Meade 4504 instruction manual Some Observation Tips

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4.“Tonight’s Best: Searching...” displays. After calculating, “Tonight’s Best: Jupiter” displays.

NOTE: Different objects may be displayed on a tour list on any given night.

Press ENTER and then use the Scroll keys to display information about the object. Press Mode to exit the information display. Press GO TO to move the telescope to the object.

5.Press MODE to return to the Tour list. Press the Scroll keys to scroll through the list. Press ENTER when you find the next object you wish to observe.

6.Press MODE and hold for about two seconds to leave the Guided Tour menu.

Some Observation Tips

•Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations resulting from such contact will cause the image to move. Likewise, avoid observing sites where ground-based vibrations may resonate the tripod. Viewing from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image movement.

•Allow your eyes a few minutes to become adapted to the dark before attempting any serious astronomical observations. Use a red filtered flashlight to protect your night vision when reading star maps or inspecting the components of the telescope.

•Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through an open window (or worse yet, a closed window). Images viewed in such a manner may appear blurred or distorted due to temperature differences between inside and outside air. Also, it is a good idea to allow your telescope a chance to reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an observing session.

•Avoid viewing objects low on the horizon. Objects will appear better resolved with far greater contrast when viewed higher in the sky. If images appear to “shimmer” in the eyepiece, reduce eyepiece power until the image steadies. This condition is caused by air turbulence in the upper atmosphere.

You have now completed all the Lessons for the basic operation of your 4504 telescope. All of Starfinder's features perform in the same way as the features covered in Part 1. Practice these procedures so you can apply them to the more advanced Starfinder menu features presented in Part 2 of this manual.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation How This Manual is Organized Table of Contents 1416 Motor Assembly Lesson 1 Unpacking and AssemblyTelescope Assembly AccessoriesKey to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c 2325 How to Assemble Your Telescope Sure that this safety washer/knob always remains in placeInsert eyepiece into the focuser assembly Lesson 2 Balancing the Telescope Lesson 3 Aligning the ViewfinderLesson 4 Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually Correctly positioned leverMotor drive system assembly Key to FigureMotor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation Lesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow KeysObserve the World Around You Activate the Arrow Keys Slew SpeedsLesson 6 Tracking Objects Observe the MoonTo Polar Align the Telescope Lesson 7 Using Starfinders GO to Capabilities Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureMoving Through Starfinder’s Menus Initializing Starfinder Location Irvine Training the Drive Align Your Telescope Using Starfinder Check MountWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn Some Observation Tips Part TWO Starfinder Controls and Menus Starfinder ControlsPage Page How Starfinders Menus Work Starfinder Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Complete Starfinder menu structureObject Menu Starfinder MenusObject Menu Options Event Menu Glossary MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Mount and Tripod Adjustments CleaningPart 3 Caring for Your Telescope Collimation Alignment of the Optics Spider vane adjustmentsDiagonal holder adjustments Correct collimationPrimary mirror adjustments Correct collimationStar testing the collimation ABCStarfinder Dimensions Appendix a Calculating Eyepiece Power Insert Barlow into focuser assemblyPolar Alignment Terrestrial ViewingAstronomical Observing Understanding Celestial Movements and CoordinatesLining Up with the Celestial Pole Celestial sphereUsing Setting Circles Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix C Using Starfinder to Enter Celestial Coordinates To GO to a user-entered objectAppendix D Helpful Charts Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldObjects in Space Appendix E Basic AstronomyStarfinder Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsRoadmap to the Stars Star LocatorMeade 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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