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4. The recurring astronomical theater we call the night sky is an ever-changing billboard. In other words, not
the same movie plays all the time. Rather, the positions of the stars change not only hourly as they seem
to rise and set, but also throughout the year. As the earth orbits the sun our perspective on the stars changes
on a yearly cycle about that orbit. The reason the sky seems to move daily just as the sun and the moon
"move" across our sky, is that the earth is rotating about its axis. As a result you may notice that after a
few minutes or a few seconds depending on what power you are viewing at, the objects in your telescope will
move. At higher magnifications especially, you will notice that the moon or Jupiter will "race" right out of
the field of view. To compensate, just move the fine adjustment controls on your telescope to "track" it in the
necessary path.
Helpful Hints
1. Your telescope is a very sensitive instrument. For best results and fewer vibrations set your telescope up on a
level location on the ground rather than your concrete driveway or your wooden deck. This will provide a
more stable foundation for viewing, especially if you've drawn a crowd with your new telescope.
2. If possible view from a location that has relatively few lights. This will allow you to see much fainter
objects. You'd be surprised how much more you'll see from your local lake or park when compared to a
backyard in the city.
3. Using your telescope out a window is NEVER recommended.
4. View objects that are high in the sky if possible. Waiting until the object rises well above the horizon will
provide a brighter and crisper image. Objects on the horizon are viewed through several layers of earth's
atmosphere. Ever wonder why the moon appears orange as it sets on the horizon. It's because you are
looking through a considerable more amount of atmosphere than you would directly overhead. (Note: If
objects high in the sky are distorted or wavy, you are probably viewing on a very humid night.) During
nights of unstable atmosphere, viewing through a telescope can be frustrating if not impossible.
Astronomers refer to crisp, clear nights as nights of "good seeing."
Where do I start?
Your Bushnell telescope can bring the wonders of the universe to your eye. While this manual is intended to
assist you in the set-up and basic use of this instrument, it does not cover everything you might like to know
about astronomy. The first thing you need to do is get a very simple star chart and a flashlight with a red bulb
or red cellophane over the end. For objects other than stars and constellations, a basic guide to astronomy is a
must. Some recommended sources appear on our website at www.bushnell.com. Also on our website will be
current events in the sky for suggested viewing. But, some of the standbys that you can see are:
The Moon--a wonderful view of our lunar neighbor can be enjoyed with any magnification. Try viewing at
different phases of the moon. Lunar highlands, lunar maria (lowlands called "seas" for their dark coloration),
craters, ridges and mountains will astound you.
Saturn--even at the lowest power you should be able to see Saturn's rings and moons. This is one of the most
satisfying objects in the sky to see simply because it looks like it does in pictures. Imagine seeing what you've
seen in textbooks or NASA images from your backyard!
Jupiter--the largest planet in our solar system is spectacular. Most noted features are its dark stripes or bands
both above and below its equator. These are the north and south equatorial belts. Also interesting are Jupiter's
four major moons. Pay close attention to their positions from night to night. They appear to be lined up on
either side of Jupiter.
Mars--The Great Red Planet appears as a reddish-orange disk. Look at different times of the year and try to
catch a glimpse of the white polar ice caps.