepieces so that it is easier to find what you want to see. Point the
telescope towards the object you wish to observe. Look through the finder scope and center the object in the cross hairs of the finder
scope. It may be difficult at first to use the finder scope but with a little experience it should become easy.
Once an object is centered in the finder scope it should be centered in the telescope eyepiece as well. If it is not, then the finder scope
will need to be adjusted. Inform the Librarian. Please do not try to adjust the finder scope yourself.
What to Expect
Depending upon what is in the sky; planets will look small, but you might be able to see cloud bands on Jupiter or the rings of Saturn.
Craters on the Moon will be clear and numerous, the waxing and waning of Venus should be visible, and many bright deep-sky
objects will fill the eyepiece. Don't expect to see color as you do in NASA photos as our eyes are not sensitive enough to see color in
deep-sky objects, except in a few of the brightest ones. Remember that you are seeing these objects using your own eyes! Each
session with your telescope will be a learning experience. Each time you work with the telescope, it will get easier to use, and stellar
objects will become easier to find.
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