I NEED HELP

[Tommyegunn1]

My wife bought me a telescope on Xmas for me to use here in Michigan, the United States while I am on the balcony. When I put it together I used the 3X finder scope an located my target but i cannot see the target once I look through the scope. I am a new student to astronomy and I want to learn as much as I can especially since there is a star,or satellite out of my balcony. Please HELP an tell me what I am doing wrong.

[yeti monster]

You need to align the scope and finder. This is easiest on a terrestrial object, as the stars are in constant motion (in relation to us). It would probably be better to locate a street lamp about a mile away, in the scope, then adjust the finder until it is bang on. Keep making adjustments until you are happy.

[Tommyegunn1]

If the finder and the scope have screw holes, would it automatically align once I screw the screws in or do I have to do something additional to align them?

[Staffy]

Once the finderscope is secured in position there should be a couple more adjustment screws to fine tune it into position.

[ronin]

As has been pointed out the finder and the scope need to be aligned. Stick the longest focal length eyepiece in and center the scope on a distant object.

With the finder on the scop - put it on before you start this - center the same thing in the finder. Usually 2 sets of 3 screws surrounding the finder. This can be the frustrating time.

The finder will either attach directly to the scope or to a plate that is itself attached to the scope.

When you pack the scope away you detach the finder from the scope avoiding the adjustment screws. The idea being when you reattach the finder it sits in the same place and orientation and so is still alignedto the scope. It will be within reason but could need fine tweeking. :D

Other advice: place all things like hammers out of reach.:eek: A pot of coffee nearby is useful.

[brantuk]

Hi Tommy - it usually helps to know which telescope you have (type/make/model) so we can give the best advice. However, most standard finders are pretty similar so the general advice above should help.

Bear in mind the finder bracket usually has one spring loaded bolt that holds it in position, and two adjustment screws that move it tiny amounts up/down and L/R. These are round the rear end of the finder.

Using a wide angle low power ep (something like 20mm-25mm should do) level the scope to the ground by adjusting the altitude bolt(s), insert the ep, and find a distant object (e.g. top of a pylon or church spire) 1-2 miles away - the further the better. Center it in the ep.

Then look in the finder and you should see the object somewhere there but it won't be centered. Get it bang in the middle by using the two finder adjustment screws.

It will now be roughly aligned to the tube.

To test the accuracy, put in a higher power ep (e.g. 10mm-15mm). You'll see the error easilly, it might even not be in view. Slowly move the scope axes till it is in the centre of the ep. Now look in the finder again. The object will be there guaranteed, but the error from center will be obvious. adjust the finder to re-center it and you're set.

Tap the finder gently with a finger to ensure it's set firmly in position by the spring. Do this all in the light of day and leave the finder on the scope. When you use it at night, reconfirm the alignment on a bright star and make minor adjustments if neccessary.

Hope that helps