Introduction; W A R N I N G - Celestron NexStar 8 Instruction Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of the Celestron NexStar! The NexStar ushers in a whole new generation of computer
automated technology. Simple and friendly to use, the NexStar is up and running after locating just two alignment stars.
It's the perfect combination of power and portability. If you are new to astronomy, you may wish to start off by using
the NexStar's built-in Sky Tour feature, which commands the NexStar to find the most interesting objects in the sky and
automatically slews to each one. Or if you are an experienced amateur, you will appreciate the comprehensive database
of over 18,000 objects, including customized lists of all the best deep-sky objects, bright double stars and variable stars.
No matter at what level you are starting out, the NexStar will unfold for you and your friends all the wonders of the
Universe.
Some of the many standard features of the NexStar include:
• Incredible 6°/second (or faster) slew speed.
• Fully enclosed optical encoders for position location.
• Integrated hand controller – built into the side of the fork arm.
• RS-232 port allows use with a computer and software programs like The Sky for point and click slewing.
• Storage for programmable user defined objects; and
•
Many other high performance features!
The NexStar's deluxe features combine with Celestron's legendary Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system to give amateur
astronomers one of the most sophisticated and easy to use telescopes available on the market today.
Take time to read through this manual before embarking on your journey through the Universe. It may take a few
observing sessions to become familiar with your NexStar, so you should keep this manual handy until you have fully
mastered your telescope's operation. The NexStar hand control has built-in instructions to guide you through all the
alignment procedures needed to have the telescope up and running in minutes. Use this manual in conjunction with the
on-screen instructions provided by the hand control. The manual gives detailed information regarding each step as well
as needed reference material and helpful hints guaranteed to make your observing experience as simple and pleasurable
as possible.
Your NexStar telescope is designed to give you years of fun and rewarding observations. However, there are a few
things to consider before using your telescope that will ensure your safety and protect your equipment.
W a r n i n g
W a r n i n g
Never look directly at the sun with the naked eye or with a telescope (unless you have the proper solar filter).
Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Never use your telescope to project an image of the sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the
telescope and any accessories attached to it.
Never use an eyepiece solar filter or a Herschel wedge. Internal heat build-up inside the telescope can cause these
devices to crack or break, allowing unfiltered sunlight to pass through to the eye.
Never leave the telescope unsupervised, either when children are present or adults who may not be familiar with the
correct operating procedures of your telescope
.
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