A spotting scope is similar to a telescope, but instead of being designed specifically for star-gazing, a spotting scope is designed mostly for use on land. While telescopes generally display inverted images, a spotting scope gives users a true image. Spotting scopes are small and much more portable than telescopes, making them easy to use for viewing anywhere. Even though they may be designed for land use, these scopes are also good for basic moon and star observation.
Instructions
1. Find out when the moon is in the phase that you would like to study. It may be the easiest to spot the moon when it is full, but you will actually see more detail when it isn't that bright. Partial moon phases are good for moon observing. There are several websites that show the moon's phases. StarDate has a monthly calendar with the phase of the moon listed by day, as well as a Sky Almanac that tells exactly what time moonrise is each night of the month.
2. Increase the magnification to focus in on a smaller area of the moon's surface. Be careful about using too much magnification, though. The more magnification used in the spotting scope, the lower the brightness of the image, which makes it more difficult to locate objects. Use lower magnifications when you can.
3. Adjust the scope aperture. The higher you have the aperture set on your spotting scope, the brighter the moon will appear. So the brighter the moon is, the lower an aperture setting you should use if you want to see all of the details that are in the shadows.
4. Use a tripod. Due to the size of a spotting scope, it may be tempting to just hold it in your hand, but a small movement can make you lose sight of the moon, especially when working at higher magnifications. Placing your scope on a tripod keeps it steady and makes it easier to keep the moon in focus.
5. Adjust your tripod instead of the scope when the moon drifts out of the scope's sight line. Due to the Earth's rotation, the moon will continue to drift across the night sky. To keep observing it, you will have to follow the moon's path. Adjusting your tripod to follow the moon instead of moving your spotting scope will save you the effort of having to refocus your scope.
Tags: spotting scope, brighter moon, follow moon, moon phases, moon will