How to Use a Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
- 1). Familiarize yourself with star charts. The altazimuth mounting of a Dobsonian reflector requires that you have a map of the night sky in your head, because it will not automatically track the night sky.
- 2). Plot your subject with the use of star charts.
- 3). Position your telescope for viewing.
- 4). Notice that the eyepiece is located near the top of the telescope, close to where it gathers light.
- 5). Use the telescope when light pollution is at a minimum, because this kind of telescope is a "light bucket."
- 6). Aim the telescope at the sky and find your subject.
- 7). Position your eye over the eyepiece and focus.
- 8). Remember to take notes of what you saw and when so you can track the movement of the stars over time.
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