Power, Maintenance | Meade 70AZ-T instruction

•The Moon: Our Moon offers craters, mountain ranges and fault lines. The Moon is best observed during its crescent or half phase when sunlight strikes the Moon’s surface at an angle—resulting shadows add a sense of depth to the view. No shadows are visible during a full Moon, causing the Moon’s surface to appear flat and uninteresting.

•Deep-Space:Deep Space objects are best viewed at a dark site, away from city and other lights. Such objects include nebulae, galaxies, multiple star systems, and star clusters.

•Terrestrial objects: Your telescope may also be used for high resolution land viewing. Terrestrial observations should almost always be made using a low power eyepiece (such as the 17.5mm) for bright, sharp images. Land objects offer limited applications at higher powers because the telescope is being pointed through the thickest part of the Earth’s atmosphere, which typically distorts images in the eyepiece.

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. Keep in mind, that land viewing and wide-field,deep-space observation generally operate best with low-powered eyepieces.

POWER

The power, or magnification, of a telescope when used with a particular eyepiece is determined by two factors: the focal length of the telescope’s main (objective) lens and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. The Barlow lens doubles the power of an eyepiece. To use the 2X Barlow lens, place the Barlow into the roof prism (3), followed by the eyepiece. Use the thumbscrew to tighten in place.

The magnification values available with your eyepieces are as follows:

Eyepiece	Power	With 2X Barlow Lens
MA17.5mm	20X	40X
MA9mm	39X	78X

MAINTENANCE

The Meade 70mm Compact Refractor telescope should be stored in a dry and dust-free location. It should not be stored in direct sunlight. Avoid overcleaning the lens. A little dust on the the lens hardly affects image quality.

70AZ-T specifications

The Meade 70AZ-T is a compact and user-friendly telescope designed for both novice astronomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Developed by Meade Instruments, a recognized leader in the field of optics and astronomy, the 70AZ-T reflects a commitment to quality and performance in a portable design.

At the heart of the Meade 70AZ-T is its 70mm aperture, which strikes a balance between a wide field of view and sufficient light-gathering power. This aperture allows users to observe celestial objects with clarity, making it a great choice for viewing the Moon, planets, star clusters, and even some of the brighter deep-sky objects. The telescope’s optical system utilizes high-quality glass optics, ensuring sharp and bright images that can enhance the observing experience.

One of the standout features of the 70AZ-T is its straightforward Altazimuth mount, which allows for easy up and down (vertical) and side to side (horizontal) movement. This intuitive mount design enables users to quickly locate and track celestial objects, making it a suitable option for beginners who may be overwhelmed by more complex tracking systems. The telescope also comes with smooth and precise slow-motion controls that allow for fine adjustments when centering an object in the eyepiece.

The Meade 70AZ-T telescope is lightweight and portable, weighing just 5.5 pounds. This lightweight design means that it can easily be transported to different observing locations, whether in your backyard or on a camping trip. The telescope's adjustable height tripod further adds to its convenience, allowing users of various heights to observe comfortably.

In terms of technology, the Meade 70AZ-T is equipped with a range of accessories to enhance the viewing experience. It typically includes two eyepieces, offering different magnifications, which allow users to tailor their observations based on the specific celestial target. Additionally, a red dot finder is often included, helping users quickly aim the telescope and locate objects in the night sky.

Overall, the Meade 70AZ-T is an excellent choice for anyone looking to delve into the world of astronomy. Its combination of user-friendly design, portability, and quality optics, along with accessible features, makes it an ideal first telescope. Whether you are gazing at the craters of the Moon or the rings of Saturn, the 70AZ-T provides an engaging and enjoyable stargazing experience.