Fearless Faith

The checklist began before sundown by syncing the six by 24 mm finder scope with the primary barrel of the five inch (127 mm) equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. Lightweight and efficient, it reflects gathered light back and forth until it enters the eyepiece, drawing the ultimate attention of the observer. Securing the mount in place based on latitude is followed by orienting the scope toward the North Star. From there, declination (the angular distance from the equator) and right ascension (the celestial equivalent of terrestrial longitude) help pinpoint the location of celestial objec...