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Hint:
Focal length telescope : Focal length Eyepiece = Magnification
900 mm : 20 mm = 45 x
900 mm : 10 mm = 135 x
The star diagonal prism (Fig. 2+18, 19) causes a picture reversal
(mirror wrong) and is put into the telescope before viewing the
earth.
In order to see an upright and sidecorrect picture, you may use the
erecting lens. Loosen the locking screw (Fig. 8, X) and remove the
diagonal mirror from the eyepiece holder (Fig. 1, 6). Now put the
erecting lens (Fig. 2, 20) in place and retighten the locking screw.
At last, put an eyepiece in place and tighten the locking screw
(Fig. 9, X).
11. Handling – Dismantling:
After a hopefully interesting and successful observation, it is
recommended that you store the entire telescope in a dry, well
aired area. On some telescopes the tripod and mount can easily
be separated. The adjustments to the mount will remain intact.
Don't forget to put the dust-protection-caps onto the tube
opening and onto the eyepiece connection. Also, you should stow
all the eyepieces and optical accessories into their
corresponding receptacles.
12. Handling – Care:
Your telescope is a high-quality optical appliance. Therefore you
should avoid your telescope coming into contact with dust or
moisture. Avoid putting fingerprints on the lens.
If dirt or dust have nevertheless accumulated on your telescope,
you should first remove it with a soft brush. Then clean the soiled
area with a soft, lint-free cloth.
The best way to remove fingerprints from the optical surfaces is
with a lint free, soft cloth, which you have previously treated with
some alcohol. Even better is the use of compressed air from a can.
If your telescope has collected dust or moisture internally, do not
try to clean it yourself but return it directly to your local specialist.
Don’t clean the telescope’s optics too often. Doing this, may result
in damaged coatings. If you telescope should have become dusty
from the inside, don’t attempt to clean it on your own but consult
your local dealer or Meade centre of your country.
Appendix
1. Possible observation targets
In the following, we like to present to you a choice of very
interesting and easy-to-find celestial objects. On the depending
pictures at the end of the manual you will see how they will
appear in the eyepiece of your telescope:
The moon (Fig. 20)
The moon is the only natural satellite of the earth.
Diameter: 3,476 km
Distance: 384,000 km (average)
The moon is well-known since thousands of years. He is the
second-brightest celestial object after the sun. Because the moon
circles around the earth, he changes periodically its
inclination to the sun; therefore we see changing phases. The time
for one complete lunation is 29.5 days (709 hours).
HINT:
The erecting lens is not recommended for astronomical
observations. Only use the diagonal mirror here. To
observe landscapes, you may use the erecting lens.
Constellation Orion: The great Orion nebula / M 42 (Fig. 21)
Right Ascension: 05h 33’ (hours : minutes)
Declination: -05° 25’ (Degrees : minutes)
Though it is 1,500 light years away, the Orion nebula (M 42) is the
brightest nebula object at the sky – visible even with naked eyes
and a worthwhile object for telescopes of all kinds and sizes.
It consists of a gigantic cloud of hydrogen gas with a
diameter of hundreds of light years, taking a field on the sky of
10°.
Constellation Lyra: The Ring Nebula / M 57 (Fig. 22)
Right Ascension: 18h 52’
Declination: +32° 58’
Distance: 4,100 light years
The famous Ring Nebula is often called the prototype of
planetary nebulae; he belongs to the northern hemisphere
summer sky’s pieces of splendour. Recent investigations have
shown that he is a ring of light-emitting matter that surrounds its
central star (only visible in bigger telescopes). If one could look
onto its top, he would see a structure like the Dumbbell Nebular /
M 27.
Constellation Vulpecula (little fox):
The Dumbbell Nebula / M 27 (Fig. 23)
Right Ascension: 19h 59’
Declination: +22° 43’
Distance: 1,250 light years
The Dumbbell Nebula / M 27 was the first planetary nebula ever
found. On July 12th, 1764, Charles Messier discovered this new
and fascinating class of objects. We can see it directly from its
equatorial pane. If it could be viewed from top, we would appear
like the Ring Nebula / M 57. This Object can even be viewed at
average weather conditions at low magnifications.
