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Easy Instructions for the Orion StarBlast 4.5

Setting up an Orion StarBlast 4.5 does not require a significant amount of expertise from first-time telescope owners. The StarBlast is a reflector telescope, which is widely preferred over refractor telescopes by astronomers for its deep views of the night sky. It contains two mirrors that reflect light from the sky into the eyepiece. Generally, this telescope can be used once it is mounted on a tripod, although minor collimation may be required.

Initial Setup
- Remove the Orion StarBlast 4.5 from its packaging. Depending on what vendor you ordered the telescope from, the cylindrical telescope will come with mounting hardware that includes a tripod, equatorial mount, two attachable eyepieces and a collimation cap.
  
  Choose a place in your home where you can set up the telescope. This will allow you to fully explore the depth and range of the night sky over a series of viewings. While the Orion StarBlast is an exceptionally lightweight reflector considering the size of its primary reflecting mirror, and can be transported to different locales, consistent stargazing results are best achieved by having a dedicated place in which the telescope can remain stationed.
Hardware
- Position the tripod so that the legs bear equal weight. Do not extend one of the tripod legs longer than the others, as this will lead to instability, and make sure that the surface that you are placing the tripod on is level.
  
  Insert the equatorial mount into the tripod. The equatorial mount allows you to make minor adjustments to the position of the StarBlast without having to disturb the tripod. Make sure the counterweight of the equatorial mount has enough room to comfortably maneuver; do not place the mount so that the counterweight is lodged against a wall or other hard surface.
  
  Mount the telescope securely onto the equatorial mount. Attach an eyepiece.
Collimation
- The alignment of mirrors within a reflecting telescope is known as collimation. Although your telescope should be factory-calibrated, rough handling can occasionally offset a mirror.
  
  Place the collimation cap that came with your telescope on the end of the telescope. Make sure that the light comes through exactly on the center dot of the collimation cap crosshairs. If this dot is visible anywhere other than dead center of the cap, the mirrors will need to be adjusted so that your telescope is properly focused. You can adjust the primary and secondary mirror by very carefully screwing the adjustment screws that hold each mirror in place. While gently turning these screws, watch the alignment of the center dot in the collimation cap. Once it is centered, your telescope is ready for use.

Astronomy