Why Can't I See Anything Through My Newtonian Reflector Telescope?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter George Barry
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues with a Newtonian reflector telescope, specifically why the user cannot see anything through the eyepiece despite the viewfinder functioning correctly. The scope of the discussion includes practical suggestions for adjustments and alignment techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The user reports that the eyepiece view is pitch black, despite the viewfinder working properly.
  • Some participants inquire about the user's attempts to adjust the focuser, change eyepieces, and whether the telescope was used during the day.
  • The user mentions that lifting one of the telescope legs allows for viewing, suggesting a possible misalignment of the lens.
  • One participant suggests collimation as a potential solution, indicating that misalignment of the primary mirror could be the issue.
  • Another participant recommends checking the alignment of the secondary mirror in relation to the primary mirror without an eyepiece in the focuser.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the cause of the issue, with multiple suggestions regarding potential misalignment and the need for collimation being raised.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific steps the user has taken regarding collimation or the exact nature of the misalignment, leaving some assumptions and dependencies unresolved.

George Barry
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I bough a Newtonian reflector a while back, after it was assembled I couldn't see anything through the eyepiece. The viewfinder works perfectly fine, but when I look through the eyepiece it is just pitch black. Any suggestions?
 
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Welcome to PF!

What have you tried to do to make it work? I assume you have tried to adjust the focuser...? Changed eyepieces...? Tried it during the day...? What were you pointing it at...? We can help if you provide details. We've heard this question before.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, yes I have done all of the above, I used it during the day and all I saw was darkness. I could only view anything if I lifted one of the telescope legs up and held it in place long enough to look through the eyepiece, which makes me think the lens may not be centered, but I am not sure.
 
The first suggestion is to look though the telescope without an eyepiece in the focuser. The secondary should appear to be centered in the reflection of the primary mirror. If not, your primary is misaligned. For futher discussion see http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/how-to-align-your-Newtonian-reflector-telescope/
 

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