Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Refractor 175x Black

The Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Refractor 175x Black is a compact refractor telescope intended for beginner astronomers and casual observers. With a 60 mm aperture and supplied eyepieces (20 mm and 4 mm) plus a 3x Barlow lens, the telescope delivers a range of magnifications up to the quoted 175x for viewing the Moon, planets, star clusters and brighter deep-sky objects. The optical tube includes an erect-image diagonal that produces right-side-up views, making the instrument suitable for both terrestrial spotting and nighttime astronomy. The package also includes a finderscope and an adjustable lightweight aluminum tripod for stable, portable setup, and bundled Starry Night Basic Edition software to help plan observing sessions and identify celestial objects.

Advantages

The manual alt-azimuth mount with a pan-handle and clutch allows smooth, intuitive pointing and tracking in up/down and left/right directions without motors or complex controls. A 60 mm objective provides a balance between portability and light-gathering capability for bright Moon and planetary detail as well as some brighter deep-sky targets. Supplied accessories (two eyepieces, erect image diagonal, Barlow lens and finderscope) give immediate flexibility in magnification and allow right-side-up terrestrial viewing. The lightweight aluminum tripod and simple assembly make the telescope quick to set up and easy to transport.

Suitable for

• Beginner stargazing and astronomy education
• Casual lunar and planetary observation
• Terrestrial spotting and daytime viewing
• Portable backyard or campground observations

Key specifications

• Optical design: Refractor (achromatic)
• Aperture: 60 mm
• Focal length: typical for 60 mm refractors (as supplied optics produce up to 175x with supplied eyepieces and Barlow)
• Maximum practical magnification: up to 175x with included accessories
• Mount type: Manual alt-azimuth with pan-handle and clutch
• Tripod: Lightweight adjustable aluminum tripod
• Included eyepieces: 20 mm and 4 mm
• Included Barlow: 3x Barlow lens
• Diagonal: Erect-image diagonal for right-side-up viewing
• Finderscope: Included to assist target acquisition
• Software: Starry Night Basic Edition (downloadable)

How to use

Assemble the tripod and secure the mount, attach the optical tube to the alt-azimuth mount and tighten the clutch for stable operation. Start with the 20 mm eyepiece for wider-field views, and use the finderscope to center your target before looking through the main eyepiece. Use the pan-handle to move the telescope smoothly in altitude and azimuth; feed small adjustments with the clutch to keep objects in the field of view. For higher magnification, insert the 4 mm eyepiece alone or combine any eyepiece with the 3x Barlow lens to triple the magnification. The erect-image diagonal makes framing terrestrial subjects easier and can be left in place for comfortable viewing angles when observing the sky.

Usage recommendations

To obtain the best observing results, start sessions when the target is high above the horizon to reduce atmospheric distortion, allow the telescope to acclimate to the outdoor temperature for improved image stability, and use lower magnifications under average seeing conditions. Use the Starry Night software included to plan observing sessions and identify objects appropriate for a 60 mm refractor.