Introduction To Astronomy - Globaltronics GT-Tel-02 REFRACTOR Gebrauchsanleitung

INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY

Did you know that with the naked eye (under ideal viewing conditions) it is only possible to see
2000 to 3000 stars? With binoculars or a telescope, the number is endless. Before you begin with
observations, you should know several things
1. F ind a dark, indisturbed area, away from bright windows and streetlamps. Close the curtains
and switch off any unnecessary light. Familiarise yourself with your telescope, so that you can
operate it in the dark. A standard torch covered with red plastic is helpful.
2. G ive your eye 15-30 minutes of time to become accustomed to the dark (this is known as
Adjusting to the darkness). Your telescope will also need time to cool down to the night air.
The important factor, the weather, will provide the amateur observer with a challenge, in
relation to a sometime unclear, fogged eyepiece.
3. A void areas of the sky near the horizon. Turbulences in the atmosphere will make precise
observations difficult. Remember that with the passing of time, objects near to the eastern
horizon will rise higher in the sky.
4. L ook after your telescope. Avoid touching the lens or mirror (especially the Mirror). Use a
suitable brush for the lens, in order to remove dust, if necessary, or use a microfibre cloth.
5. A fter use outdoors, temperature differences occur. The telescope must become accustomed
to the room temperature again and condensation must evaporate. Only use the objective
lens again, when this has happened.
6. P roceed methodically. It is a good idea to keep a diary of your observations. A diary provides
a record, a conversation point and it is fun to read it after a period of time. Remember that
many discoveries were made by amateurs. A supernova (a relatively rare event) was once
discovered by an observing postman.
M any comets have been named after their amateur discoverers.
When the evening sun goes down in the western sky, the stars begin playing a wonderful drama
on the dark screen. Looking up into the night sky, the old Romans and Greeks spoke to the stars,
allowing scope for their imaginations. Approximately 5000 years ago, Mesopotamian shepherds
named the constellations, when they saw pictures in groups of stars, and compared them with
objects and animals of the Greeks and Romans.
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