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in the upper atmosphere can cause the images to “shimmer” in the eyepiece. Reduce power until the image steadies. Keep in mind that a bright, clearly resolved, but smaller image will show far more interesting detail than a larger, dimmer, fuzzy image.
7.A number of fascinating objects are visible through your Meade 60mm compact refractor:
•Jupiter: Jupiter has cloud belts across its surface. It’s four major moons change position around the planet each night. Jupiter has cloud belts across its surface.
•Saturn: Saturn’s ring system is an astronomical favorite.
•The Moon: Our Moon offers craters, mountain ranges and fault lines. The Moon is best observed during its crescent or half phase when sunlight strikes the Moon’s surface at an angle. Resulting shadows add a sense of depth to the view. No shadows are visible during a full Moon, causing the Moon’s surface to appear flat and low contrast.
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•Terrestrial objects: Your telescope may also be used for high resolution land viewing. Terrestrial observations should almost always be made using a low power eyepiece (60X or less) for bright, sharp images. Land objects offer limited applications at higher powers because the telescope is being pointed through the thickest part of the Earth’s atmosphere.
POWER
The power, or magnification, of a telescope when used with a particular eyepiece is determined by two factors: the focal length of the telescope’s main (objective) lens and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. The Barlow lens doubles the power of an eyepiece. To use the 2X Barlow lens, place the Barlow into the telescope focuser tube, followed by the eyepiece.
The magnification values available with your eyepieces are as follows:
Eyepiece | Power | With 2X Barlow Lens |
K17.5mm | 20X | 40X |
K9mm | 39X | 78X |
1
Meade 60mm Compact Refractor Telescope
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Fig. 1: Telescope Features |
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1. | Optical Tube | 7. | Altitude Control Handle |
2. | Focus Knob | 8. | Tripod leg |
3. | Eyepiece | 9. | Tripod Securing Screw |
4. | Eyepiece Thumbscrew | 10. | Tripod holder |
5. | Roof Prism | 11. | Tripod Platform |
6. | Diagonal Prism Thumbscrew | 12. | Dew Shield |
