
08
CELESTIAL OBSERVING
Now you are ready to take your telescope out at night and do some real observing!
Let’s start with the Moon. The Moon takes about one month go through a complete phase cycle, from
New Moon to Full Moon and back again. Try observing it at dierent points during this cycle.
While you can observe the Moon any time it is visible in the night sky, the best time to view it is from two
days after a New Moon up to a few days before a Full Moon. During this period, you will be able to see the
most detail in craters and lunar mountain ranges. Consult a calendar to nd out when the next New Moon
will be.
Unlike xed targets on the ground, astronomical objects appear to move across the sky due to Earth’s
rotation. When you look at a celestial object in your telescope, such as the Moon, it will slowly drift across
the eld of view of your eyepiece. To keep the object centered in the eld of view, you will have to adjust
the telescope direction.
Lunar Observing Hints:
To increase contrast and bring out detail on the lunar surface, use optional lters. See section Useful
Optional Accessories for more information.
Other fascinating targets include the ve naked eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like
phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You may be able to
see the rings of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you
will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings,
is visible at moderate power.
Deep sky objects are those celestial bodies outside the boundaries of our solar system. They include
star clusters, planetary nebulae, diuse nebulae, double stars, and other galaxies outside our Milky Way.
Unlike the Sun, the Moon, and our ve major planets, most objects in the deep sky are not visible to the
naked eye. Most of them are very large. So, an average power eyepiece is all you need to observe them.
Astronomical Observation Tip:
Remember that atmospheric conditions are often the limiting factor on the amount of planetary detail
that will be visible. Therefore, avoid observing the planets if they are low on the horizon or when they are
directly above a source of radiant heat, such as a roof or chimney. To observe the bodies in the deep sky
you should make sure that the sky is as dark as possible. The further you are from city lights, the better
you will see these objects in your eyepiece.
Although overlooked by many amateur astronomers, solar observation is both rewarding and fun. However,
because the Sun is so bright, special precautions must be taken when observing our star so as not to
damage your eyes or your telescope.
For safe solar viewing, use a proper solar lter that reduces the intensity of the Sun’s light, making it safe
to view. With a lter you can see sunspots as they move across the solar disk and faculae, which are bright
patches seen near the Sun’s edge.
Solar Observing Tips:
1. The best time to observe the Sun is in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler.
2. To center the Sun without looking into the eyepiece, watch the shadow of the telescope tube
until it forms a circular shadow.
3. It is best to remove the nder scope from the telescope to prevent someone from looking through
it because it will not have a sun lter.