By Joel Douglas, Updated Aug 30, 2022
The Bushnell 78‑9512 Deep Space Series refractor offers crisp, high‑contrast views of the night sky thanks to its double‑lens achromatic optical system. Its 60 mm aperture gathers ample light to illuminate the Moon, planets, and bright stars with remarkable detail. The kit includes a sturdy altitude‑azimuth tripod mount, a 5× optical finder, two high‑quality eyepieces (20 mm and 5 mm), and a 3× Barlow lens, giving you a range of magnifications from 20× up to 420×.
Place the tripod on its side and extend the legs to a height that allows you to view comfortably. Tighten each leg’s locking screw, then lift the tripod upright. Secure the mount by locking the altitude and azimuth knobs.
Loosen the altitude lock knobs, slide the optical tube into the mounting bracket, and then tighten the lock knobs to secure the scope. Verify that the tube is centered and stable before proceeding.
Remove the two nuts on the telescope’s finder mount, attach the 5× finder scope, replace the nuts, and tighten them firmly. The finder will help you locate celestial targets before you switch to the main eyepiece.
Begin with objects visible to the naked eye—such as the Moon or bright stars—to familiarize yourself with the telescope’s feel. Use a sky chart or a stargazing app to locate more distant galaxies or nebulae once you’re comfortable.
Point the telescope roughly toward the chosen object, then use the finder scope to fine‑tune the direction. Adjust the telescope left/right and up/down until the target sits in the center of the finder’s view.
Insert the 20 mm eyepiece into the focuser and turn the focus knob until the image sharpens. Remove the eyepiece, place the 3× Barlow lens, and then re‑insert the 20 mm eyepiece to achieve 105× magnification. Focus again for clarity.
For higher detail, replace the 20 mm eyepiece with the 5 mm eyepiece for 140× magnification. If you wish to reach 420×, insert both the Barlow and the 5 mm eyepiece; remember that very high magnification may reduce brightness and is best used in exceptionally dark skies.
Set up the telescope away from light pollution, use magnifications below 150× for deep‑space objects, and keep below 100× for bright targets like the Moon and planets. Never look at the Sun through the telescope without proper solar filters.
Observing the Sun without a certified solar filter can cause permanent eye damage. Always use a solar filter designed for telescope viewing.
