Meade 4504 instruction manual Starfinder Menus, Object Menu Options

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Starfinder Menus

Object Menu

Almost all observing with Starfinder is performed using the Object menu. (Note: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmark Survey.) See “GO TO SATURN,” page 20, for an example of observing using the Object menu. Also see “USING THE GUIDED TOUR,” page 21.

Many Starfinder menu categories contain databases. A Starfinder database is a list of viewable objects. When one of these objects is selected, Starfinder moves your tele- scope (if properly aligned) and points it at the selected object.

Object Menu Options:

Solar System is a database of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in order out from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets.

Constellation is a database of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constella- tions. When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line of the screen, press GO TO once to change the second line to the name of the brightest star in the constellation. Press GO TO a second time to slew the telescope to that star. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of stars in the constellation, from brightest to dimmest.

Deep Sky is a database of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and quasars.

Star is a database of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, vari- able, or nearby.

User Objects allows the user to define deep-sky objects of specific interest that are not currently in the Starfinder database. See "APPENDIX C," page 42, for detailed information.

Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest in the permanent Starfinder database.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located and aligned exactly as when the landmark was added to the database.

•Select: To select a landmark already in the database, choose the Select option and scroll through the list. Press ENTER to select a landmark, then press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

•Add: To add a landmark, choose the Add option. Enter the name of the landmark. Locate the object with the Arrow keys (the telescope must be aligned) and center the landmark. Press ENTER.

Use the Landmark Survey option in the Utilities menu to sequentially view all land- marks entered into Starfinder. See "LANDMARK SURVEY," page 32.

Identify is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start exploring.

After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the Starfinder Arrow keys to move about in the sky, and then follow this procedure:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks, or move the base, or alignment will be lost.

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Contents Meade Instruments Corporation How This Manual is Organized Table of Contents 1416 Lesson 1 Unpacking and Assembly Telescope AssemblyMotor 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 Spider vane adjustments Diagonal holder adjustmentsCollimation Alignment of the Optics Correct collimationPrimary mirror adjustments Correct collimationStar testing the collimation ABCStarfinder Dimensions Appendix a Calculating Eyepiece Power Insert Barlow into focuser assemblyTerrestrial Viewing Astronomical ObservingPolar Alignment 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 WorldAppendix E Basic Astronomy Starfinder GlossaryObjects in Space 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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