Information on a Celestron Newtonian 700mm Telescope

Features

• The Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ uses the classic Newtonian design invented by Sir Isaac Newton. This reflector telescope consists of a primary mirror that measures 76mm in diameter. The primary mirror reflects the faint light of astronomical targets to a smaller, secondary mirror. The distance, or focal length, between the two mirrors is 700mm. The secondary mirror redirects the light gathered by the primary mirror to a magnifying eyepiece inserted in the telescope's focuser. The finder scope mounted on the optical tube provides a wide field of view for locating astronomical targets.

Tripod Mount

• The AstroMaster 76EQ comes with an equatorial mount and tripod. The tripod uses 1.25-inch steel tube legs for added stability. It includes an accessory tray for storing your eyepieces during an observing session. You can polar align this mount with the Celestial North Pole and use it to track objects as the Earth rotates on its axis. The mount includes two slow motion knobs--a declination knob and right ascension knob--for changing the telescope's orientation. You can remove the telescope from the mount for easier transportation.

Eyepieces

• The Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ includes two eyepieces for adjusting the magnification of the telescope. The 20mm eyepiece provides 35X magnifying power, while the 10mm eyepiece produces 70X magnification. Celestron recommends using the 20mm eyepiece to find astronomical targets and to view large, extended objects, such as the moon, star clusters and nebulae. Use the 10mm eyepiece to observe smaller objects such as the planets or distant galaxies, or to glimpse fainter details on the moon. You can purchase additional eyepieces for use with this telescope. Its focuser supports eyepieces 1.25 inches in diameter.

Considerations

• Celestron recommends using the AstroMaster 76EQ at a dark location away from light pollution. Street lights, porch lights and car lights reduce the contrast of the night sky and interfere with astronomical observation. For best performance, use this telescope at a rural location away from bright cities. Additionally, the AstroMaster 76EQ will require occasional collimation for optimal image quality. Collimation involves aligning the primary and secondary mirror, using a collimation cap, sight tube or autocollimator.