The Bushnell 565 telescope is a refracting telescope that uses convex lenses to collect light and magnify the image. Its name comes from the telescope’s ability to magnify an image 565 times its normal size. Students and amateur astronomers can all use this telescope for observations of planets, galaxies and other astronomical phenomena. When you purchase a Bushnell telescope, you will need to assemble some of the parts before you can begin observing the skies.
- Bushnell 565 telescope
- Instruction manual
For the Bushnell 565 telescope, the eyepieces have focal lengths of eight, 12.5 and 20 millimeters, giving basic magnifications of 94x, 60x and 37.5x. For the highest magnification, use the eight millimeter eyepiece in conjunction with the 3x Barlow lens. This is the only way to get the maximum 565x magnification.
Objects seen through a refracting telescope are upside-down, due to the lens optics. Use the 1.5x erecting lens to view objects right-side-up. You will get 50 percent more magnification and will not have to view inverted objects as in the other lenses.
Do not attempt to observe the sun through your telescope. Even at the lowest magnification, this can cause serious eye damage in a short amount of time.
Read the included instructions, matching the diagram with the parts in your box. If you can not find the instruction manual, you can access it online (see Resources).
Set up the telescope’s tripod. Loosen then tighten the screws on the legs to extend and lock the legs. Make sure the screws are tight enough to hold the telescope steady (any wobbling will ruin your observations) but loose enough for quick adjustments.
Attach the telescope and the equatorial mount to the top of the tripod. Remove the telescope from its cradle and fasten the cradle's equatorial mount in place using the provided wing nuts. Return the telescope to the cradle and tighten the screws securely. The nuts and screws should be tight, but avoid tightening them to the point of damaging the parts.
Connect and adjust the finderscope. The finderscope is a low-magnification scope attached to the upper part of the telescope. The Bushnell 565 telescope has a finderscope with a battery-operated sighting light. Make sure this feature works by aligning the finderscope with a prominent object during daylight.
Attach the accessory tray to the accessory tray braces on the tripod legs. Use the provided bolts and wing nuts.
Attach the adjustment cables and knobs to the equatorial mount. Tighten the silver screws at the point of attachment until they are snug. Turn the cables and knobs to make sure they move the telescope correctly.
Insert the eyepiece into the telescope tube. Tighten the screws alongside the eyepiece hole to fit the lens snugly into the tube.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
Tips
- For the Bushnell 565 telescope, the eyepieces have focal lengths of eight, 12.5 and 20 millimeters, giving basic magnifications of 94x, 60x and 37.5x. For the highest magnification, use the eight millimeter eyepiece in conjunction with the 3x Barlow lens. This is the only way to get the maximum 565x magnification.
Warnings
- Objects seen through a refracting telescope are upside-down, due to the lens optics. Use the 1.5x erecting lens to view objects right-side-up. You will get 50 percent more magnification and will not have to view inverted objects as in the other lenses. Do not attempt to observe the sun through your telescope. Even at the lowest magnification, this can cause serious eye damage in a short amount of time.
About the Author
Laurel Brown has several years experience as an educator and a writer. She won the 2008 Reingold Prize for writing in the history of science. Brown has a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in the history of science and Middle Eastern studies from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in astrophysics from Colgate University.
Photo Credits
lune image by berdoulat jerome from Fotolia.com