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How Do I Find Saturn with a Celestron Nexstar 80 Electronic Telescope?

The planet Saturn is visible to the naked eye, resembling in appearance a bright star with a pale yellow glow. Viewing Saturn for the first time with a telescope is an experience few people forget. When viewing conditions are favorable, a good 80mm telescope can give breathtaking views of the ringed planet, and should even reveal its brightest moons as delicate pinpoints of light.

The Celestron NexStar 80mm refractor is a computer-controlled "GoTo" telescope. When properly set up, it can automatically point to any object you select in its database, including Saturn, and place it in the telescope's field of view.

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the telescope using the "quick set-up guide" at the link under Resources (or your owner's manual). The telescope must be set up carefully, and completely, in order for it to work properly.
- 2
  Insert the low power 25mm eyepiece into the eyepiece holder. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold the eyepiece securely. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the eyepiece barrel.
- 3
  Press the "PLANET" key on the hand controller. If Saturn is above your horizon, it will appear in a list of visible solar system objects. If Saturn is not above the horizon, then you must find out when it is, and plan your observations accordingly.
- 4
  Scroll the list using the "UP" and "DOWN" keys on the hand controller, until Saturn appears on the screen.
- 5
  Press the "ENTER" key. The telescope will now slew (point automatically) to Saturn and place it in the field of view.
- 6
  Look in the eyepiece, and use the four directional (arrowhead) keys on the hand controller to center Saturn in the field of view. The telescope will track Saturn automatically. Occasional adjustments will be required to keep it centered, depending on how well the telescope is set up.
- 7
  Insert the 9 mm eyepiece for a high power view.
- 8
  Press the "INFO" key to see information on Saturn.

Astronomy