Choosing an Eyepiece

Intensity Slider

Fig. 13: Red Dot Viewfinder intensity slider. Slide the switch to the right to turn on the viewfinder. The switch provides two levels of intensity for the red dot.

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.

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the light gathered by the optical tube. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimetres, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 9 mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 25 mm.

Your telescope comes supplied with a low-powered 25 mm or 26 mm eyepiece which gives a wide, comfortable field of view with high image resolution. Always begin your observations with this eyepiece.

Low power eyepieces offer a wide field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and eye relief during long observing sessions. After an object is located and centred in the eyepiece, try switching to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image.

NOTE: Viewing conditions vary nightly and depend on the site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. If an image appears fuzzy and ill-defined, return to a lower power eyepiece for a more well-resolved image.

The power, or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the telescope and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate eyepiece power, divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's focal length. For example, you may wish to use a 25 mm eyepiece with the StarNavigator102. Look up the focal length of the StarNavigator102 under SPECIFICATIONS: StarNavigator102, page 36. The focal length is listed as 800 mm.

Telescope focal length divided by Eyepiece focal length = Eyepiece power

800 25 = 32

The eyepiece power, or magnification is therefore 32X (approximately).

Too Much Power?

Can you ever have too much power? If you’re referring to eyepiece power (magnification), yes, you can! The most common beginner’s mistake is to “overpower” a telescope by using too high of a magnification, which the telescope’s aperture and atmospheric conditions cannot reasonably support. Keep in mind that a smaller, but bright and well- resolved image is far superior to one that is larger, but dim and poorly resolved (see below). Powers above 200X should be employed only under the steadiest atmospheric conditions.

Audiostar can calculate the best eyepiece for you to use. Try out the “Eyepiece Calc” feature in the Utilities menu.

Most observers should have three or four additional eyepieces to achieve the full range of reasonable magnifications possible with the StarNavigator telescopes. See “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES,” page 32.

Fig. 15: 26 mm and 9.7 mm eyepieces.

Fig. 14a & 14b: Jupiter; example of too much magnification.

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

StarNavigator specifications

The Meade StarNavigator telescope is an impressive entry-level instrument designed primarily for amateur astronomers who seek a user-friendly experience without compromising on quality. Renowned for its blend of innovative technologies, ease of use, and excellent value for money, the StarNavigator series opens up the wonders of the night sky to enthusiasts of all ages.

One of the standout features of the StarNavigator is its high-quality optics. Equipped with a fully multi-coated achromatic refractor, it offers bright and clear images, which are essential for observing celestial objects. The telescope typically features a large aperture, enabling it to gather more light, thus revealing intricate details of planets, stars, and even distant galaxies.

The StarNavigator series is powered by the Autostar hand controller, which incorporates Meade's advanced computer technology. This intuitive control system allows users to easily navigate the night sky by simply inputting the desired celestial object. The telescope will automatically locate and track it, providing a hassle-free viewing experience.

Another notable characteristic of the StarNavigator is its portability. With a lightweight and compact design, it can be easily transported, making it an excellent choice for stargazing trips or backyard observations. The sturdy mount, often a form of an altazimuth base, ensures stability and ease of movement, allowing for smooth adjustments during observations.

In addition to its optical and navigational prowess, the StarNavigator includes several accessories. Users typically receive quality eyepieces that enhance their viewing experience by offering different magnifications. Moreover, many models come equipped with a finderscope, which assists in aiming the telescope at celestial objects more accurately.

Built with durability in mind, the Meade StarNavigator telescope is constructed from high-quality materials that withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Its design is not only functional but also visually appealing, often featuring a sleek and modern look.

Overall, the Meade StarNavigator telescope represents a perfect harmony between user-friendly technology and exceptional optical performance, making it a top choice for both budding astronomers and seasoned stargazers. With its combination of responsive controls, quality optics, and portability, it promises countless nights of wonder and discovery under the stars.