Celestron Astromaster 114 How to Use

Confused by your Celestron Astromaster 114? Learn how to use it with this simple, step-by-step guide, perfect for beginners. Discover the stars with confidence!

Key Takeaways

• Assemble telescope correctly for stable viewing.
• Align finderscope for target acquisition.
• Focus clearly for sharp celestial images.
• Change eyepieces to observe different objects.
• Store telescope safely for longevity.

Have you just received your Celestron Astromaster 114 and are eager to explore the night sky? It’s a fantastic telescope for beginners, offering clear views of planets and brighter deep-sky objects. Sometimes, new equipment can seem a bit daunting with all its parts and settings. Don’t worry, understanding how to use your Astromaster 114 is simpler than you might think. We’ll guide you through every step, from setting it up to finding incredible sights. Get ready to unlock the wonders of the universe right from your backyard!

Unboxing and Assembling Your Celestron Astromaster 114

The first step to using your Celestron Astromaster 114 is to get it assembled correctly. A stable mount is crucial for clear viewing, especially at higher magnifications. Take your time with this process, and refer to the included manual for detailed diagrams. It’s designed for ease of use, so let’s get started.

What’s in the Box?

When you open your Celestron Astromaster 114, you’ll typically find these main components:

• The optical tube assembly (the main telescope body with the mirror).
• The equatorial mount (often a CG-2 or CG-3 model for this telescope).
• The tripod.
• Accessory tray.
• Slow-motion control cables.
• Two eyepieces (usually 20mm and 10mm).
• A 2x Barlow lens.
• A red dot finderscope.
• Star diagonal.

Assembling the Tripod and Mount

Start by extending the legs of the tripod. Most tripods have locking levers or knobs to secure the leg extensions. Ensure the tripod is standing stably on a level surface. Then, attach the equatorial mount head to the top of the tripod. This usually involves screwing a large bolt on the mount head into a corresponding nut on the tripod. Make sure it’s snug but don’t overtighten.

Attaching the Optical Tube

The optical tube assembly is typically secured to the mount using a dovetail bar and clamp system. Locate the dovetail clamp on the mount and loosen the knobs. Slide the dovetail bar on the telescope tube into the clamp. Once it’s seated properly, tighten the knobs to secure the tube firmly. Ensure the tube is balanced; you should be able to move it smoothly without it crashing down.

Installing the Accessory Tray and Slow-Motion Controls

The accessory tray usually slots into place between the tripod legs. This tray is useful for holding your eyepieces and other small accessories, keeping them within easy reach. Next, attach the slow-motion control cables. These cables connect to the mount’s altitude and declination (or right ascension and declination) axes. They allow for precise movements of the telescope, which is essential for tracking celestial objects.

Setting Up Your Finderscope and Star Diagonal

Before you can point your telescope at anything interesting, you need to align your finderscope. The finderscope is a small, low-power aiming device that helps you locate objects in the sky. The star diagonal is also important for comfortable viewing, as it provides a more ergonomic angle to look through the eyepiece.

Attaching the Star Diagonal

The Astromaster 114 uses a Newtonian reflector design, which means the eyepiece holder is on the side of the optical tube. To look through the eyepiece comfortably, you’ll need the star diagonal. This diagonal prism redirects the light path by 90 degrees. Insert the star diagonal into the focuser tube on the telescope and secure it with the thumbscrews.

Aligning the Red Dot Finderscope

This is a critical step. You need to ensure that what you see in the finderscope is also visible in the main telescope. The best time to do this is during the daytime, pointing at a distant, stationary object like a tree, a telephone pole, or a sign.

1. Attach the finderscope: Mount the finderscope onto its designated bracket on the telescope tube.
2. Center a distant object in the finderscope: Look through the finderscope and adjust its position (if adjustable) or the telescope’s main view until the object appears in the center of the red dot’s view.
3. Center the same object in the main telescope: Now, look through the main telescope with your lowest power eyepiece (usually the 20mm). Adjust the telescope’s aim until the same distant object is perfectly centered in your view.
4. Adjust the finderscope: If the object isn’t centered in the main telescope’s view, use the adjustment screws on the finderscope bracket to move the red dot’s position until it’s over the object you see in the main telescope.

This process ensures that when you see something with the red dot, it will also be viewable in the main telescope. You’ll need to repeat this alignment process if you move your telescope to a different observing spot.

Focusing for Clear Celestial Views

Once your telescope is set up and your finderscope is aligned, the next crucial step is focusing. Focusing is what makes distant objects sharp and clear. Your Celestron Astromaster 114 has a focuser knob that moves the eyepiece in and out to achieve this.

The Focuser Mechanism

On the side of the telescope, near the star diagonal, you’ll see the focuser. It typically has two knobs. Turning these knobs causes a shaft to move in or out, which in turn raises or lowers the star diagonal and eyepiece to achieve focus. You’ll likely need to rotate the knobs quite a bit when first focusing, as the range of adjustment can be significant.

Focusing on Celestial Objects

When you first aim at an object like the Moon or a bright star, the image will likely be very blurry. Start by gently turning one of the focuser knobs back and forth. As you approach focus, the blur will begin to resolve into detail. Continue to turn the knob very slowly until the image appears as sharp as possible. For stars, you want them to look like tiny, pinpoint lights rather than fuzzy blobs.

Depth of Field and Fine Tuning

It’s important to understand that different eyepieces and Barlow lenses can change the focal plane. This means you’ll need to refocus slightly when changing eyepieces. The slow-motion controls are invaluable here. Once you have a general focus, use the slow-motion cables to make very fine adjustments for the sharpest possible view. This is especially important when observing planets, where a sharp focus can reveal subtle details.

Choosing and Using Eyepieces

Your Celestron Astromaster 114 comes with a couple of eyepieces, but understanding how they work and what they do is key to getting the most out of your telescope. Eyepieces determine the magnification and field of view.

Understanding Magnification

Magnification is calculated by dividing the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length. The Astromaster 114 has a focal length of 1000mm.

• With a 20mm eyepiece: 1000mm / 20mm = 50x magnification.
• With a 10mm eyepiece: 1000mm / 10mm = 100x magnification.

The 2x Barlow lens will double these magnifications. So, using the Barlow with the 20mm eyepiece gives you 100x, and with the 10mm eyepiece, it gives you 200x.

When to Use Which Eyepiece

Lower magnifications (like 50x with the 20mm eyepiece) offer a wider field of view, making it easier to find objects and view larger celestial targets like star clusters or nebulae. Higher magnifications (like 100x or 200x) are best for viewing smaller, brighter objects like the Moon’s craters or the phases of Venus and details on Mars or Jupiter.

The Limits of Magnification

It’s important to know that there’s a practical limit to how much magnification you can use. This is known as the “useful magnification” limit. For the Astromaster 114, this is generally around 228x (based on the rule of thumb of 2x the aperture in mm). Beyond this, the image will become dim and blurry, regardless of how clear the night is. Atmospheric conditions also play a huge role; on nights with a lot of “seeing” (atmospheric turbulence), higher magnifications may not be usable.

Pro Tip: Always start your observing session with your lowest power eyepiece (20mm) to locate and center your target. Then, you can switch to higher power if needed and if conditions allow.

Observing Celestial Objects

Now for the exciting part – actually looking at the sky! Your Celestron Astromaster 114 is capable of showing you a variety of amazing celestial sights.

What Can You See?

With your Astromaster 114, you can expect to see:

• The Moon: Craters, mountains, and plains will be stunningly detailed.
• Planets:
  • Jupiter: You’ll see its four largest moons (Galilean moons) as tiny points of light and, under good conditions, can discern cloud bands on the planet itself.
  • Saturn: The rings are a definitive sight, and you might even see the Cassini Division. You may also spot its largest moon, Titan.
  • Mars: Depending on its position in its orbit, you might see polar ice caps or surface markings.
  • Venus: You’ll see its phases, similar to how the Moon has phases.
  • Uranus and Neptune: These will appear as small, star-like discs.
• Deep-Sky Objects: Brighter star clusters (like the Pleiades), some nebulae (like the Orion Nebula under dark skies), and galaxies (like the Andromeda Galaxy).

Tips for Better Observing

• Dark Skies: Get away from city lights if possible. Light pollution dramatically reduces the number of objects you can see and the detail visible.
• Patience: Allow your eyes to adapt to the dark. This can take 20-30 minutes.
• Thermal Equilibrium: Let your telescope sit outside for about 30 minutes before you start observing. This allows the optics to adjust to the ambient temperature, improving image quality.
• Collimation: For Newtonian reflectors, occasional collimation (aligning the mirrors correctly) is necessary. You can find many guides online for this, but it’s usually a task for when you’ve had the telescope for a while.

Maintenance and Care of Your Telescope

To ensure your Celestron Astromaster 114 provides clear views for years to come, proper maintenance is essential. These telescopes are robust instruments, but they require gentle care.

Cleaning the Optics

The most important part of care is keeping the mirrors clean, but avoid doing this unless absolutely necessary. Dust is usually not a major issue. If you must clean, use a soft brush (like a camel hair brush) to gently sweep away loose dust. For stubborn smudges, use specialized optical cleaning solutions and lint-free wipes designed for telescope optics.

Warning: Never use household cleaners or abrasive cloths. Cleaning the primary mirror often requires removing it from the telescope, which is a delicate procedure best left for experienced users or professionals.

Storing Your Telescope

When not in use, store your telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. The original box is a good option for short-term storage, but for longer periods, consider a dedicated storage case or a cool closet. Protect the optics from dust and accidental bumps.

Transportation

If you plan to transport your telescope, especially to darker skies, ensure all parts are securely fastened. Use padded cases if available. Disassembling the mount and tube can help protect them during transit.

Understanding Equatorial Mounts (CG-2/CG-3)

The Celestron Astromaster 114 typically comes with an equatorial mount, often the CG-2 or CG-3 model. These mounts are designed to track celestial objects as they move across the sky due to the Earth’s rotation. Understanding their basic functions will greatly enhance your observing experience.

What is an Equatorial Mount?

Unlike a simpler altazimuth mount (which moves up/down and left/right), an equatorial mount has two axes that are aligned with the celestial poles. One axis (the polar axis) is aligned with the Earth’s axis of rotation. Once properly aligned, you only need to turn one slow-motion control (usually the Right Ascension or RA axis) to follow an object as it moves across the sky. The other axis, the Declination (DEC) axis, is used for fine movements perpendicular to this celestial motion.

Polar Alignment

For optimal tracking, you’ll need to perform a basic polar alignment. This involves pointing the mount’s polar axis towards the celestial pole. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means pointing towards Polaris (the North Star). In the Southern Hemisphere, alignment is a bit more complex and often involves using star charts or specialized apps. The Astromaster mount has latitude adjustment screws to set your approximate local latitude, which angles the polar axis correctly.

Using the Slow-Motion Controls

Once polar aligned (or even if you’re just doing manual tracking), use the slow-motion control cables attached to the RA and DEC axes. If you’ve roughly polar aligned, nudging the RA control will track objects. The DEC control is used for framing the object or making slight adjustments.

Counterweights

Most equatorial mounts come with counterweights. These are used to balance the telescope tube on the mount. Proper balancing makes movement smoother and reduces strain on the mount’s gears. Adjust the position of the counterweight along its shaft and the telescope along its dovetail to achieve this balance on both axes.

Table: Commonly Observed Celestial Objects and Best Eyepiece Choice

This table provides a general guide to what you can see and which eyepiece is typically best suited for the object. Remember that atmospheric conditions and light pollution play a significant role.

Celestial Object	Typical Magnification Range	Recommended Eyepiece (with Astromaster 114, 1000mm FL)	Notes
The Moon	75x – 150x	10mm, 20mm	Excellent detail in craters and seas.
Jupiter	100x – 200x	10mm, 10mm with Barlow	Galilean moons visible. Cloud bands and Great Red Spot visible under good conditions.
Saturn	100x – 150x	10mm, 10mm with Barlow	Rings are clearly visible. Cassini Division may be seen. Titan visible.
Mars	100x – 150x	10mm	Polar caps and some surface features visible when closest to Earth.
Venus	50x – 100x	20mm, 10mm	Phases are visible.
Star Clusters (e.g., Pleiades, M13)	50x – 100x	20mm, 10mm	Wide field (20mm) is good for Pleiades. M13 will show many stars at 100x.
Nebulae (e.g., Orion Nebula M42)	50x – 100x	20mm, 10mm	Best seen under very dark skies. Will appear as a faint, fuzzy patch.
Galaxies (e.g., Andromeda M31)	50x – 100x	20mm	Appears as a faint, elongated smudge of light under good skies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best equipment and instructions, you might encounter a few bumps along the road. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them.

Blurry Images

Cause: Out of focus, poor collimation, atmospheric turbulence, or dirty optics.

Solution: Ensure you are properly focused by slowly adjusting the focuser knobs. If issues persist, consider checking your collimation (refer to online guides or manual). On nights with poor “seeing,” higher magnifications will be unworkable. Try cleaning the primary mirror only if absolutely necessary.

Difficulty Finding Objects

Cause: Finderscope not aligned, or looking at the wrong part of the sky.

Solution: Realign your finderscope carefully during the day on a distant object. When observing, use star charts or astronomy apps on your phone to locate your target. Start with bright, easy objects like the Moon and Jupiter.

Wobbly Mount/Vibrations

Cause: Tripod legs not fully extended or locked, mount not level, or wind.

Solution: Ensure tripod legs are securely extended and locked. Place the tripod on a firm, level surface. Avoid touching the telescope while observing; use the slow-motion controls. For very windy conditions, consider observing when it’s calmer or using a windbreak.

Image Not Clear with Barlow Lens

Cause: Barlow lens not fully inserted, or atmospheric conditions are not good enough for high magnification.

Solution: Ensure the Barlow lens is fully seated in the focuser and the eyepiece is fully seated in the Barlow. High magnifications are more susceptible to atmospheric distortion. Try using the Barlow on fainter objects or on nights with steady air.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I collimate my Celestron Astromaster 114?

Collimation is the process of aligning the mirrors. For the Astromaster 114, you’ll need to adjust the secondary mirror’s tilt and the primary mirror’s tilt. There are many excellent online guides and videos from Celestron and other astronomy enthusiasts that demonstrate this process visually, as it’s best learned by seeing and doing.

Q2: Can I attach a camera to my Celestron Astromaster 114?

Yes, you can engage in astrophotography. You’ll typically need a T-ring adapter and a T-thread to connect your DSLR camera to the focuser. For simpler photography, you might use a smartphone adapter to attach your phone to the eyepiece.

Q3: What is the best eyepiece to buy for my Astromaster 114?

A good next purchase is often a medium-power eyepiece, around 6mm to 8mm focal length, for observing planets. A wide-field eyepiece can also enhance the view of nebulae and galaxies by offering a larger field of view at a given magnification.

Q4: How do I align the equatorial mount for better tracking?

For the Northern Hemisphere, loosen the latitude adjustment knob and point the main polar axis towards Polaris. Secure the latitude adjustment to your local altitude angle. For more precise tracking, fine adjustments to the RA and DEC axes can be made. Resources like Celestron’s website and astronomy forums offer in-depth guides.

Q5: Is the Celestron Astromaster 114 good for viewing deep-sky objects?

The Astromaster 114 is capable of showing brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and various star clusters, but its performance is best under dark skies. Brighter objects and planets will be its forte from light-polluted areas.

Q6: How do I store my telescope during the day?

Cover the optical tube to protect it from dust. Store it in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, remove eyepieces and the Barlow lens and store them in their cases. Protect the main mirror from any direct sunlight exposure.

Conclusion

Learning to use your Celestron Astromaster 114 is an accessible and rewarding journey. By following these steps for assembly, alignment, focusing, and care, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the wonders of the cosmos. Remember that practice and patience are your best tools. The night sky is vast and full of incredible sights waiting to be seen. Enjoy the exploration, and clear skies!