Hello Friend,

If you were fortunate enough to receive a new telescope for the Holidays, here are some tips on getting
the most out of it:

Ok, I know this sounds real easy, but actually read the manual for the instrument before you actually
assemble it, or even use it.  You would be surprised, but a lot of people don't even bother.
Maybe it's a guy thing, or maybe it's too much of a bother, but the manual can sometimes give
useful information on the operation of a telescope, or tips on making it easier to use.

It is also a good idea to assemble and operate a telescope, inside your home, and become familiar
with the controls and operations (especially if it is computer controlled) than to take it outside, and fiddle
around with it, and try to figure it out in the cold. That's no fun!  Actually pretend you are actually using
the instrument, and operate the control functions as you might outside.It may take you a few sessions to
get used to operation of your new equipment, so be patient, and don't try to do it all in one shot.

Allow the instrument sufficient time outside, to reach ambient temperature. Otherwise you may get fuzzy,
distorted images, when you try to magnify with an eyepiece, and you may think there is something wrong
with the instrument. That happens when warm air currents are trapped in your optical tube.

Use a Low Power eyepiece to start with: Always start with the lowest magnfication eyepiece on your telescope,
not the highest one. You will get the widest field of view, that way, and it will be easier to focus on an image.
The instruction manual will tell you how to figure out which one to use.

Department Store Telescopes:

If you were the unfortunate recipient of one of these types of poor quality telescopes, then really the best you
can do is to take it back. Usually the components are so cheaply and poorly manufactured, that no matter
how well intentioned you may be, the frustration level will be so high, it's simply not worth the effort involved.
In some cases, you can upgrade the eyepieces, which are usually the culptrit, to some better ones and that will help
a great deal.

Now, if you didn't get a new telescope for the Holidays, but were hoping to, then hop over to the Khanscope Website  

for some GREAT BOXING WEEK DEALS!

Clear Skies,

Ray Khan