An Introduction to the Telescope

Summary: In order to get the most out of your 8-inch Celestron telescope, you must be able to use the telescope effectively. This lab is designed to introduce you to the parts of the telescope, to teach you how to put together, focus, and align your telescope.

Grading: You are expected to learn how to set up, align and focus, and then be able to find stars using the telescope. After your lab section has had at least three nights to use the telescopes, the TAs will begin to conduct practical exams, testing your telescope skills. This exam will be worth 50 points.

Telescopes must be handled with care. Lost/broken parts and damage to the telescopes due to carelessness will result in a 10 point penalty (per occurence) to your the telescope practical exam grade. Both lab partners responsible for a telescope and its equipment will receive the penalty.

Due Date: Competency in these skills is expected by the end of your third week using the telescope.

Illustrated explanations of telescope concepts:

• "Choosing Your First Telescope"– an article at the Sky & Telescope web page with a lot of background information about small telescopes similar to the ones you will use in the lab. Particularly important are the second and third pages of the article.

Read the following Before you attend the first lab

• Telescope Manual
• DOs and DON'Ts of Telescope Handling
• Checklist for setting up and taking down the telescope