National Geographic NG60AZ Quick start guide

NG60AZ Telescope
Instructions
and
Owner’s Manual

2
WARNING!
NEVER aim your telescope at the sun or even close to the sun!
Instant and irreversible damage can occur,
including blindness!
Do not let children use any telescope without adult supervision.
A
. Accessory tra
y
B. Finder scope
C. Finder scope bracket
D. Diagonal mirror
E. 3X Barlow lens
F. Image erector
G. Eyepieces
H. Eyepiece cases
I. Yoke
J. Tripod support bracket
K. Vertical fine adjustment rod
L. Screwdriver
M. Altitude control locking
knobs (2)
N. Tripod leg attachment bolts and
wing nuts (3)
O. Tripod leg adjustment knobs (3)
P. Optical tube assembly
Q. Dew shield
R. Tripod leg (3)
K
P
Parts of your NG60AZ Telescope:

3
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a precision-crafted NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC™
telescope. With proper care and handling of your telescope, you will enjoy the pleasure
of looking at nature’s wondrous sights through the eye of this instrument for many
years.
The NG60AZ has been designed to provide views of the moon’s craters, Jupiter’s major
moons, and Saturn’s rings, in addition to dozens of galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.
As a terrestrial (land) telescope, the NG60AZ delivers great views of mountains, valleys,
and many other features of the world around us. You can also use the NG60AZ to study
animals and landscapes at a distance. To obtain the best performance from your
telescope, please read this manual carefully and completely.
!
WARNING!
CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts. Not suitable for
children under 3 years.

4
ASSEMBLY
1) Carefully remove all parts from the cardboard cartons and lay them on a table or
on the floor in order to take an inventory of all the pieces. Keep your box for storage
or in case you ever need to ship your telescope.
2) Extend the legs, and lock each one at the desired height with the supplied tripod
adjustment knob (See Fig. 1).
(Fig. 1)
3) Connect all three tripod legs to the yoke with the supplied tripod leg attachment
bolts, washers, and wing nuts (See Fig. 2).
(Fig. 2)
4) Fasten the tripod support bracket to each leg using the included bolts and nuts that
come attached to the end of each arm of the tripod support bracket. Remove each
bolt and nut (See Fig. 3). Then position one arm of the tripod support bracket so that
Azimuth Locking Knob

5
the holes at the end of the arm line up with the hole through the attachment point on
the tripod leg (See Fig. 4). Insert the bolt to attach the tripod support bracket to the
tripod leg and tighten the nut. Repeat this procedure with the other two legs.
(Fig. 3) (Fig. 4)
5) Fasten the accessory tray to the tripod support bracket by placing the tray’s bolt
into the threaded hole and turning the tray clockwise until tight (See Fig. 5).
(Fig. 5)

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6) After all nuts and bolts have been firmly tightened, the telescope optical tube
assembly can be attached to the yoke. Mount the optical tube assembly in the yoke as
shown in Fig. 6 and tighten the two altitude control locking knobs.
(Fig. 6)
7) Locate the vertical fine adjustment rod. It is a chrome-plated metal rod about 6
inches long. Insert the smooth end into the chromed holder located on the side of the
yoke (See Fig. 7). You may have to loosen the large locking knob in order to insert
the chromed rod. Once the rod is inserted (with the end with the hole facing the
focusing assembly) tighten the large locking knob just enough to prevent the rod from
falling out. Locate the chromed post on the side of the telescope tube near the
focusing assembly. Remove the screw from the post. Insert it through the hole in the
end of the vertical fine adjustment rod and into the post. Turn the screw clockwise
until it is tight (See Fig. 8).
(Fig. 7) (Fig. 8)
8) Remove the finder scope (with attached bracket) from the box. Remove the two
knurled thumbscrews from the telescope main tube (See Fig. 9). Position the finder
scope bracket onto the telescope tube so that the holes in the base of the bracket
line up with the exposed holes in the telescope tube. Replace the two knurled
thumbscrews and tighten securely (See Fig. 10).

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(Fig. 9) (Fig. 10)
9) Insert the diagonal mirror into the focusing tube (See Fig. 11). Secure by tighten-
ing the small chrome set screw located on the focusing tube (See Fig. 12).
(Fig. 11) (Fig. 12)
10) Insert the 25-mm eyepiece into the diagonal mirror (See Fig. 13). Tighten the
small chrome set screw to hold the eyepiece securely in place (See Fig. 14).
(Fig. 13) (Fig. 14)

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11) A 3X Barlow lens is supplied to triple the basic magnifying power provided by an
eyepiece. In viewing situations where very high magnifying powers are desired, insert
the 3X Barlow lens between the eyepiece and the focusing tube (See Fig. 15).
(Fig. 15)
FINDER SCOPE ALIGNMENT
Since a telescope has a narrow field of view by design, it can be challenging to locate a
particular star or planet. For this reason the telescope is fitted with a low-power, wide-
field miniature telescope called a finder scope. Always use your finder scope to locate
the object you want to view FIRST. The finder scope should be aligned with the
main telescope tube before you begin using the telescope, in order that both
scopes are positioned to always provide exactly the same angle and view.
Note: Objects in the finder scope are upside down. This is normal and is common to all
astronomical telescopes.
Complete the following settings in daylight:
1) Insert the 25-mm eyepiece into the diagonal mirror. Look at an easily recognizable,
stationary object that is at least 300 feet away. Slightly loosen the two altitude control
locking knobs, the azimuth locking knob (See Fig. 2 on page 4), and the vertical fine
adjustment rod. Turn the telescope on both its horizontal and vertical axis until the
object is in the center of the field of view. Then bring the image into focus.
2) Firmly retighten the adjusting knobs and the vertical fine adjustment rod so that the
telescope is locked in position.
3) Look through the finder scope. If the object is not visible or centered in the finder
scope, simply release one of the three small adjusting screws holding the finder scope
and reposition the finder scope until the object is centered within the X-shaped
crosshairs.
4) All screws should be completely tightened as soon as the view through the finder
scope coincides with the view of the main telescope.
5) You may need to repeat this procedure to ensure a perfect alignment.

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THE ALTAZIMUTH MOUNT
The NG70CA telescope is fitted with an altazimuth mount. “Alt” refers to altitude, the
vertical movement of the telescope, while “azimuth” refers to the horizontal movement.
ABOUT MAGNIFICATION
The magnification power of a telescope indicates how much an image is enlarged or
how big and close it appears to the viewer. The focal length of the eyepiece, combined
with the focal length of the telescope, determines the magnification power. To calculate
the power of your telescope with any particular eyepiece, simply divide the focal length
of the telescope (700 mm) by the focal length of the eyepiece (indicated in “mm” on the
eyepiece collar).
Example: 700-mm focal length (tube) = 56X magnification power
12.5-mm focal length (eyepiece)
The 3X Barlow lens and interchangeable eyepieces provide the following magnification
values:
Eyepiece Power Power With 3X Barlow Lens
25 mm 28X 84X
12.5 mm 56X 168X
4 mm 175X 525X
The level of magnification required depends on the object being observed. Optimal
performance is obtained if the magnification is typically not more than about 30X for
every 10 mm of objective lens diameter. Magnification of around 175X or less is ideal
for a telescope with a 60-mm diameter objective lens and is best for observing most
celestial objects. A lower magnification power and a wider field of view are advisable for
observing galaxies and nebulae. The highest magnification power should be used for
highly detailed observations of the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, or any object that is quite
bright.
The highest magnification power of the Barlow lens/4-mm eyepiece combination should
only be used for large or bright objects such as the moon and the brightest planets.
USING YOUR TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMICAL VIEWING
1) Take your telescope outside. Viewing objects through closed or open windows is not
recommended. Your view can be distorted by reflections in the glass of a closed
window or by air currents of differing temperatures passing through an open window.
2) Let your telescope adjust to the outside temperature. Your telescope will perform
much better if the temperature of the lenses and the air inside the tube are the same

10
as outside temperature. It may take up to 30 minutes to equalize the temperatures
when the difference in temperatures is extreme.
3) Find a location far from glaring light. If you live in an urban area, your viewing will
probably improve the farther you move away from the city lights. The sky glow of a
town or city can dramatically reduce the telescope’s performance and viewing
capabilities.
4) Remove the large, round plastic dust cover from the front of your telescope.
5) We recommend starting your viewing with the 25-mm eyepiece because it gives you
the widest angle and brightest, sharpest views. To adjust the angle of the telescope,
loosen the azimuth lock knob by turning it counterclockwise (See Fig. 2 on page 4).
Then loosen the tilt and pan arm by turning it counterclockwise. You can then hold
the tilt and pan arm and aim the telescope in the desired direction. Then tighten the
tripod locking knob and the tilt and pan arm.
When possible, avoid sudden temperature changes, as the moisture in the air will
condense on the objective lens. Should this occur after bringing your telescope inside,
leave the lens cap off the objective lens, tilt the objective (front) lens facedown, and
allow the telescope to reach room temperature.
NOTE: When using the diagonal mirror, objects will appear right side up in your
telescope, but reversed, like a reflection in a mirror. This is normal, and does not
indicate a defect.
USING YOUR TELESCOPE FOR TERRESTRIAL VIEWING
You may notice that when you observe a terrestrial subject on land or water it appears
right side up, but is reversed — like looking in a mirror.
Use the 1.5X image erector, included with your telescope, to reorient the object. This
accessory is inserted in the eyepiece holder of the telescope between the eyepiece and
the telescope, in the same manner as the 3X Barlow lens (See Fig. 16).
(Fig. 16)
The image erector provides 1.5X magnification, which means that the 25-mm eyepiece
will magnify objects from 28X to 42X when used in conjunction with the image erector.
NOTE: Do not use the diagonal mirror or the 3X Barlow lens with this accessory.

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CARE AND CLEANING OF OPTICS
Optical components of a telescope get dirty over time. Dirt or dust on a lens should be
removed with the utmost care. A considerable amount of dirt or dust would have to
accumulate on the optical surface before your view would be compromised.
1) Keeping dust caps on during storage and transport will reduce dust collection.
2) Condensation may collect on the optical surfaces when the telescope is not in use.
Remove the dust caps and allow the moisture to evaporate naturally. Point the
telescope downward to minimize the accumulation of airborne dust.
3) Once all moisture has evaporated, replace the dust caps.
4) Filtered, compressed air may be used to remove surface dust from lenses and
mirrors. Remove the dust cap and the dew shield. Once removed, point the can away
from the lens and gently expel some air and any condensation or dust that has
accumulated on the discharge tube. Spray the lens or mirror with short bursts of air to
carefully remove the dust particles. DO NOT HOLD THE TRIGGER OF THE
COMPRESSED AIR CAN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS BECAUSE PROPELLANT
FROM THE CAN MIGHT ESCAPE AND DAMAGE THE OPTICAL SURFACE.
If, after several attempts, you cannot remove the particles, take the telescope to an
optical professional for cleaning.
If you keep the dust caps on your telescope when it is not in use and avoid handling the
lenses or mirrors, only minimal optical maintenance of your telescope should be
required. Extensive cleaning is usually only necessary every few years.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE NIGHT SKY
There is a whole universe of objects you could view at night, so where do you start?
We recommend starting with the most prominent objects first.
The moon
The moon is the easiest target to find at night. When the moon is in full position, it
bathes the night with a silvery light that washes the sky of all but the brightest objects.
The best time to view the moon is not when it is full, but rather when it is less than half
full. The dividing line between dark and light on the moon, called the terminator, shows
the best detail in the craters and mountains.
The planets
The planets, our solar system companions, range in size and substance from moon-size
rocky bodies to giant gas balls, which could hold Earth 1,000 times over. To find the
planets, you will need information about their times of visibility. An astronomy magazine
will give you the locations of the planets as they change position from month to month.
The Internet is also an excellent source of information, offering star charts, maps, and
more!

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The popular and more familiar constellations often provide the easiest landmarks to
help find the planet’s locations and paths of orbit. Most people have looked up at the
sky at night and seen some of the planets without even realizing it. A planet looks like a
bright star but does not twinkle like a star does; it looks like a tiny ball. Venus, Mars,
Jupiter, and Saturn are the easiest planets to view. Mercury is dimmer, usually below
the horizon, and more challenging to find.
Each of the planets provides interesting views. Venus is covered with clouds so all that
is visible is an extremely bright light, the brightest next to the moon. However, Venus,
like the moon, goes through phases. As it travels around the sun, different areas of its
surface are illuminated, producing crescent shapes of varying sizes. Mars is the red
planet. When it is above the horizon, it is noticeably red and stands out like a beacon in
the night sky. The apparent brightness of Mars varies as the planet orbits around the
sun and throughout its period of visiblity, it will look brighter or dimmer depending on its
distance from Earth.
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and the second brightest next to Venus.
Jupiter has many moons, four of which are often visible through your telescope when
viewing conditions permit. As you watch them throughout the evening, you will see that
they change position relative to each other and to Jupiter. It is possible with careful
planning to actually see one of the moons disappear either in front of or behind Jupiter
as it orbits around the planet. Another great feature of Jupiter is its cloud belt. Jupiter is
alive with weather activity and its clouds have formed over time into belts visible through
telescopes in the right atmospheric conditions.
Saturn, the second largest planet, is not as bright as Jupiter and so its moons are not as
visible through small telescopes. The large rings that encircle Saturn are spectacular to
observe, however. The planet and its rings appear pale yellow. The major division in the
rings, the Cassini division, is possible to see if you keep the telescope firmly in position.
Uranus and Neptune are the last of the solar system’s gas giants. They do not provide
as spectacular a sight as Jupiter or Saturn, but are nonetheless rewarding to see.
Beyond our solar system there are many more objects to be found. Galaxies, nebulae,
and star clusters abound!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) How far can I see?
If you stand outside and look up at the night sky on a clear evening, you can see
hundreds of stars without the aid of your telescope. The telescope is a light-gathering
instrument that magnifies the view — providing significantly more detail and unveiling
more stars, nebulae, and celestial objects. With the aid of a telescope, you will be able
to enjoy exciting views of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s major moons, the Orion Nebula, and
much more.
2) Why can’t I see anything through my telescope?
If you see only gray or black when looking through your telescope, even after searching
for an object to view, it is very likely that you are using an eyepiece that is too powerful.
To solve this problem always start with the lowest power eyepiece first, and only insert
the higher-power eyepiece after you have located an object.
3) When I use my high-power eyepiece, everything looks much darker. Why?
As magnification in a telescope increases, brightness diminishes. Conversely,
brightness increases when magnification is reduced. If an image appears too dark or
unclear, use a lower-powered eyepiece. Views of small, bright objects are superior to
those of large, dark, or blurry ones! Atmospheric conditions, air currents, as well as light
and air pollution also affect viewing quality.
4) As I look through my telescope, objects in the sky appear to move. Why is
that?
The constant rotation of the Earth makes things appear to move. Lower-power
eyepieces will reduce this effect of movement considerably and allow you to observe an
object for a longer duration before you have to readjust your telescope.
!
Made in China
Manual Part # 260340
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WARNING! CHOKING HAZARD –
Small parts. Not suitable for children
under 3 years.