40-04135 8 Page Manual Template 6/29/05 10:54 AM Page 15
Eyepiece’s magnification x 2
=
Magnification with a 2X Barlow lens
Your 25mm
It’s worth repeating: Keep in mind that a bright, clear, but smaller image is more interesting than a larger, dimmer, fuzzy one. Using too high a power eyepiece is one of the most common mistakes made by new astronomers. So don’t think that higher magnification is necessarily
TAKING CARE OF YOUR TELESCOPE
Your telescope is a precision optical instrument designed for a lifetime of rewarding viewing. It will rarely, if ever, require factory servicing or maintenance. Follow these guidelines to keep your telescope in the best condition:
•Avoid cleaning the telescope’s lenses. A little dust on the front surface of the telescope’s correcting lens will not cause
loss of image quality.
•When absolutely necessary, dust on the front lens should be removed with very gentle strokes of a camel hair brush or blown off with an ear syringe (available at most pharmacies).
•Fingerprints and organic materials on the front lens may be removed with a solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol. You may also add 1 drop of biodegradable dishwashing soap per pint of solution. Use soft, white facial tissues and make short, gentle strokes. Change tissues often.
CAUTION: Do not use scented or lotioned tissues or damage could result to the optics. DO NOT use a commercial photographic lens cleaner.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
#928 45° Erecting Prism (1.25 O.D.): Correctly orients the telescopic image during terrestrial observing and yields an image position at a 45° angle to the main telescope tube, resulting in a more comfor- table observing position in most cases.
Additional Eyepieces (1.25" barrel diameter): For higher or lower magnifications with the telescopes 13 that accommodate 1.25" eyepieces, Meade
matic eyepieces, available in a wide variety of sizes, provide a high level of image resolution and color correction at an eco- nomical price. Also, at slightly higher prices, Meade
JOIN AN ASTRONOMY CLUB, ATTEND A STAR PARTY
One of the best ways to increase your knowledge of astronomy is to join an astronomy club. Check your local newspaper, school, library, or telescope dealer/ store to find out if there’s a club in your area.
Many groups also hold regularly scheduled Star Parties at which you can check out and observe with many different telescopes and other pieces of astronomical equipment. Magazines such as Sky and Telescope and Astronomy print schedules for many popular Star Parties around the United States and Canada.
