APPENDIX B: USING AUTOSTAR TO ENTER R.A. AND DEC COORDINATES

Although Autostar's database contains more than 1400 objects (stars, nebulae, planets, etc.) that you can observe, you may eventually want to view objects that are not part of the data- base. Autostar provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's R.A and Dec coordinates in the "User: Objects" option of Autostar's Object menu and then automatically slews the tele- scope to the user-entered coordinates.

In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up the R.A and Dec coordinates of the object or objects you wish to observe. Check out your local library, computer store or bookstore for astronomy books, CD Roms, or magazines (such as Sky & Telescope or Astronomy), to find coordinates of celestial objects. A list of the coordinates of 14 common stars are printed at the end of this manual; see "STAR LOCATOR," page 39.

The objects/coordinates you enter become part of your own permanent database, called "User Objects." You may use this menu to view these object as often as you like, but the objects' coor- dinates just need to be entered once.

To enter coordinates of an object into the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu:

1.Make sure Autostar has been initialized (see "INITIALIZING AUTOSTAR," page 12) and the telescope has been aligned and set to the Alt/Az home alignment position (see "EASY TWO-STAR ALIGNMENT," page 14).

2.After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the menus, as previously described, to find this option.) Press

ENTER.

3."Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Object: User Object" displays and press ENTER.

4."User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down key once. "User Object: Add" dis- plays. Press ENTER.

5."Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor on the second line. Use the Arrow keys (as previously described) to enter the name of the object you wish to add to the data- base. When you are finished, press ENTER.

6."Right Asc.: +00.00.0" displays. Use the Arrow keys to enter the digits for the Right Ascension coordinate of your object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change "+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.

7."Declination: +00°.00'" displays. Use the Arrow keys to enter the digits for the Declination coordinate of your object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change "+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER.

8.Autostar then prompts you to enter the Size of the object. This step is optional. Use the Arrow keys to enter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next dis- play. If you do not wish to enter this information, simply press ENTER.

9.Autostar then prompts you to enter the Magnitude of the object. This step is also optional. Use the Arrow keys to enter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add" displays again.

To GO TO a user-entered object:

1.With "User Object: Add" displayed, press the Scroll Up key once. "User Object: Select" dis- plays. Press ENTER.

2.Use the Scroll keys (if necessary) to scroll to the desired object. Press ENTER.

3.The name of the object and the Right Ascension and Declination coordinates display.

4.Press GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.

Appendix B 33

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Meade ETX-60AT Appendix B Using Autostar to Enter R.A. and DEC Coordinates, To GO to a user-entered object
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ETX-60AT specifications

The Meade ETX-60AT is a compact, portable telescope designed for amateur astronomers and budding astrophotographers. Known for its ease of use and exceptional optical performance, the ETX-60AT combines innovative technologies with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for stargazers of all skill levels.

One of the standout characteristics of the ETX-60AT is its 60mm aperture, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This telescope is equipped with a high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design that delivers sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. The multi-coated optics enhance light transmission, ensuring brighter images with better color fidelity, which is essential for planetary and deep-sky observations.

The telescope boasts a lightweight and compact design, making it highly portable for on-the-go astronomy. Weighing only about 4.5 pounds, the ETX-60AT comes with a sturdy, adjustable tripod that provides stable support during observation. The telescope is also equipped with a unique fork mount that includes Meade's AutoStar technology, allowing for automatic tracking of celestial objects. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the process of locating and tracking stars and planets.

Meade’s AutoStar system is a highlight of the ETX-60AT, featuring a database with thousands of celestial objects. This intelligent computer control allows users to simply input the desired object, and the telescope will automatically position itself accordingly. The intuitive hand controller enhances the viewing experience by offering guided tours of the night sky, enabling users to discover and appreciate various astronomical wonders, from the moon and planets to distant galaxies and star clusters.

The ETX-60AT also includes a diagonal mirror, which provides comfortable viewing angles and helps in locating objects above the horizon with ease. The telescope comes with a variety of eyepieces, enhancing versatility and giving users options for different magnifications based on their observing needs.

In addition to its impressive optical and technological features, the Meade ETX-60AT is built with durability in mind. The telescope's construction withstands environmental challenges, allowing users to explore the night sky in a range of conditions.

Overall, the Meade ETX-60AT offers an outstanding balance of performance, portability, and user-friendliness, making it a perfect introductory telescope for amateur astronomers. Whether you are a seasoned observer or just starting your journey into astronomy, the ETX-60AT provides a reliable platform for exploring the universe.
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