Meade 4504 instruction manual Event Menu, Glossary Menu

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NEVER point the telescope directly at or near the Sun at any time! Observing the Sun or an eclipse of the Sun, even for the smallest fraction of a sec- ond, will result in instant and irre- versible eye dam- age, as well as physical damage to the telescope itself.

1.When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, press MODE until the "Select Item: Object" menu is displayed.

2.Scroll through the Object menu options until "Object: Identify" displays.

3.Press ENTER to search the database for the identity of the object being observed.

4.If the telescope is not directly on a Starfinder database object, the nearest database object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to that object.

Event Menu

The Event menu provides access to dates and times of astronomical events. The Event database includes:

Sunrise and Sunset calculates the time that the Sun rises or sets on the current date. Find rise and set times for other dates (e.g., a date three months in the past or future) by entering the new date into the "Setup: Date" menu.

Moonrise and Moonset calculates the time that the Moon rises or sets on the current date. Find rise and set times for other dates by entering a new date into the "Setup: Date" menu.

Moon Phases displays the date and time of the next Full, New, 1st Quarter, and 3rd Quarter Moon.

Meteor Showers provides information on upcoming meteor showers (e.g., the Perseids, the Leonids, etc.), the dates of the showers, and when they reach maximum.

NOTE: Meteors are fast moving objects that cover large areas of the sky and are usually best observed with the naked eye.

Solar Eclipse lists upcoming Solar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, annu- lar, or partial) of eclipse, and the location and time of the first and last contacts of the Moon's shadow. Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display the available data.

Lunar Eclipse lists upcoming Lunar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, partial, penumbral) of eclipse. Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display the available data.

Min. (Minimum) of Algol is the minimum brightness of the dramatic eclipsing binary star system, Algol. It is relatively close at a distance of 100 light years. Every 2.8 days during a 10-hour period, Algol undergoes a major change in apparent magnitude as one of the two stars passes behind the other. The combined magnitude of the two stars thus dips from +2.1 to a minimum of +3.4 halfway through the eclipse as the sec- ond star is hidden. Starfinder calculates minimum magnitude time at mid-eclipse.

Autumn and Vernal Equinox calculates the time and date of the fall or spring equinox of the current year.

Winter and Summer Solstice calculates the time and date of the winter or summer solstice of the current year.

Glossary Menu

The Glossary menu provides an alphabetical listing of definitions and descriptions for common astronomical terms and Starfinder functions. Access directly through the Glossary menu or through hypertext words embedded in Starfinder.

A hypertext word is any word in [brackets], usually found when in the Starfinder Help function or in a scrolling message such as a description of a planet or star. Press ENTER whenever a hypertext word is displayed and Starfinder links directly to the glossary entry for that word.

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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 assemblyObserve the World Around You Lesson 5 Observing Using Starfinders Arrow KeysMotor Drive System and Starfinder Handbox Installation Slew Speeds Activate the Arrow KeysTo Polar Align the Telescope Observe the MoonLesson 6 Tracking Objects Moving Through Starfinder’s Menus Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureLesson 7 Using Starfinders GO to Capabilities Initializing Starfinder Location Irvine Training the Drive Check Mount Align Your Telescope Using StarfinderGo To Saturn Using the Guided TourWhich One’s the Alignment Star? 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 timeObject Menu Options Starfinder MenusObject Menu Glossary Menu Event MenuUtilities Menu Setup Menu Time Zone Shift Part 3 Caring for Your Telescope CleaningMount and Tripod Adjustments 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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