My wife got me a CELESTRON AstroMaster 130 EQ and I need to figure out how to use it, particularly how to set up the Latitude and polar alignment, can anyone explain in simple language please?
Carefully read the included manual then re-read it with the scope assembled. It's already in a simple language but hands on helps it sink in. Do it during the day and get familiar with the scope, which bits to touch or not touch. Then play with it at night. Getting used to sharp focus is hard at the start, don't go for huge magnification eyepieces and you won't see things anywhere near to what we are spoilt with from nasa photos. It will be hard to find planets stick to the moon while you get familiar with using the telescope. move onto star charts and navigating the sky by star hopping or just point it up and look around. but make sure to read the manual, celestron manuals are pretty accessible for beginners (telescopes are not toys so the manuals are not aimed at 5yr olds but still about as simple as it gets).
Try looking up youtube equatorial telescope mount, you will find plenty of advice for beginners. Congrats on the scope, we all started somewhere.
