![]() The FirstScope needs to be equipped with a light finder scope but given that the least overbearing optical finder scopes fail to pick up stars with magnitudes below naked-eye visibility, we recommend using a red dot finder - especially in light-polluted areas. ![]() Navigating without a finder scope did prove quite cumbersome during our observations, making star-hopping especially difficult. Each of the young, hot member stars in this open cluster sat neatly and clearly in the field of view with some minor adjustments of the focuser. The FirstScope's wide-angle views did provide fair sights of the Pleiades (Messier 45), in the constellation of Taurus. Saturn was small, faint and fuzzy in the field of view, yet it was possible to make out the gas giant's rings and yellow coloration. Visible as a bright white "star" to the unaided eye, we hoped for good views through the FirstScope - but, as suspected, we didn't see a great deal of detail with glare making it difficult to distinguish a phase. The second planet from the sun, Venus, made for an easy target in the southwest, shining at a stunning magnitude of -4.9. The optics do not provide pin-sharp sights through the field of view since the focuser tube is quite loose, but even such basic observations are sure to delight those who have always wanted to get a closer look at the lunar surface without straining their eyes. With the eyepieces supplied by Celestron, you won't get hugely close-up views of the surface of the moon, but you'll be able to see craters and get a feel for the rugged terrain along the terminator (the point where night meets day). Our lunar companion was at 22% illumination, meaning that there wasn't too much natural light pollution to hinder our view of other targets. Views are blurred due to loose focuser tubeĪ clear December sky offered a gaggle of solar system targets including Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and the moon to test the telescope's optical system.No finder scope, making star-hopping difficult.Provides a " wow factor" for young observers.Navigation will be tricky too, since a finder scope is not supplied either.ĭespite the shortcomings, we couldn't wait to see what the FirstScope was capable of - especially given that we could get started in astronomy with a quick slew of the telescope tube.Ĭelestron FirstScope 76: First light and functionality Unfortunately, these aids are only usually on the more expensive models, meaning that it was quite a task trying to collimate the FirstScope, since the primary mirror isn't adjustable and a collimation cap or eyepiece isn't included with the telescope. With Newtonian designs, the two mirrors within the tube should be aligned and astronomers usually achieve this process - known as collimation - using thumbscrews to adjust the optical system. You'll notice that the telescope's base is short, meaning that you'll need to place it on a table in order to use it comfortably: a hindrance for some observers, however, if you have children who have been pestering you for a telescope, the FirstScope is the perfect solution, especially given its small build and ease of use. However, considering what you get for the price, we did note that the telescope's plastics are not glossy and cheap compared to other instruments that fall in a similar price range. On close inspection of the overall build, we discovered that the finish isn't perfect with traces of glue apparent on the tube. (1.95 kilograms), the FirstScope is ideal for those looking for a "grab-and-go" instrument. The Newtonian reflector is supplied with two eyepieces - 20 mm and 4 mm - and possesses a fast focal ratio to provide a wide field of view that's ideal for not just viewing the planets and the lunar surface, but also allows the observer to view diffuse, wide-angle targets such as star clusters. ![]() When unpacking the FirstScope, you'll notice that it is already preassembled with only a finder scope needing to be affixed to the telescope tube. Mount type: Dobsonian Celestron FirstScope 76: Design ![]()
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