GSO Dobson Deluxe 10" 254/1250 M-CRF

The GSO Dobson 10 "DeLuxe 254/1250 M-CRF telescope is a remarkable instrument featuring a top-notch main mirror with a rotary paraboloid shape. With a diameter of 254 mm and a focal length of 1250 mm (light f/4.9), this telescope offers exceptional optics. Manufactured by the renowned Taiwanese GSO factory, it is known for delivering high-quality optics with limited diffraction, ensuring that the image quality is primarily limited by the nature of light itself. The telescope is designed to provide excellent views of various astronomical objects, including solar system bodies, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

The GSO DeLuxe series telescopes have enhanced the traditional Dobson telescope concept by incorporating several beneficial design improvements. These optimizations further enhance the telescope's performance and usability.

Observation Possibilities

The GSO Dobson 10 "DeLuxe 254/1250 M-CRF telescope is a versatile tool for advanced visual observation of all types of astronomical objects. It performs exceptionally well under various observational conditions, but it truly shines when used under dark rural skies. The telescope offers outstanding views across the night sky and provides opportunities to observe a wide range of celestial objects.

During observations, users can expect to witness impressive details and features of various objects, such as:

• Craters on the moon, which showcase countless formations with excellent definition around the terminator.
• Phases of Mercury and Venus, with the latter allowing observers to appreciate the delicate formation of its atmosphere.
• Clearly visible ice caps on Mars (using filters in red, orange, or yellow can enhance the view).
• Jupiter's atmospheric stripes, along with their intricate structures, both "tropical" and circumpolar, as well as the Great Red Spot and its four moons.
• Saturn's majestic ring, including the Cassini and Encke breaks, as well as the planet's belts.
• Uranus and Neptune, with their distinctive shields.
• Numerous asteroids, including notable ones like Ceres and Vesta.
• Comets, those icy objects traversing the Solar System.
• A plethora of double stars, multiple stars, and variable stars.
• An abundance of Deep Sky objects, including those from Messier's catalog, NGC, IC, and the Caldwell catalog. Open clusters like the Crib in Raku, hi chi in Perseus, or the Ptolemy Cluster in Scorpius will be clearly visible. Additionally, globular clusters like M13, showcasing individual stars even when magnified, or M53 in the constellation Coma Berenices, can be observed. Furthermore, gas and dust nebulae like the well-known M42 in Orion and the North America Nebula in Cygnus, as well as galaxies like M31 in Andromeda (with its two satellite galaxies, M32 and M110), and supernova remnants like the Veil Nebula in Cygnus or the famous Ring Nebula (M57) in Lyra, are among the many fascinating objects that can be explored.

Aside from astronomical observations, this telescope is also well-suited for observing and photographing airplanes at cruising altitudes.

Tube

The telescope's tube is made of sturdy metal, providing ample rigidity. The precise and robust frames holding the primary and secondary mirrors ensure long-term collimation of the telescope. Furthermore, the interior of the tube is coated with a matte, intense black finish, minimizing glare and light loss through the optical system. This coating significantly enhances contrast and facilitates clearer images, particularly when observing the Moon, planets, and bright stars.

Dobson Mounting

The telescope's weight and dimensions are reasonable considering its observational capabilities and the size of the mirror. In fact, the tube can be easily accommodated in the rear seats of most passenger cars.

Using the telescope is straightforward, and it can be easily handled and operated by a single observer. Like any telescope on a Dobson mount, the object is positioned using two axes: the azimuth axis (horizontal level) and the altitude axis (vertical). However, the GSO DeLuxe series stands out by providing superior bearings in the azimuth axis. The roller bearings guarantee smooth and effortless movement of the structure, as well as increased precision in adjustment. Additionally, the metal bearing tracks prevent damage to the wooden components, ensuring the durability of the mount. GSO has developed a new bearing system for the altitude axis, allowing for easy guiding and stability. The telescope is held and maneuvered using two handles, while the desired pressure can be adjusted using knobs on both sides of the mount. This feature proves particularly useful when changing eyepieces, as it helps maintain position and balance. Moreover, the telescope offers the flexibility to adjust the balance by changing the mounting height.

Eyepiece Focuser

The telescope comes equipped with a high-quality Crayford microfocuser with a gear ratio of 1:10. This focuser enables precise focusing, even at high magnifications. Designed to accommodate both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces, the Crayford focuser offers several advantages:

• Smoother and more precise movement compared to simpler sliding and rotating focusers.
• Enhanced reliability in securing the eyepieces due to the use of a brass ring (clamp ring), ensuring perfect alignment and avoiding damage to the eyepiece sleeve.

Cooling System for the Main Mirror

To expedite the temperature equilibration between the telescope's mirror and the surrounding environment, a 12V fan is installed at the end of the tube. When activated, this fan significantly reduces the time required for the mirror to reach thermal equilibrium.

Included Set

The telescope package includes the following components:

• Optical tube on Dobson mount with ball bearings.
• Crayford focuser with a 1:10 microfocuser.
• 30 mm Erfle wide-angle eyepiece (70° AFOV) for 2" barrel and a 9 mm Plossl eyepiece (52° AFOV) for 1.25" barrel.
• 8x50 finder scope with a crosshair reticle.
• Cooling fan to expedite tube and mirror cooling.
• 35 mm 2"/2" adapter with a filter thread.

The telescope package also provides all necessary accessories and mounting hardware to commence observations right away.

Technical Specifications

• Optical System: Newtonian reflector
• Mirror Diameter: 254 mm
• Focal Length: 1250 mm
• Reflecting Surface Efficiency: 94%
• Focal Ratio: f/4.9
• Mirror Performance Accuracy: 1/8 λ
• Mirror Glass Type: BK7
• Resolving Power: 0.55 arc seconds
• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13th magnitude
• Maximum Useful Magnification: 500x
• Tube Diameter: 30.3 cm
• Tube Length: 121 cm
• Mounting Height: 64 cm
• Mounting Base Diameter: 54 cm
• Dimensions of the Pre-packed Telescope: 141 x 48.5 x 48.5 cm (tube), 64 x 14 x 14 cm (mount/stand)
• Weight: 28 kg (tube: 15.5 kg, mount: 12.5 kg)

Warranty

The GSO Dobson 10 "DeLuxe 254/1250 M-CRF telescope comes with a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the GSO Dobson 10 "DeLuxe 254/1250 M-CRF telescope is a highly capable instrument that offers exceptional optics, ease of use, and a wide range of observation possibilities. Whether observing celestial objects within our solar system or exploring deep space, this telescope provides excellent image quality and performance. With its robust construction, precise mount, and included accessories, it offers an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers.