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Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF Guided Tour Menu, Object Menu

Models: 6" LS-6 SC 8" LS-8 ACF 6" LS-6 ACF 8" LS-8 SC

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Guided Tour Menu

When Guided Tours is selected, AutoStar III shows you a list of theme tours that will help you explore the night sky. These tours are pre programmed presentations of objects that are visible for the user’s particular location, time and date.

The most popular tour is “Tonight’s Best” that guides the user to the best objects that are currently up in the night sky. This tour is the easiest way to get started exploring the cosmos with your new LS telescope.

Each tour will select the objects, present multi-media clips about the object and, if you press “GoTo”, put that object in the eyepiece of the telescope for you to view.

To exit a tour, press “Mode”.

The telescope comes pre-loaded with:

•“Tonight’s Best”, a selection of the most interesting objects visible on any night.

•“A Star’s Life”, explains how stars are formed, created, changes through their lives and finally die using examples that are visible tonight.

•“How Far is Far”, an explanation of the phenomenal distances you can see with your LS.

AutoStar Suite also allows you to create your own guided tours of the skies, including your own objects, titles, images and sound files (for complete instructions on how to use the authoring tools please refer to the reference manual included on the AutoStar Suite DVD).

Object Menu

Almost all observing with LS is performed using the Object menu category. (NOTE: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmarks).

Many LS menu categories contain databases. An LS database is a list of objects, such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae and so forth. When one of these objects is selected from a database by pressing “ENTER” and then “GO TO”, LS moves your telescope (when properly aligned) and points it at the selected object.

The Object Menu options include:

Solar System is a database of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in ascending orbits from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets.

Constellation is a database of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations. When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line of the screen, the multimedia description of the constellation is played. When the media presentation completes, or you press the “MEDIA” key to halt the presentation, a menu gives you three choices:

•Show Summary – presents the key data about the constellation.

•Walk the Stars – presents a catalog of the brightest stars in the constellation so that you can walk the constellation figure.

•Show Objects – presents a list of the best deep

sky objects in this constellation for you to explore.

Deep Sky is a database of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and quasars grouped in various catalogs like Messier, Caldwell and NGC.

Star is a database of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable, or nearby.

Important Note: When you are looking at descriptive object text, pressing “ENTER” will synchronize the telescope’s coordinates with the object. This is most useful when synching on bright stars to achieve better pointing in the vicinity of the star.

User Catalogs allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of specific interest that are not currently in the LS database. See Appendix B, page 37 for more information (for complete instructions on how to use the authoring tools please refer to the reference manual included on the AutoStar Suite DVD).

Satellite is a database of Earth-orbiting objects such as the International Space Station (ISS), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and geosynchronous orbit satellites. In order to find and track satellites, you must download recent orbital data into the telescope.

Landmarks stores the location of terrestrial points of interest that you create in the permanent LS database.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located and aligned exactly as

AUTOSTAR III MENU OPTIONS

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Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF instruction manual Guided Tour Menu, Object Menu
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6" LS-6 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC specifications

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes represent cutting-edge advancements in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Each model incorporates innovative technologies, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC (Schmidt-Cassegrain) features a compact design with an 8-inch aperture that provides exceptional light-gathering capabilities. This telescope utilizes an advanced computer-controlled system known as the AutoStar II. This technology allows for hassle-free navigation across the night sky. The LS-8 SC comes equipped with a built-in observatory, ensuring a user-friendly experience, allowing beginners to locate and track celestial objects with ease. The telescope's premium optics guarantee sharp, high-contrast images, making it an ideal choice for planetary and deep-sky observation.

Next, the Meade 6" LS-6 ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) delivers superior optical performance with minimal distortion. This design eliminates spherical aberrations, providing exceptionally sharp images across the entire field of view. Featuring a 6-inch aperture, the LS-6 ACF is highly portable and perfect for both visual observations and astrophotography. It includes the AutoStar computer system for easy alignment and tracking, as well as a robust, sturdy mount that enhances stability during viewing sessions.

The 8" LS-8 ACF builds on the strengths of its predecessors with an even larger aperture, ensuring maximum light-gathering potential for serious observers. The improved ACF optics yield crisp images without the common off-axis distortions seen in traditional designs. This telescope is also equipped with hassle-free setup features, allowing users to spend more time observing and less time setting up. The OTA design and mount are tailored for easy transport, making it a favorite for astrophotographers seeking high-quality celestial imagery.

Finally, the Meade 6" LS-6 SC offers a balanced option for those seeking portability without sacrificing optical quality. Like its larger counterpart, the LS-6 SC is designed for ease of use and includes the AutoStar technology for automated tracking. Its compact design and lightweight build make it convenient for travel, while still providing an impressive 6-inch aperture for celestial viewing.

In summary, the Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes exemplify the intersection of portability, usability, and advanced optics. Each telescope supports astronomers of all skill levels, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone. Whether you're observing planets, nebulae, or star clusters, Meade’s innovative technologies enhance the overall experience, ensuring that the night sky is within reach.