Power, Maintenance | Meade 70AZ-TR 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 (2) 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-TR specifications

The Meade 70AZ-TR telescope is a remarkable entry-level instrument designed for both budding astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike. This user-friendly telescope offers impressive features that make it ideal for celestial observation without overwhelming complexity.

One of the standout features of the Meade 70AZ-TR is its 70mm aperture, which allows for a significant amount of light to enter the telescope. This capability enables users to view a variety of astronomical objects, from our Moon’s craters to the stunning rings of Saturn. The ample aperture also helps in resolving fainter celestial bodies, making it a solid choice for those eager to explore deep-sky objects.

The telescope is equipped with a fixed altitude-azimuth mount, which provides stability during observations and ease of movement. Users can effortlessly point the telescope in any direction, making it simple to locate and track objects in the night sky. The intuitive design of the mount, along with its smooth movements, makes this telescope accessible for younger users and novice astronomers, ensuring a positive viewing experience.

The Meade 70AZ-TR comes with two eyepieces – 9mm and 25mm – which allow for various magnification settings. This flexibility enables users to switch between wider views of expansive star fields and more detailed inspections of individual objects. Additionally, the telescope features a red dot finder, helping with quick and accurate targeting of celestial objects without requiring extensive searching.

Constructed with quality materials, the Meade 70AZ-TR ensures durability while remaining lightweight and portable. The telescope can be easily transported for outdoor stargazing, family camping trips, or backyard astronomy nights. Its compact design also means it can be stored away conveniently when not in use.

Moreover, the telescope comes with an educational astronomy guide, enriching the experience by offering insights into the night sky, constellations, and celestial events. This accompaniment helps users broaden their knowledge while inspiring a deeper interest in astronomy.

In summary, the Meade 70AZ-TR telescope combines practicality, portability, and impressive optical performance. Its features, including a 70mm aperture, easy-to-use mount, interchangeable eyepieces, and supporting educational materials, make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to begin their astronomical journey or enhance their stargazing experience. Whether it’s the bright planets or distant galaxies, the Meade 70AZ-TR is well-equipped to bring the wonders of the universe right to your eyes.