i just bought a bushnell deep space series telescope for my kids and can't figure out how to use it .help?

Question

its a 420/60 refractor telescope model # 78-9512 please help me figure it out thanks

we are trying to focus it in but it seems to stay blurry

Answer 1

The scope you have purchased will probably discourage you and your kids away from astronomy due to the low quality. BUT there are some things you can do.
1) until you follow the other suggestions below - try viewing the moon (during any phase), it's so bright any scope will give a decent view and the kids will love it
2) get a better eye piece - and stick to lower magnifications
(I took the eyepiece out of an old broken pair of binoculars and replaced the eyepiece that came with a similar scope as yours and went from viewing the moon to viewing the rings of Saturn!)
3) the legs or tripod your scope is mounted on are probably not good enough to hold the scope steady, a scope has got to be rock steady if you are going to view anything other than the moon - find a way to keep it stable, (I ended up replacing my legs with an old tripod from a construction level)
4) (maybe should be #1) if it's not too late - return the scope and go buy a 6" dobsonian (orion or celestron) they only run about $275 and are an excellent starter scope.

have fun!

Answer 2

"minuteblue" is pretty much right. Let me add that the lowest power eyepiece is the one with the longest focal length (and largest eye lens). And don't use the barlow that it likely came with, at least not with the high powered eyepiece. Finally, some refractors will not come to focus without using the supplied star diagonal (this is an elbow-shaped mirror or prism housing that diverts the light path at a 90° angle before entering the eyepiece -- a necessity when pointing the scope at a high angle).

Answer 3

Bushnell Telescope Model 78 9512

Answer 4

I'm sorry to say this is not a quality astronomical instrument so don't expect a lot out of it. It's also very small and you won't be able to see much more aside from the moon and star clusters.

First, put the LOWEST power eyepiece in it.
Second, point it at the moon or some easy to spot object.
Third, slowly turn the focus knob.

You are probably using too high of a power eyepiece and are turning the knob too fast.

Answer 5

I agree, My 1st telescope was a cheep refracter I got at age 13 and could only see the moon with it. Now at 43 Im on my 1st year with a small reflector an orion,star-blast 6.Im amazed at how well I can see Saturn's rings but love the deep space nebula.I brought back my love for the sky. I say go for the orion and go for as much aperture you can afford. I also use stellarium,this program helps navigating the sky simple. GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

Its difficult to see anything through a 60mm refractor, especially at anything but the lowest magnification. Usually the mounts are wiggly, and it only has .965 inch eyepiece. Save your self a lot of grief, make the investment in something you can really use. Try a Meade 90mm Maksutov with autostar computer control. This will only set you back $195 at Costco, and is a decent instrument with good optics, and EZ to set up.

Answer 7

Are you trying to follow the instructions that came with it?
What particular thing is causing the confusion?
If you ask a more specific question, we may be able to help?

And why did you open this present before Christmas?

Answer 8

Just ask the kids!