User manual MEADE TELESTAR 40AZ-T

[. . . ] In order that you may achieve maximum utilization of the instrument, we urge that you to take a few minutes to read all of this manual before making first observations through the telescope. As you read through this manual, the technical terms associated with telescopes will be made clear. STANDARD EQUIPMENT (Refer to Fig. 1) · · · · · Complete optical tube (objective lens diameter = 40mm; focal length = 600mm) 25mm (25X), 6mm (100X) eyepieces (. 965" O. D. "Outside Diameter") Diagonal mirror (. 965" O. D. ) 2X viewfinder with bracket Table-top Altazimuth mount INSTALLATION: 1. [. . . ] This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis which results in an apparent motion of the object in the telescope's field of view; i. e. although the Moon, planets and stars are, for practical purposes, fixed in ­5­ their positions during any 2 or 3 hour observing session, the platform on which the telescope is sitting (the Earth) rotates once every 24 hours underneath these fixed objects. To keep astronomical objects centered in the field, simply move the telescope on one or both of its axes (vertical and/or horizontal), using the altitude control handle (5, Fig. At higher powers, astronomical objects will seem to move through the field more rapidly. Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations resulting from such contact will cause the image to move. Likewise, avoid observing sites where vibrations may resonate the tripod. Viewing from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image movement. Allow a few minutes for your eyes to become "dark adapted" prior to attempting any serious observations. Use a red-filtered flashlight to protect your night vision when reading star maps, or inspecting components of the telescope. Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through an open window (or worse yet, a closed window pane). Images viewed in such a manner may appear blurred or distorted due to temperature differences between inside and outside air. Also, it is a good idea to allow your telescope a chance to reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an observing session. We repeat the warning stated at the outset of this manual: NEVER POINT THE TELESCOPE DIRECTLY AT OR NEAR THE SUN AT ANY TIME!OBSERVING THE SUN, EVEN FOR THE SMALLEST FRACTION OF A SECOND, WILL RESULT IN INSTANT AND IRREVERSIBLE EYE DAMAGE, AS WELL AS PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE TELESCOPE ITSELF. Certain atmospheric conditions can distort an observed image. Planets, in particular, viewed while low on the horizon, often exhibit lack of sharpness--the same object, when observed higher in the sky, will appear to be much better resolved with far greater contrast. Also, turbulent air in the upper atmosphere can cause the images to "shimmer" in the eyepiece--reduce power until the image steadies. Keep in mind that a bright, clearly resolved, but smaller image will show far more interesting detail than a larger, dimmer, fuzzy image. The 40AZ-T may be used for a lifetime of rewarding astronomical and terrestrial observing, but basic to your enjoyment of the telescope is a good understanding of the instrument. Read the above instructions carefully until you understand all of the telescope's parts and functions. One or two observing sessions will serve to clarify these points forever in your mind. [. . . ] The general rule regarding power: Only use as much magnification as supports a steady, well-defined image. The stability of the air varies and is one reason why having various eyepieces is highly desirable. Higher powers are no guaranty of better images; in fact, the opposite is often true. Also, keep in mind, that land viewing and wide-field, deep-space observation are, generally, low power applications of your telescope. MAINTENANCE The AZ-T telescope should be stored in a dry and dust-free place. [. . . ]