Observing Tips

By Rock Mallin

Tips I use to prepare the human eye to serious observing

When observing faint celestial objects such as star clusters, nebula and galaxies, the human eye must be at maximum sensitivity to visible light. Maximum sensitivities reached by simply letting your eye adapt to the dark. This will take at least 15-30 minutes.

Averted vision is a technique used by experienced astronomers to increase visual acuity by one or two magnitudes when observing faint objects. Especially useful when observing star clusters, this technique involves centering the object in the field of view, then glancing to one side of the field instead of looking directly at the centered object. this technique is extremely helpful when observing faint objects because the outer region of the eye is more sensitive to low light levels than the central portion. Also, certain parts of the outer portion of your eye may be more sensitive than other. When observing a faint object, gaze all around it to find out which part of your eye seems most sensitive.

Importance of being calm and relaxed

The final lens of any visual telescope is your eye itself. This "living" optical system depends upon a complex network of blood vessels and capillaries in order to maintain maximum sensitivity of the nerve cells and the retina. You must therefore avoid uncomfortable, contorted position that strain the body and prohibit proper blood flow, which the eye relies upon for nourishment. Even twisting you head too much will constrict the neck arteries and hence diminish the eye's overall efficiency and sensitivity. We must, therefore, learn to be confortable while observing and, above all, relaxed. Being seated is the best position to be for relaxation and be confortably setup in front of your telescope, with everything with in easy reach of your accessories.