Note:

In order to stain a slide, you will need to prepare the eosin:

Without opening the container, look closely at the container marked “Eosin (F, Fig. 1).” You’ll notice a few grains of ‘dust’ at the bottom of the container. These are the grains of eosin. Remove the container’s lid and use the eye dropper (N, Fig. 1) to fill the containe with water. Gently stir the mixture. You have now prepared the eosin for use.

slide and place to the microscope stage. Observe the slide and write down your observa- tions. You will see hundreds of starch grains.

Take a few kernels from an uncooked ear of corn. Scrape off some shavings and make a smear as you did with the potato. Compare how the corn is different from potato. Create smears of other foods such as apples, bananas, peach- es, and pineapples. You will observe that these items have membranes rather than starch.

To save your slides, put gum media on a clean dry slide and then position your specimen in the media. Place a cover slip over the media and attach a label.

Before you make a permanent mount, you may wish to stain the specimen first.

Staining Smears

Not all specimens are easily observed in the microscope. Staining specimens make them easier to see. Staining is not difficult, but it does require care. It is recommended that you keep paper towels nearby as the process can be messy.Before you prepare the smear, you will need to prepare the eosin. See note at the left.

First, create a fresh smear (you may use shav- ings from an apple or other piece of fruit), as described previously. Do not place any water or a cover slip on the specimen. Set the slide aside to dry, if necessary.

When the slide is dry, use the eyedropper to place one drop of eosin (F, Fig. 1) on the slide. From the cup labeled flush, draw up water into the eyedropper. Dispose of the water into the cup labeled waste. Perform this operation a few times to clean out all the eosin from the eye- dropper.

Tilt the slide from side to side to spread the stain over the specimen. Remove the excess fluid to the waste cup. Put down the slide and wait about two minutes.

To flush away the excess stain and to stop the staining action, hold the slide at an angle over

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Meade 900X instruction manual Staining Smears
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900X specifications

The Meade 900X is an innovative telescope designed for both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers looking for a reliable and versatile option. Featuring a combination of advanced optics, user-friendly design, and cutting-edge technology, the Meade 900X stands out as an excellent choice for observing celestial objects in detail.

One of the primary features of the Meade 900X is its advanced optical system. It is equipped with a high-quality 90mm objective lens, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This aperture size is particularly well-suited for viewing a variety of celestial phenomena, including planets, stars, and deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters. The telescope is designed to provide sharp and bright images, ensuring that users can enjoy high-resolution views of their favorite astronomical sights.

The Meade 900X also incorporates a computer-controlled mount, which enhances the overall usability of the telescope. This mount allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects as they move across the night sky. With its GoTo technology, users can easily locate and observe thousands of celestial objects at the touch of a button. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners, as it simplifies the stargazing experience, allowing them to focus on observation rather than searching for targets.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Meade 900X is its portability. The telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on camping trips or to star parties. The quick-setup design means users can spend less time assembling equipment and more time enjoying the wonders of the universe.

Additionally, the telescope comes with an array of accessories, including multiple eyepieces that provide varying magnifications. This versatility allows users to customize their viewing experience based on the objects they wish to explore. A sturdy tripod ensures stability while observing, even in windy conditions.

In summary, the Meade 900X combines excellent optical performance with user-friendly technology, making it an ideal choice for those eager to delve into the world of astronomy. Its portability, advanced features, and ease of use make it a standout option for anyone looking to explore the night sky. With the Meade 900X, the universe is just a glance away.
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