Using Setting Circles

The setting circles of the Polar aligned equatorial mount can be used to locate faint celestial objects not easily found by direct visual observation. To use the setting cir- cles, follow this procedure:

•Use a star chart or star atlas, and look up the celestial coordinates, Right Ascension and Declination (R.A. and Dec), of an easy-to-find bright star that is within the general vicinity of the faint object you wish to locate.

•Center the determined bright star in the telescope’s field of view.

•Manually turn the R.A. setting circle (15, Fig. 2a) to read the R.A. of the object now in the telescope’s eyepiece.

•The setting circles are now calibrated (the Dec setting circle (9, Fig. 2a) is factory calibrated). To locate a nearby faint object using the setting circles, determine the faint object’s celestial coordinates from a star chart and move the telescope in R.A. and Dec until the setting circles read the R.A. and Dec of the object you are attempting to locate. If the above procedure has been carefully performed, the faint object will now be in the field of a low power eyepiece.

•The R.A. setting circle must be manually re-calibrated on the current R. A. of a star every time the telescope is set up, and reset to the centered object’s R.A. coordinate before moving to a new R.A. coordinate setting. The R.A. setting circle has two sets of numbers. The inner set is for Southern hemisphere use while the outer set (the set closest to the R.A. gear) is for use by observers located North of the Earth’s equator (e.g., in North America and Europe).

Two-Star Polar Alignment

Besides One-Star Polar Alignment which was covered earlier in this manual (see "ALIGNING YOUR TELESCOPE USING STARFINDER," page 20), another type of alignment, Two-Star Polar Alignment, is also available.

Two-Star Polar Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Starfinder pro- vides a database of bright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment. The rest of the alignment procedure is identical to One-Star Polar Alignment.

1.Perform steps 1 through 4 as described in the "ALIGN YOUR TELESCOPE USING STARFINDER," page 20.

2 . Starfinder displays a database of stars for the observer to choose from. Use the Scroll keys to scroll to a star that you wish to align upon. Select a star that you can easily locate in the night sky.

3.Press ENTER. The telescope slews to the star for alignment. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece.

4.Press ENTER. Repeat the procedure for the second alignment star. The telescope is aligned and you are now ready to use Starfinder's GO TO capabilities for a night of observing.

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Meade 4504 instruction manual Using Setting Circles, Two-Star Polar Alignment
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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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