How to Use a Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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Dobsonian refers to the kind of mount - inexpensive, but cumbersome - on which the telescope sits. It moves the telescope on an XY axis, which is to say, up and down and left to right.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Sky Charts
  • Notebooks
  • Pens
  • Telescope Carrying Cases
  • Telescope Eyepieces
  • Telescope Filters
  • Telescope Focal Reducers
  • Telescope Tripods
  • Telescopes

Step1
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.
Step2
Plot your subject with the use of star charts.
Step3
Position your telescope for viewing.
Step4
Notice that the eyepiece is located near the top of the telescope, close to where it gathers light.
Step5
Use the telescope when light pollution is at a minimum, because this kind of telescope is a "light bucket."
Step6
Aim the telescope at the sky and find your subject.
Step7
Position your eye over the eyepiece and focus.
Step8
Remember to take notes of what you saw and when so you can track the movement of the stars over time.

Tips & Warnings

  • This telescope is inexpensive, because it uses mirrors instead of lenses (see the eHow on refracting telescopes) to gather light. This is the ideal telescope to build yourself.

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eHow Article:  How to Use a Dobsonian Reflector Telescope

eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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