Meade 4504 instruction manual Which One’s the Alignment Star?, Go To Saturn, Using the Guided Tour

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Which One’s the Alignment Star?

If Starfinder has chosen an alignment star that you are unfamiliar with, how can you be sure if the star in your eyepiece is really the alignment star?

The rule of thumb is that an alignment star is usually the brightest star in that area of the sky. When you view an alignment star in an eyepiece, it will standout dramatically from the rest of the stars in that portion of the sky.

If you have an obstruction, such as a tree or a building blocking your view of the align- ment star, or if you have any doubts at all about the star that has been chosen, no problem. Just press the Scroll Down key and Starfinder will find another star to align upon.

Go To Saturn

After performing the Train the Drive and the One-Star alignment procedures, the motor drive begins operating and the telescope is aligned for a night of viewing. Objects in the eyepiece should maintain their position even though the Earth is rotating beneath the stars.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once aligned, only use the Starfinder menus or Arrow keys to move the telescope. Do not loosen the telescope locks, or move the base manually, or alignment will be lost.

This exercise demonstrates how to select an object for viewing from Starfinder’s data- base, i.e., Saturn. Note that Saturn is not visible all year long and it may be necessary for you to choose another object from Starfinder's database. However, the procedure is identical to the one used for observing Saturn.

1.After the telescope is aligned, “Select Item: Object” displays. Press ENTER. If

“Select Item: Object” is not currently displayed, press MODE repeatedly until it displays, then press ENTER.

2.“Object: Solar System” displays. Press ENTER.

3.“Solar System: Mercury” displays. Use the Scroll Down key until “Solar System: Saturn” displays.

4.Press ENTER. “Calculating” displays. Then “Saturn” and a set of coordinates displays. Saturn’s (and other planets’) coordinates change throughout the year.

5.Press GO TO. “Saturn: Slewing...” displays and the telescope slews until it finds Saturn. You may need to use the Arrow keys to center Saturn precisely in the eyepiece. Starfinder then automatically slews (moves) the telescope so that it tracks Saturn (or whatever other object you may have chosen). Saturn remains centered in the eyepiece.

Using the Guided Tour

This example demonstrates using “Tonight’s Best” Guided Tour.

1.After observing Saturn, press MODE twice so that “Select Item: Object” displays

again. If “Select Item: Object” is not currently displayed, press MODE repeatedly until it displays.

2.Press the Scroll Down key twice. “Select Item: Guided Tour” displays.

3.Press ENTER. “Guided Tour: Tonight’s Best” displays. Press ENTER to select this tour.

NOTE: If you wish to try out other Guided Tours, press the Scroll Down key to scroll through other tour choices. When the tour you wish to select displays, press ENTER.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation How This Manual is Organized Table of Contents 1416 Telescope Assembly Lesson 1 Unpacking and AssemblyMotor Assembly AccessoriesKey to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c 2325 Sure that this safety washer/knob always remains in place How to Assemble Your TelescopeInsert eyepiece into the focuser assembly Lesson 3 Aligning the Viewfinder Lesson 2 Balancing the TelescopeCorrectly positioned lever Lesson 4 Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyKey to Figure Motor drive system assemblyLesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow Keys Motor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox InstallationObserve the World Around You Slew Speeds Activate the Arrow KeysObserve the Moon Lesson 6 Tracking ObjectsTo Polar Align the Telescope Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Lesson 7 Using Starfinders GO to CapabilitiesMoving Through Starfinder’s Menus Initializing Starfinder Location Irvine Training the Drive Check Mount Align Your Telescope Using StarfinderUsing the Guided Tour Which One’s the Alignment Star?Go To Saturn Some Observation Tips Starfinder Controls Part TWO Starfinder Controls and MenusPage Page Starfinder Navigation Exercise How Starfinders Menus WorkComplete Starfinder menu structure To Calculate Sunset timeStarfinder Menus Object MenuObject Menu Options Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Cleaning Mount and Tripod AdjustmentsPart 3 Caring for Your Telescope Diagonal holder adjustments Spider vane adjustmentsCollimation Alignment of the Optics Correct collimationCorrect collimation Primary mirror adjustmentsABC Star testing the collimationStarfinder Dimensions Insert Barlow into focuser assembly Appendix a Calculating Eyepiece PowerAstronomical Observing Terrestrial ViewingPolar Alignment Understanding Celestial Movements and CoordinatesCelestial sphere Lining Up with the Celestial PoleTwo-Star Polar Alignment Using Setting CirclesTo GO to a user-entered object Appendix C Using Starfinder to Enter Celestial CoordinatesLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix D Helpful ChartsStarfinder Glossary Appendix E Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsStar Locator Roadmap to the StarsMeade Limited Warranty Meade Instruments Corporation

4504 specifications

The Meade 4504 is a notable member of Meade Instruments’ extensive line of telescopes, designed for both beginners and experienced astronomers. This telescope is known for its user-friendly features and impressive optical performance, making it an excellent choice for stargazers keen on exploring the night sky.

One of the key features of the Meade 4504 is its 4.5-inch aperture, a critical factor that determines the amount of light the telescope can gather. This larger aperture allows users to observe fainter celestial objects, from nebulae to distant galaxies, with clarity and detail. The telescope is equipped with a Newtonian reflector design, which utilizes a primary mirror to collect light and a secondary mirror to direct it to the eyepiece. This design effectively eliminates chromatic aberration, offering sharp and crisp images.

The Meade 4504 also boasts a mount that is robust yet user-friendly. It typically comes with an Altazimuth mount, which allows for smooth movement both vertically and horizontally. This makes it easier to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. The mount's stability is crucial during high-magnification viewing, as it minimizes vibrations and provides a steady image.

A standout feature of the Meade 4504 is its ease of assembly and operation. Designed with beginners in mind, it usually includes a straightforward setup guide that allows users to get their telescope ready for use quickly. Additionally, the telescope often comes with a finderscope, which helps in locating objects in the night sky, a crucial tool for novice astronomers still learning to navigate the cosmos.

In terms of accessories, the Meade 4504 often includes a variety of eyepieces, allowing users to switch magnifications for different viewing experiences. These eyepieces enhance the versatility of the telescope, catering to varied interests, whether it's observing planets within our solar system or examining the details of various star clusters.

Overall, the Meade 4504 represents a balance of quality, convenience, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to embark on a journey of astronomical discovery. It effectively brings the universe closer to home, allowing enthusiasts to explore the wonders of space with ease. Whether you are a first-time observer or someone with a passion for celestial exploration, the Meade 4504 offers a remarkable gateway to the night sky.
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