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Refractor Telescope Instructions

For centuries many people have been captivated by the world of astronomy. Telescopes have allowed people to view deeper into space and catch glimpses of far off stars, planets and even other galaxies. To properly use a refractor telescope you need to place it onto a tripod, get the lens into focus and then adjust the angle of the tripod. You can learn how to properly setup and use a refractor telescope in a few easy to follow steps.

Things You'll Need

Tripod

Instructions

- 1
  Unfold the tripod legs. Extend the tripod legs out until they are in their locked positions. Place the tripod on level ground and double check that all legs are locked and sturdy. This will protect the tripod from falling over when you attach your refractor telescope.
- 2
  Screw the tripod platform screw through the tripod platform into the bottom of your refractor telescope. The screw turns clockwise. Tighten it so it's snug but not too tight. Tightening the screw too much can strip the screw and make the tripod platform difficult to remove from the telescope.
- 3
  Hold the telescope, with the tripod platform attached, on top of the tripod legs. Then use the locking lever to lock the tripod platform to the top of the tripod.
- 4
  Turn the handle just above the tripod legs, known as the "altitude control handle" counterclockwise to loosen it. You can then move the telescope up and down and to the left and right. Point the telescope toward are area of the sky you want to look at and then tighten the handle by turning it clockwise.
- 5
  Place your eye on eyepiece and the turn the focus knob on the side of the telescope eyepiece until the image you are looking at is in focus.

Astronomy