Orion StarBlast 4.5 Instruction Manual

MEO Central Library

[phone]

and the Library Telescope Program of the

Back Bay Amateur Astronomers

WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope or its finder
scope — even for an instant — as permanent eye damage could result. Do not

point the telescope at the Sun, as parts will melt! Children should use this

telescope only with adult supervision.

Orion StarBlast 4.5" Telescope

Orion StarBlast 4.5" Telescope

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Introduction

The BBAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to “Bringing
Astronomy to the People of Hampton Roads.” Founded on December 14, 1978, we are a group of
amateur astronomers drawn together by a common interest in observational astronomy. The BBAA is
an active member society of the Astronomical League

[1]

and a part of NASA’s Night Sky Network

[2]

.

Visit backbayastro.org

[3]

to see our calendar of events, club information, newsletters and links to

astronomy-related sites. If you have a question for us please send an e-mail to [e-mail]

[4]

.

Please feel free to bring this telescope and join us at our free monthly Skywatch event at the Northwest
River Park in Chesapeake, VA.

The BBAA provides ongoing support in education and maintenance of this telescope to our library
partners. Our goal is for you to gain a better understanding and appreciation of our universe through
your experience with the telescope. We hope you enjoy using it.

The BBAA would like to thank The New Hampshire Astronomical Society

who originally created this instruction manual.

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Telescope Parts

1) Eyepiece (Zoom 8 to 24 mm)

2) EZ Finder with AA battery box
(See picture below)

3) Telescope tube

4) Focuser (See picture below)

5) Tube Clamp

6) Altitude Clamp

7) Mirror Assembly

8) Support

9) Handle

10) Eyepiece rack (removed)

11) Eyepieces

12) Mount Feet

13) Secondary Mirror Screws

14) Secondary Mirror

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DO NOT TRY TO ADJUST THE ITEMS IN RED

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Focuser

15) Focus wheels

16) Eyepiece securing screws
(Don’t attempt to adjust)

EZ Finder II

Transporting the Telescope

The easiest way to carry the scope is to use the handle (Number 9 in the picture on page 3). If the
scope is too heavy for you to do that you can place your forearm under the telescope tube when it
is in a level position, and lift, holding the upright support against your side. When in a car, simply
place the scope on a seat and use a seatbelt to secure it. The lap belt goes across the base, and the
chest belt should cross the tube.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning the lenses or mirrors

Please don’t clean the mirrors. Let the Librarian know if they seem dirty. Eyepieces, however,
can get dirty fairly quickly, particularly when poked with fingers. Please don’t poke them as it’s
very easy to scratch the coatings. However, in case of minor smudges you might try using the
LensPen. First, brush away any dust. Give the cap a quarter twist to replenish the compound on
the cleaning tip inside, then uncover the tip and use it to clean the eyepiece. Be sure to store the

telescope with the dust caps on.

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Aligning the Mirrors

Again, please don’t. If it seems that the telescope is in need of adjustment, please tell the Librarian.

Fog on the mirrors and eyepieces

One of the odd things that happens when star gazing is that dew forms on pretty much everything
(and everyone). The big mirror is tucked safely down at the bottom of the telescope, and so it
does not get much dew on it. Eyepieces, however, often have dew form on them, making them
useless until they warm up and dry out. If the eyepiece fogs up, wrap your hands around it for a
few moments. As it warms up, the fog should disappear. Please don’t wipe the lens with a tissue

or cloth as it has special coatings on it that could be damaged if you do. Please ask people to not
touch the lens… ever.

Telescope Magnification

The Eyepiece chart on the telescope shows what magnification you will have for each setting of
the Zoom Eyepiece. The “True Field” describes the width of the image in the eyepiece. A full
Moon is 30 arcminutes (or ½ of a degree) wide, so you could fit about 4 full Moons in the field of
view when using the 8mm setting. Change the Zoom setting until your target fits the eyepiece the
way you like. You will have to adjust the focus.

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Getting Started

Please read the instructions and practice with the telescope inside before you take it out in the
dark. The image will be much better if you let the telescope cool down to air temperature before
you start observing.

This is a “Push-to” telescope. Once you find what you are looking for, you can either watch the
object move through your “field of view” (what you see through the eyepiece) and then reposition
the telescope, or keep pushing the scope to hold the object in the center of the eyepiece. Objects
appear to move across the field of view faster at higher magnifications. This is because the field of
view becomes narrower. Like many reflector telescopes, the image in the eyepiece is upside-
down. When looking at star charts you will have to keep this in mind. The Moon map on this
telescope is “flipped” so it matches what you see in the eyepiece.

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This is important enough to say again:

WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope or its finder scope — even for an

instant - as permanent eye damage could result. Do not point the telescope at the Sun, as parts will melt.

Young children should use this telescope only with adult supervision.

Do You Wear Eyeglasses?

If so, you will probably be able to observe with your glasses off by just refocusing the telescope to
your unaided vision. If your eyes are astigmatic, images will probably appear best with glasses
on. This is because a telescope’s focuser can accommodate for nearsightedness or farsightedness,
but not astigmatism.

Focusing the Telescope

Try out the telescope during the day when you can see what you’re doing. Remove the dust caps
from the eyepiece and telescope tube.

The “power” of a given telescope depends upon the eyepiece you use. This scope has a Zoom
eyepiece. Always start by using the telescopes’ lowest-power (turn the body of the Zoom so the
pointer is at “24”) to locate and center an object. Low magnification shows a larger area of sky in
the eyepiece, making finding and centering an object much easier.

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Operating the EZ Finder

A “finderscope” helps you point the scope. It is similar to a rifle sight. The EZ Finder works by
projecting a tiny red dot onto a screen mounted in the front of the unit, so that when you look
through the screen, the red dot will appear to float in space. Turn the power knob clockwise until
you hear a “click” indicating that power is on. With your eye positioned near the rear of the
telescope, look through the EZ Finder with both eyes open to see the red dot. The intensity of the
dot can be adjusted by turning the power knob. Use the dimmest possible setting that allows you
to see the dot without difficulty. When the EZ Finder is properly aligned with the telescope, an
object that is centered on the EZ Finder’s red dot should also appear in the center of the
telescope’s eyepiece. Checking the alignment of the EZ Finder is easiest during daylight. Aim the
telescope at a distant object, such as the top of a telephone pole or chimney and center it in the
telescope’s eyepiece. Now, turn the EZ Finder on and look through it. The object should appear
near or under the red dot. If not: Without moving the telescope, use the EZ Finder’s left/right
(azimuth) and up/down (altitude) adjustment knobs to position the red dot on the object in the
eyepiece. If the red dot is centered on the object in the eyepiece, you’re done! The finder scope
has a battery pack attached to the telescope. To change batteries, just slide the cover off the pack,
and replace the two AA batteries. At the end of your observing session, be sure to turn the

power knob counterclockwise until it clicks off.

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Align the Finderscope

It is important that the finderscope and the telescope tube are parallel and pointing in the same
direction. With the eyepiece adjusted for low power (24 mm), aim the telescope in the general
direction of an object at least 1/4-mile away. Slowly rotate the focus wheels until the object
comes into sharp focus. Go a little bit beyond sharp focus until the image starts to blur again, then
reverse the rotation of the knob, just to make sure you’ve hit the exact focus point. When
focusing on stars, bring them to as small a point as possible.

Many “deep-sky” objects are big, but dim. Low magnification will be better for them. Once
you’ve centered an object in the eyepiece, you can switch to a higher magnification by twisting
the Zoom’s barrel towards the “8”. This is recommended for small and bright objects, like planets
and double stars. The Moon also takes higher magnifications well. You may have to refocus a
little after changing power. If you find that it’s awkward to put your eye up to the eyepiece, you
can rotate the telescope tube by loosening the knob on the tube clamp and moving the telescope
tube until the focuser is in a convenient position. Be sure to tighten it again!

You may find that the telescope tube is either too hard to move or does not stay in place. Use the
altitude adjustment tension knob (it holds the telescope to the upright part of the base) to find the
right level of tension.

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What to Expect

Depending upon what is in the sky; Planets will look small, but you might be able to see cloud bands
on Jupiter or the rings of Saturn. Craters on the Moon will be clear and numerous, the waxing and
waning of Venus should be visible, and many bright deep-sky objects will fill the eyepiece. Don’t
expect to see color as you do in NASA photos as our eyes are not sensitive enough to see color in deep­sky objects, except in a few of the brightest ones. Remember that you are seeing these objects using
your own eyes! Each session with your telescope will be a learning experience. Each time you work
with the telescope, it will get easier to use, and stellar objects will become easier to find.

Objects to Observe

Moon

The Moon is one of the easiest and most interesting targets to view with your telescope. Lunar
craters, “seas”, and even mountain ranges can all be clearly seen from a distance of 238,000 miles
away! With its ever-changing phases, you’ll get a new view of the Moon every night it’s up.
Make sure to observe the Moon when it is well above the horizon to get the sharpest images. The
best time to observe is during a partial phase, that is, when the Moon is not full. During partial
phases, shadows are cast on the surface which reveals more detail, especially right along the

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border between the dark and light portions of the disk (called the “terminator”). Use the Map on
the telescope tube to find the major craters and features.

If the Moon is too bright, or you want a bit more contrast, remove the small gray plug from the
dust cover and put the cover back on the telescope. This is called “stopping down” and reduces
the light hitting your eye.

Planets

The Planets do not stay at “fixed” locations like the stars do. To find them you should refer to this
Monthly Star Chart

[5]

, or to charts published in Astronomy

[6]

, Sky & Telescope

[7]

, or on other
web sites. Also rise and set times for our solar systems objects can be found on the BBAA
website.

[8]

Besides the Sun and Moon, the planets are the brightest objects in the sky.

Stars

Even powerful telescopes cannot magnify a star to appear as more than a point of light. You can,
however, enjoy the different colors of the stars and locate many pretty double and multiple stars.
(Look at the middle star in the handle of the Big Dipper, Mizar. It is really two stars very close
together. Being able to see the two stars separate is called “Star Splitting”. The gorgeous two­color double star, Albireo, in Cygnus is a favorite. De-focusing a star slightly can help bring out
its color.

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Deep-Sky Objects

Under dark skies, you can see lots of fascinating deep-sky objects, including nebulas, star clusters,
and a variety of different types of galaxies.

Most deep-sky objects are very faint, so it is important that you find an observing site well away
from light pollution. Take plenty of time to let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Do not expect
these subjects to appear like the photographs you see in books and magazines; many will look like
dim gray smudges. As you become more experienced and your observing skills get sharper, you
will be able to ferret out more and more subtle details and structure.

Deep-Sky Objects, also referred to as “faint-fuzzies” are often hard to find at first. They are
worth the effort, being some of most wonderful things in the night sky. To find deep-sky objects,
look up the seasonal sky charts in the National Audubon Society Constellations Pocket Guide
(starting on pg 34). Find your season and a clear direction and match the stars with the chart.
After locating a constellation that is high in the sky, turn to pg 74 and thumb through the
alphabetical list of constellations and look for the heading “Deep-Sky Objects” when you find the
right page. Many constellations have numerous objects hidden within them that are only visible
with a telescope or binoculars. Pay particular attention to objects with a “Messier Number”, like
The Orion Nebula (M-42) and the Andromeda Galaxy (M-31). First published in 1774, Charles

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Messier made this list to help observers identify objects that might be mistaken for comets.
Messer’s list includes some of the brightest and most attractive deep sky objects observable from
the northern hemisphere

Star Clusters are particularly pretty, usually bright and easy to see. Note that some Messier
Objects are very faint, and will take a while to find and see. A few are very dim, but may seem to
appear like magic when you look at them “out of the corner of your eye”. This is called “Averted
Vision” and works well when looking at very dim objects.

Star Hopping

This term describes how one uses a star chart to find objects too dim to see
without a telescope. You likely already know how to do this, if you can find the
North Star by following the “pointer stars” of the Big Dipper. To find a deep
sky object, look for a pattern of stars that can act as landmarks for it. For
example: To find the Pinwheel Galaxy, M 101, look for the last two stars of

the Big Dipper’s handle. They make the base of a triangle that has the M 101 at the top.

You can also try a low-power (24 mm) scanning of the Milky Way: just cruise through the “star
clouds” of our galaxy. You’ll be amazed at the rich fields of stars and objects you’ll see!

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When To Go Observing

“Seeing” and Transparency

Atmospheric conditions vary significantly from night to night. “Seeing” refers to the steadiness
of the Earth’s atmosphere at a given time. In conditions of poor seeing, atmospheric turbulence
causes objects viewed through the telescope to “boil”.

In conditions of good seeing, star twinkling is minimal and images appear steady in the eyepiece.
Seeing is best overhead, worst at the horizon. Good “transparency” is especially important for
observing faint objects. Transparency is judged by the magnitude of the faintest stars you can see
with the unaided eye (Mag.1 is very bright, 2 is dimmer, and so on… 4th magnitude or fainter is
desirable).

Looking at the Little Dipper will show you how good the
viewing is. If you can see all the stars, you are doing pretty
well. Be sure to wait until your eyes adapt to the dark. Use the
guides on the next page to determine your conditions.

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Weather Forecasting

On the BBAA website you can find Clear Sky Charts

[9]

for the Hampton Roads area. The chart is

a time line for weather. If you click on the chart, you will link to a detailed explanation. You will
also find links to other charts. Pick the closest one to you for local weather conditions. For
example, let’s use the Northwest River Park chart: The first 4 bars are the most important: Is it
cloudy? How clear is the sky? What is the “Seeing”, and finally, how dark is it? The deeper blue
the squares are, the better. In the
chart below, Monday night looks
very good, while Tuesday will be
cloudy.

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One more time, and with Feeling!

WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope or its finder scope — even for an

instant — or permanent eye damage could result. Do not point the telescope at the Sun, as parts will

melt! Children should use this telescope only with adult supervision

Website Links

(1) Astronomical League: https://www.astroleague.org/
(2) NASA Night Sky Network: https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/
(3) Back Bay Amateur Astronomers website: backbayastro.org
(4) BBAA Contact Email: [e-mail]
(5) Monthly Sky Calendar: https://www.telescope.com/content.jsp?pageName=Monthly-Star-Chart
(6) Astronomy.com: “The Sky This Week”: http://astronomy.com/
(7) Sky & Telescope “This Week’s Sky At a Glance”: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/sky-at-a-glance/
(8) Rise and set times of our solar systems objects: http://backbayastro.org/whatsup.php
(9) Hampton Roads Weather Conditions for Astronomy: http://backbayastro.org/weatherforecast.php

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Quote

The immense distances to the stars and the galaxies

mean that we see everything in space in the past – some

as they were before the Earth came to be. Telescopes are

time machines.

— Carl Sagan

Please say “Thank you” to the librarian for being the

curator for this “time machine”!

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