The Celestron 31035 AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a powerful tool for those interested in exploring the wonders of the night sky. Designed with beginners in mind, this affordable telescope comes equipped with a sturdy tripod and a red dot finder scope for initial pointing.
With its impressive ability to view the moon in incredible detail and observe Jupiter, Saturn, and comet Neowise, this telescope is an excellent choice for those just beginning their journey into astronomy.
This telescope is a high-quality instrument that boasts impressive specs and features. Its 76mm aperture and 700mm focal length provide clear and detailed views of the night sky, while its equatorial mount allows for easy tracking and alignment.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the assembly and alignment process may be challenging for beginners. However, with patience and practice, this telescope is an excellent addition to any amateur astronomer’s collection.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the specifications and features of the Celestron 31035 AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope, as well as its pros and cons.
Product Overview
The Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Telescope is a well-built and affordable option for beginner astronomers. Equipped with a red dot finder scope and German Equatorial mount with Setting circles, this telescope provides accurate tracking and is ideal for viewing the moon with incredible detail. Additionally, it can also be used to observe Jupiter, Saturn, and the comet Neowise. However, it may require additional accessories like a moon filter and correction for inverted images.
It offers advantages over a refractor, such as no chromatic aberration and a shorter focal length, but its 76mm aperture is only enough to show the brightest deep-sky objects.
Despite its limitations, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope is a great entry-level option for those interested in exploring the night sky.
Telescope Specs
With a 76mm aperture, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian reflector telescope offers advantages over a refractor for certain observations. It has a shorter focal length and no chromatic aberration, which makes it suitable for observing bright deep-sky objects, the Moon, and planets
. However, due to light loss from mirrors and the obstruction of the secondary mirror, the AstroMaster 76 performs no better than a 60mm refractor.
The Celestron AstroMaster 76 EQ reflector telescope has a spherical primary mirror with an f/9.2 ratio. While a spherical primary is unsuitable for a larger, faster telescope such as the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ, the 76mm f/9 sphere deviates only slightly from a parabola, making it work just fine.
Both primary and secondary mirrors can be collimated, and the focuser drawtube unnecessarily pokes into the light path when it is racked all the way in.
The Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope is a decent starter telescope for those interested in astronomy. While it is not suitable for astrophotography, it can provide satisfactory views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. Its advantages over a refractor include a shorter focal length and no chromatic aberration.
However, its light loss from mirrors and the obstruction of the secondary mirror limit its performance to that of a 60mm refractor.
Telescope Features
Featuring a red dot finder and a 1.25” rack and pinion focuser, the Celestron AstroMaster 76 EQ reflector telescope offers both primary and secondary mirrors that can be collimated. The focuser drawtube, however, unnecessarily pokes into the light path when it is racked all the way in.
The Celestron AstroMaster 76 EQ reflector telescope has a decent red dot finder, but it may take some practice to get used to it. Overall, the telescope offers a good level of features for the price range, but it is not suitable for astrophotography with a CCD camera, apart from simple phone shots.
Eyepieces
Eyepieces are an important consideration for the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope as they play a crucial role in determining the magnification and field of view. Unfortunately, the provided 20mm erecting eyepiece limits low-power views.
Instead, a 32mm Plossl eyepiece provides a wider field of view, making it perfect for deep-sky viewing. On the other hand, a 6mm redline or Goldline eyepiece offers the maximum useful magnification with this telescope, and it is ideal for observing planets and other celestial objects.
A 32mm Plossl eyepiece is a better option compared to the 20mm erecting eyepiece since it provides the widest possible field of view for the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ. It is perfect for deep-sky viewing and allows the observer to see as much of the sky as possible.
Additionally, this eyepiece is ideal for observers who prefer wide views of the night sky or those who find it challenging to locate objects in the sky.
A 6mm redline or Goldline eyepiece is the maximum useful magnification for the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ telescope. This eyepiece is perfect for observing planets and other celestial objects as it provides a higher magnification.
However, it is important to note that a higher magnification also decreases the field of view, making it difficult to locate objects.
Overall, the choice of eyepiece depends on the observer’s preference and what they want to observe.
Astrophotography
Astrophotography enthusiasts may be disappointed with the limited capabilities of the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope, as its small aperture size makes it unsuitable for useful work with a CCD camera for planetary imaging.
The telescope’s 76mm aperture is only enough to show the brightest deep-sky objects, and its primary and secondary mirrors cause light loss and obstruction, respectively. As a result, the AstroMaster 76 performs no better than a 60mm refractor.
Apart from simple phone shots, astrophotography with the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope is not recommended. Its small aperture size and lack of advanced features make it difficult to capture high-quality planetary images.
Overall, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope is primarily designed for visual observation rather than astrophotography. It offers advantages over a refractor in terms of no chromatic aberration and a shorter focal length, but its limited capabilities for astrophotography may be a drawback for some users.
Observations – What Can You See?
Observing with the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope provides the opportunity to view a variety of celestial objects, including the moon, planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, and bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades.
With its 76mm aperture, this telescope is capable of providing reasonably good views of these objects. While it may not be powerful enough for more advanced astrophotography, it is a great option for beginners or those who simply want to enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
When using the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope, one can expect to see:
– The phases of Mercury and Venus, details on the moon
– Mars in opposition every two years
– Jupiter’s moons
– Saturn’s rings, its moon Titan, and maybe the Cassini Division and some banding on the planet itself with good seeing
– Uranus and Neptune as turquoise and azure dots
– The Orion Nebula, the Ring Nebula, M13, the Pleiades, and a couple of dozen of the other brightest deep-sky objects, and many double stars
While it may not be as powerful as larger telescopes, it is still capable of providing a fulfilling viewing experience.
Overall, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope is a great option for those looking to explore the night sky. While it may not be as advanced as some other telescopes, it is still capable of providing detailed views of a variety of celestial objects.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the AstroMaster 76EQ reflector telescope is a reliable and affordable option for observing the wonders of the universe.
What Are The Reviews Like?
Moving on from our previous discussion on observations, let’s take a look at the various reviews of the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope. This telescope has gained many helpful reviews, and it is important to consider both its advantages and disadvantages before deciding on a purchase.
One of the most significant advantages of the AstroMaster 76EQ is its affordable price range. It is an excellent entry-level telescope that offers decent viewing performance. It is also relatively easy to use, with clear instructions and sturdy mount and mechanisms. Additionally, the telescope comes with a red dot style finder-scope that can help with initial pointing, making it a great choice for those interested in polar alignment.
However, as with any product, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ has its downsides. For one, it can be difficult to assemble and align, especially for non-scientific individuals. It is also not recommended for children or complete beginners. Furthermore, a moon filter and correction for an inverted image may be needed, which can add to the overall cost.
Nevertheless, with perseverance and research, the AstroMaster 76EQ can provide clear and crisp images of celestial objects such as the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and comet Neowise.
Final Thoughts
The Celestron 31035 AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a great entry-level option for amateur astronomers who are just starting their journey into astronomy. With its sturdy tripod and red dot finder scope, it is perfect for viewing the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and comet Neowise with incredible detail. However, beginners may find it difficult to assemble and align, which can be a bit of a challenge.
One of the standout features of the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ is its Newtonian reflector design, which uses mirrors to gather and focus light. This design allows for a wider field of view, making it easier to locate objects in the night sky.
Additionally, the telescope has a 76mm aperture and a 700mm focal length, which provide clear and sharp views of celestial objects.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces, a 20mm and a 10mm, which provide magnifications of 35x and 70x respectively. These eyepieces are ideal for viewing the moon and planets, but may not be suitable for more distant objects such as galaxies or nebulae.
However, the telescope’s sturdy mount and slow-motion controls allow for smooth and precise tracking of objects in the night sky, making it possible to capture stunning astrophotography.
Overall, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable and reliable telescope that can provide clear and detailed views of the moon and planets. While it may not be suitable for more advanced observations, it is a great addition to any amateur astronomer’s collection.
With its easy-to-use features and sturdy construction, it is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and discovery under the stars.
- Product 1: Quick and easy no-tool setup. StarPointer finderscope. 20mm eyepiece has an erecting prism built into the eyepiece perfect for observing terrestrial and astronomical objects. Quick release dovetail attachment - no tool setup.
- Product 1: German Equatorial mount with Setting circles - to accurately locate and track sky objects. Resolution (dawes): 1.53 arc seconds
- Product 1: Rugged pre-assembled tripod with 1.25" steel tube legs - Provides a rigid and stable platform. All coated glass optics for clear, crisp images.
- Product 1: Deluxe accessory tray for convenient storage of accessories. BONUS Astronomy Software download with a 10,000 object database, printable sky maps and 75 enhanced images.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope
Q: What is the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope?
A: The Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is part of the Astromaster series by Celestron. It is a reflector telescope, meaning that it uses mirrors to refract and focus light. This model comes with an equatorial mount, which allows for easier tracking of celestial objects.
Q: Is the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing?
A: Yes, the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. It provides clear images of the moon, planets, and other astronomical objects, as well as enhanced images of land-based objects.
Q: How does the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope compare to other telescopes?
A: The Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is one of the smallest in the Astromaster series, making it more portable and easier to store than some of the larger models. Its reflector design provides sharper images of astronomical objects than a refractor telescope, and its equatorial mount makes it easier to track celestial objects across the sky.
Q: What accessories does the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope come with?
A: The Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope comes with a 20mm eyepiece, a finderscope, a motor drive, an accessory tray, and a steel tube tripod with coated glass optics. It also includes Celestron’s Starry Night astronomy software, which is capable of giving users printable sky maps and detailed information on celestial objects.
Q: Is the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope easy to set up?
A: Yes, the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope does not require any tools for setup and can be ready to observe in minutes thanks to the quick and easy no-tool setup. It also comes with a detailed instruction manual to help guide users through the setup process.
Q: What is the object database on the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope?
A: The Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope features an object database that includes over 10,000 celestial objects. This allows users to easily locate and track objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies.
Q: Can the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope be used for solar system viewing?
A: Yes, the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is capable of providing clear views of the solar system, including the planets and their moons.
Q: What is the purpose of the motor drive on the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope?
A: The motor drive on the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope allows for automatic tracking of celestial objects. This helps to keep the object centered in the eyepiece for longer periods of observation.
Q: Is the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope appropriate for beginners?
A: Yes, the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is a great choice for beginners. Its simple setup and easy-to-use design make it a great entry-level telescope. It also comes with helpful reviews and a detailed instruction manual to guide users through the setup and observation process.
Q: What is the finderscope on the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope?
A: The finderscope on the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is a small optical instrument used to help locate celestial objects. It is mounted on the main optical tube and provides a wider field of view than the eyepiece alone, making it easier to find and align objects in the sky.
Q: Can the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope be used for terrestrial viewing?
A: Yes, the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Telescope is capable of providing clear images of land-based objects. It features an erect-image optical system, which provides correct images for both terrestrial and celestial viewing.
