Meade NG70-SM instruction manual

Page 10

held a small lead over Saturn. Most of these moons are very small and can

8only be seen with very large telescopes.

Probably the most memorable sight you will see in your telescope is Saturn. Although you may not see many features on the surface of Saturn, its ring structure will steal your breath away. You will probably be able to see a black opening in the rings, known as the Cassini band.

Saturn is not the only planet that has rings, but it is the only set of rings that can be seen with a small telescope. Jupiter’s rings

cannot be seen from Earth at all—the Voyager spacecraft discovered the ring after it passed Jupiter and looked back at it. It turns out, only with the sunlight shining through them, can the rings be seen. Uranus and Neptune also have faint rings.

Optional color filters help bring out detail and contrast of the planets. Meade offers a line of inexpensive color filters.

What’s Next? Beyond the Solar System: Once you have observed our own system of planets, it’s time to really travel far from home and look at stars and other objects.

You can observe thousands of stars with your telescope. At first, you may think stars are just pinpoints of light and aren’t very interesting. But look again. There is much information that is revealed in stars.

The first thing you will notice is that not all stars are the same colors. See if you can find blue, orange, yellow, white and red stars. The color of stars sometimes can tell you about the age of a star and the temperature

that they burn at.

Other stars to look for are multiple stars. Very often, you can find double (or binary) stars, stars that are very close together. These stars orbit each other. What do you notice about these stars? Are they different colors? Does one seem brighter than the other?

Almost all the stars you can see in the sky are part of our galaxy. A galaxy is a large grouping of stars, containing millions or even billions of stars. Some galaxies form a spiral (like our galaxy, the Milky Way) and other galaxies look more like a large football and are called elliptical galaxies. There are many galaxies that are irregularly shaped and are thought to have been pulled apart because they passed too close to—or even through—a larger galaxy.

You may be able to see the Andromeda galaxy and several others in your telescope. They will appear as small, fuzzy clouds. Only very large telescope will reveal spiral or elliptical details.

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.

Image 10
Contents NG-70SM Never use a Meade Telescope to look at the Sun Introduction Inset B Inset C Attach the RED DOT Viewfinder Adjusting the TripodAssemble Your Tripod Attach the Diagonal Mirror and EyepieceAlign the RED DOT Viewfinder Balancing the Optical TubeTo Move the Telescope Observing Most Important RuleMeade 4M Community TOO Much POWER? Page Page Some Observing Tips Star Charts Have a Good Time Astronomy is FUN Specifications Astronomy ResourcesTaking Care of Your Telescope Your EyepieceJoin AN Astronomy CLUB, Attend a Star Party Optional Accessories Horizontal adjustment nut. View of the underside of the baseMeade Limited Warranty Meade Consumer SolutionsSurf the WEB Meade Instruments Corporation Drawing of Image Drawing of Image Drawing of Image Drawing of Image Drawing of Image Page 800

NG70-SM specifications

The Meade NG70-SM is an excellent entry-level telescope designed for both novice astronomers and hobbyists. This telescope combines quality optics with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.

One of the standout features of the NG70-SM is its 70mm aperture. This aperture size strikes a perfect balance between portability and light-gathering power. The telescope allows users to observe celestial objects in great detail, providing a clear view of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. The optics of the NG70-SM are fully coated to enhance light transmission, ensuring bright and sharp images.

The telescope is equipped with a sturdy mount that offers smooth and precise movements, which is essential for tracking celestial objects across the sky. The mount features both altitude and azimuth adjustments, allowing users to easily find and follow objects. Additionally, the NG70-SM comes with a stable tripod, providing a solid base during observation sessions.

Another notable characteristic of this telescope is its simplicity in setup and use. The NG70-SM is designed with beginners in mind, making it easy to set up without needing complex tools or extensive knowledge of astronomy. The telescope includes a simple manual that guides users through initial assembly, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The Meade NG70-SM also features a 1.25-inch focuser, which is compatible with various eyepieces and accessories, enabling users to customize their viewing experience. The telescope typically comes with a couple of eyepieces, offering different magnifications to suit different astronomical targets. The addition of a red dot finder enhances aiming accuracy, allowing users to quickly locate objects in the sky.

Portability is another advantage of the NG70-SM, as it is lightweight and easy to transport. Whether going to a dark site for better stargazing or attending an astronomy club event, the telescope can be easily carried, making it a convenient option for those who wish to explore new environments.

In conclusion, the Meade NG70-SM combines quality optics, user-friendly features, and portability, making it an excellent choice for those beginning their journey into astronomy. Its combination of a 70mm aperture, a stable mount, and ease of use provides an immersive experience that inspires curiosity and a love for the cosmos.