February 5, 2010, Newsletter Issue #64: Two Simple Techniques For Searching For Faint Objects
Tip of the Week
It may be difficult to find faint objects in the night sky. If you're looking through your eyepiece, and haven't located what you're trying to find, try these simple techniques:
1. Use a technique called averted vision to help you spot faint objects. When looking through your eyepiece, look to the side of where you think the object is rather than directly at. This technique of averted vision works well because the rods in your eyes are more sensitive to seeing in low light and lie concentrated throughout your field of vision, while cones, responsive to bright colors, and lie concentrated in the center of your field of vision.
2. Try tapping your telescope. Though this may sound odd at first, tapping your telescope with a light motion will help you to find faint objects. Your eyes will more readily see a faint object with slight movements than one not moving at all. When seen through your peripheral vision, which is sensitive to slight movements, you'll have a better chance at finding what you're looking for.
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