How to Use a Celestron AstroMaster 70 Telescope

On this page (10 sections)

1. What should you do before using the AstroMaster 70?
2. How do you assemble a Celestron AstroMaster 70?
3. How do you align the AstroMaster 70 finderscope?
4. How do you aim the Celestron AstroMaster 70?
5. How do you focus a Celestron AstroMaster 70?
6. Which targets are easiest with an AstroMaster 70?
7. What should you use to clean the telescope lens?
8. How can you get a sharper view?
9. What should you avoid when using the AstroMaster 70?
10. How do you finish an AstroMaster 70 observing session?

To use a Celestron AstroMaster 70, set up the tripod, attach the telescope, align the finderscope, and begin with the lowest-power eyepiece. Aim at a bright distant object first, then adjust the focus before moving to the Moon or planets.

The AstroMaster 70 is a small refracting telescope, so it is well suited to learning basic setup and aiming. Keep the telescope steady, use slow movements, and give your eyes time to adjust in the dark.

What should you do before using the AstroMaster 70?

Choose a stable observing spot and check every connection before you aim. A level surface, a clear view, and enough room to move around the tripod will make the first session easier.

Set the tripod legs evenly and tighten the leg locks by hand. Do not place the telescope where people may bump it, where the ground is soft, or where nearby lights shine directly into your eyes.

Attach the optical tube according to the telescope's instructions. Secure the mount and tighten the accessory screws enough to hold the parts in place, but do not force them.

Keep the front lens cap on until the telescope is assembled. Store small caps and accessories in one place so they do not get lost during the session.

How do you assemble a Celestron AstroMaster 70?

Attach the optical tube to the mount, fit the diagonal, and insert the eyepiece. For a fuller walkthrough, see how to assemble a telescope.

The telescope should remain balanced and secure before you release your hands.

Start with the tripod and mount. Spread the legs fully, check that the spreader or brace is secure, and confirm that the mount moves smoothly on its controls.

Place the optical tube on the mount and tighten its attachment hardware. Support the tube with one hand while securing it, especially if you are working alone.

Insert the diagonal into the focuser if your model uses one, then secure the diagonal screw gently. Insert the lowest-power eyepiece and tighten its retaining screw.

For a broader overview of the process, see How to Use a Telescope for Beginners: A Beginner’s Guide.

How do you align the AstroMaster 70 finderscope?

Align the finderscope during daylight with a distant, stationary object. The telescope and finderscope must point at the same target before you try to find objects in the night sky.

Choose a target far away, such as a building edge or sign. Avoid using the Sun, and do not choose something nearby because parallax can make alignment less useful at night.

Look through the main telescope with the lowest-power eyepiece. Center the distant target by making small adjustments to the mount.

Now look through the finderscope. Use its adjustment screws to move the target to the center of the finderscope view without moving the telescope.

Repeat the process once or twice. The target should stay near the center when you move between the main telescope and the finderscope.

Our guide to How to Align a Celestron Finderscope covers this process in more detail.

How do you aim the Celestron AstroMaster 70?

Use the finderscope to locate the target, then use the telescope's slow controls for precise centering. Start with a bright object that is easy to identify.

Point the telescope toward the target with the mount's main movement controls. Look through the finderscope and make small corrections until the target is centered.

Switch to the main telescope and check the view. If the target is missing, return to the finderscope and center it again before making a larger movement.

Earth's rotation makes stars and planets drift across the view. Once the object is centered, use the slow-motion controls to keep it in view.

If you are new to observing, Is a Telescope Hard to Use for Beginners? explains why aiming becomes easier after a few short sessions.

How do you focus a Celestron AstroMaster 70?

Turn the focus knob slowly while watching the target become sharper. If you use compatible equipment, see Celestron auto focuser use for another focusing option.

Begin with a bright object and make small adjustments instead of turning the knob quickly from one end to the other.

Focus on the edge of the Moon, a bright planet, or a distant daytime object. A sharp edge makes it easier to see when the focus is close.

At higher magnification, the image may shake when you touch the focus knob. Wait for the telescope to settle, then make another small adjustment.

Different observers may need slightly different focus positions. If another person looks through the telescope, let that person make a small final adjustment.

See How to Focus a Celestron Telescope for a focused explanation of this step.

Which targets are easiest with an AstroMaster 70?

The Moon is usually the easiest first night-sky target. Its bright surface gives you a clear target for practicing aiming, focusing, and tracking.

Begin with a low-power eyepiece and center the Moon. Once the view is steady and sharp, try a higher-power eyepiece if the air is calm and the mount remains stable.

Bright planets can also be good targets when they are visible. Their appearance changes with conditions, so do not expect every planet to show the same detail every night.

Avoid starting with faint galaxies or nebulae in a bright neighborhood. Dark skies, a fully dark-adapted eye, and careful target selection matter more for faint objects.

What should you use to clean the telescope lens?

Remove loose dust without rubbing first, then use a suitable lens-cleaning tool only when the glass needs it. Frequent wiping can add marks if grit is dragged across the surface.

The Altura Photo Camera Lens Cleaning Kit includes an alcohol-free and ammonia-free cleaning spray, a cleaning brush, a lens pen, an air blower, 3 MagicFiber microfiber cloths, and 50 lens tissue paper wipes. Its 56.7 ml spray is designed for camera lenses and coated glass.

Use the air blower first. If smudges remain, follow the cleaning tool's directions and use a clean cloth or tissue with light pressure.

Keep liquid away from the telescope body and mount.

The K&F CONCEPT 4 in 1 Camera Lens is a smaller set with 1 dust blower, 1 lens cleaning pen, and 2 microfiber cleaning cloths. The 4.5-inch brush and washable cloths suit readers who want a compact cleaning setup for coated lenses and other delicate surfaces.

Choose the Altura Photo kit if you want cleaning liquid and more cleaning materials in one set. Choose the K&F CONCEPT kit if a blower, pen, and 2 reusable cloths cover your basic needs.

How can you get a sharper view?

Use the lowest-power eyepiece to find the target, focus carefully, and increase magnification only when the view stays steady. High magnification makes every vibration and tracking error easier to notice.

Keep the tripod legs short enough to remain stable when possible. Avoid touching the optical tube while observing, and wait after each adjustment for the image to settle.

Use the telescope away from heat rising from roofs, pavement, or building vents. Moving air can make a sharp target appear to shimmer.

For eyepiece choices, see Best Eyepieces for Celestron Telescopes. You can also compare the setup process with How to Use the Gskyer 600x90mm Telescope.

What should you avoid when using the AstroMaster 70?

Never point the telescope at the Sun without a correctly fitted solar filter. Looking at the Sun through an unfiltered telescope can cause permanent eye injury.

Do not use a loose filter that fits over an eyepiece. A solar filter must be designed to attach securely at the front of the telescope, where it can block sunlight before it reaches the optics.

Avoid forcing mount controls, tightening screws excessively, or carrying the telescope by a small accessory. Support the optical tube and keep the mount hardware secure.

Do not leave the telescope pointed at the sky with the lens cap off when you are not observing. Replace the caps after the session and store the telescope in a dry place.

How do you finish an AstroMaster 70 observing session?

Center the final target, replace the lens cap, remove the eyepiece, and pack the telescope only after the glass is protected. Let damp equipment dry before closing it in a case or storage area.

Remove the eyepiece and diagonal carefully, then fit their caps. Do not wipe dew from the lens with a dry cloth while dust or grit is present.

Fold the tripod only after the optical tube is supported. Keep small accessories together, and check that no screws or caps remain on the ground.

Pick the Celestron AstroMaster 70 if you want a simple telescope for learning tripod setup, finderscope alignment, focusing, and basic Moon viewing. If you need a different tube size, compare How to Use a Celestron AstroMaster 114 Telescope and How to Use a Celestron AstroMaster 130 Telescope before choosing your next step.

Frequently asked questions

How do you use a Celestron AstroMaster 70 for the first time?

Set the tripod on firm ground, attach the optical tube and accessories, align the finderscope during daylight, and begin with the lowest-power eyepiece. Aim at the Moon or another bright target, adjust focus slowly, and avoid pointing the telescope near the Sun.

Which eyepiece should you use first with an AstroMaster 70?

Start with the eyepiece that gives the lowest magnification. It provides a wider view, makes aiming easier, and helps you find the target before switching to a higher-power eyepiece for more detail.

How do you focus a Celestron AstroMaster 70?

Center a bright target, then turn the focus knob slowly until the image becomes sharp. Use small adjustments, especially at higher magnification, because the target can move out of view while you focus.

Can you use a Celestron AstroMaster 70 during the day?

Yes, you can use it for distant daytime objects, such as a faraway sign or treetop, if the target is safe to view. Never point it at the Sun without a properly fitted solar filter designed for the telescope.