Meade114EQAR 3/28/07 9:52 AM Page 14

Almost all the stars you can see in the sky are part of our galaxy. A galaxy is a

12 large grouping of stars, containing millions or even billions of stars. Some

galaxies form a spiral (like our galaxy, the Milky Way) and other galaxies look more like a large football and are called elliptical galaxies. There are many galaxies that are irregularly shaped and are thought to have been pulled apart because they passed too close to—or even through—a larger galaxy.

You may be able to see the Andromeda galaxy and several others in your telescope. They will appear as small, fuzzy clouds. Only very large telescope will reveal spiral or elliptical details.

You will also be able to see some nebulas with your scope. Nebula means cloud. Most nebulas are clouds of gas. The two easiest to see in the Northern Hemisphere are the Orion nebula during the winter and the Triffid nebula during the summer. These are large clouds of gas in which new stars are being born. Some nebulas are the remains of stars exploding. These explosions are called supernovas.

When you become an advanced observer you can look for other types of objects such as asteroids, planetary nebula and globular clusters. And if you’re lucky, every so often a bright comet appears in the sky, presenting an unforgettable sight.

The more you learn about objects in the sky, the more you will learn to appreciate the sights you see in your telescope. Start a notebook and write down the observations you make each night. Note the time and the date.

Use a compass to make a circle, or trace around the lid of a jar. Draw what you see in your eyepiece inside the circle. The best exercise for drawing is to observe the moons of Jupiter every night or so. Try to make Jupiter and the moons approximately the same size as they look in your eyepiece. You will see that the moons are in a different position every night. As you get better at drawing, try more challenging sights, like a crater system on the moon or even a nebula.

Go your library or check out the internet for more information about astronomy. Learn about the basics: light years, orbits, star

colors, how stars and planets are formed, red shift, the big bang, what are the different kinds of nebula, what are comets, asteroids and meteors and what is a black hole. The more you learn about astronomy, the more fun, and the more rewarding your telescope will become.

SOME OBSERVING TIPS

Eyepieces: Always begin your observations using the 25mm low-power eyepiece. The 25mm eyepiece delivers a bright, wide field of view and is the best to use for most viewing conditions. Use the high-power 9mm eyepiece to view details when observing the

Fig. 10

eyepiece

barlow

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversable damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

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Meade 114EQ-AR instruction manual Some Observing Tips, Eyepiece Barlow
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114EQ-AR specifications

The Meade 114EQ-AR is a remarkable telescope designed to cater to both beginner and intermediate astronomers who are eager to explore the wonders of the night sky. With its combination of an impressive optical system and user-friendly features, the 114EQ-AR offers a powerful yet accessible platform for stargazing.

One of the standout features of the Meade 114EQ-AR is its 114mm aperture, which allows for enhanced light-gathering capability. This means that observers can enjoy clear and bright images of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, and various deep-sky phenomena. The telescope is mounted on an equatorial mount, which simplifies tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky, making it ideal for astrophotography and detailed observation.

The 114EQ-AR boasts a focal length of 1000mm, providing a versatile range of magnification options. This focal length, combined with high-quality optics, results in sharp and high-contrast images. The telescope is equipped with a 1.25-inch focuser, providing compatibility with a variety of eyepieces and accessories to enhance the viewing experience.

In terms of construction, the Meade 114EQ-AR features a sturdy and durable design, which ensures stability during observations. Its lightweight yet robust construction makes it easily portable, allowing enthusiasts to transport it to various observational sites effortlessly. The telescope also includes an adjustable tripod that can be set up quickly, ensuring that users spend more time enjoying the sky rather than fumbling with equipment.

Another notable aspect of the Meade 114EQ-AR is its included software and resources. The telescope is often packaged with a comprehensive star guide and astronomy software, helping users to locate and identify celestial objects more easily. This combination of educational tools and quality optics makes the 114EQ-AR an excellent choice for those looking to deepen their understanding of astronomy.

Overall, the Meade 114EQ-AR is a feature-rich telescope that combines quality optics, sturdy construction, and user-friendly functionality. Whether you're interested in observing distant galaxies or simply want to enjoy a close-up view of the Moon, the 114EQ-AR offers a window to the universe that is both exciting and accessible.
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