
9
This telescope is fitted with an Altazimuth mount. “Alt” refers “Altitude”, the vertical
movement of the telescope, while “Azimuth” refers to the horizontal movement.
ABOUT MAGNIFICATION
The magnification power of a telescope indicates how much an image is enlarged or
how big and close it appears to the viewer. The focal length of the eyepiece, combined
with the focal length of the telescope, determines the magnification power. To calculate
the power of your telescope with any particular eyepiece, simply divide the focal length
of the telescope (700 mm) by the focal length of the eyepiece (indicated in “mm” on the
eyepiece collar).
Example: 700 mm focal length (tube) = 56X magnification power
12.5 mm focal length (eyepiece)
The 3X Barlow lens and interchangeable eyepieces provide the following magnification
values:
Eyepiece Power Power with 3X Barlow Lens
25 mm 28X 84X
12.5 mm 56X 168X
4 mm 175X 525X
The level of magnification required depends on the object being observed. Optimal
performance is obtained if the magnification is typically not more than appromiately 30X
for every 10 mm of objective lens diameter. Magnification of around 175X or less is
ideal for a telescope with a 60 mm diameter objective lens and is best for observing
most celestial objects. A lower magnification power and a wider field of view are
advisable for observing galaxies and nebulae. The highest magnification power should
be used for highly detailed observations of the moon, Jupiter and Saturn or any object
that is quite bright.
The highest magnification power of the Barlow lens / 4mm eyepiece combination should
only be used for large or bright objects such as the moon and the brightest planets.
USING YOUR TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMICAL VIEWING
1) Take your telescope outside. Viewing objects through closed or open windows is not
recommended. Your view can be distorted by reflections in the glass of a closed
window or by air currents of differing temperatures passing through an open window.
2) Let your telescope adjust to the outside temperature. Your telescope will perform
much better if the lenses and the air inside the tube are the same temperature as
outside. It may take up to 30 minutes to equalize the temperatures when the
difference in temperatures is extreme.