Appendix D: ROADMAPzTO THE STARS

25

The night sky is filled with wonder and intrigue. You too can enjoy exploring the universe simply by following a few pointers on a roadmap to the stars .

First, find the Big Dipper, which is part of the constellation Ursa Major. (It is in the center of Fig. 38.) The Big Dipper is usually easy to locate year round in North America due to its proximity to the North Star, Polaris.

Extending directly out from the far side of the Big Dipper’s cup is the constellation Orion. One of the most exquisite areas of the winter sky, Orion is distinguished by two bright stars, Rigel and Betelgeuse, and Orion’s belt, which is marked by three stars in a row. The Orion Nebula is located south of the belt and is one of the deep-sky objects most observed by amateur astronomers.

Extending from the pointer stars (end stars) of the Big Dipper’s cup is Polaris, the closest star to the northernmost point of the celestial sphere. Extending from Polaris is the Great Square shared by the constellation Pegasus and Andromeda. Within

Andromeda is the Andromeda Galaxy, the closest large galaxy to our solar system at about 2.2 million light-years away.

The Summer Triangle is a notable region in the sky to the left of the handle of the Big Dipper. The triangle is made up of three very bright stars: Vega, Deneb, and Altair.

By drawing an imaginary line outward from the handle of the Big Dipper you reach the southern constellation Scorpius. Scorpius curves to the left like the tail of a scorpion in the sky, or like letter “J.”

Amateur astronomers commonly use the phrase “Arc to Arcturus and spike to Spica” to refer to the area directly off the arc in the handle of the Big Dipper. Follow the arc to Arcturus, the second brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere, then spike down to Spica, the 16th brightest star in the sky. Now follow the arc in the handle of the Big Dipper in the opposite direction and you reach another famous arc called The Sickle, in the constellation Leo.

APPENDIX

D

Fig. 38: Road Map to the Stars.

Page 24 Page 26
Page 25
Image 25
Meade ETX-90EC instruction manual Appendix D ROADMAPzTO the Stars, Road Map to the Stars
Page 24 Page 26

ETX-90EC specifications

The Meade ETX-90EC is a compact, portable telescope that has garnered significant attention among amateur astronomers for its exceptional optical performance and user-friendly design. Launched as part of Meade's popular ETX series, this telescope blends advanced technology with accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users.

One of the standout features of the ETX-90EC is its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. This design incorporates a spherical primary mirror and a corrector lens which contributes to sharp images with minimal optical aberrations. The 90mm aperture allows users to observe a variety of celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to distant galaxies, while maintaining a compact form factor. The telescope's focal length of 1250mm provides a substantial level of magnification, enabling users to enjoy detailed views of planets and other astronomical phenomena.

The ETX-90EC boasts a robust computerized system, powered by Meade's Audio Star technology. This feature not only assists users in locating over 30,000 celestial objects with just a few simple commands, but it also provides educational audio information about these objects, enhancing the observational experience. The telescope's GoTo capabilities allow it to automatically point to selected objects, transforming the stargazing process into an interactive and informative experience.

Another significant aspect of the ETX-90EC is its portability. Weighing in at under 10 pounds and featuring a foldable design, this telescope is easy to transport and set up in various locations. This makes it ideal for both backyard astronomy and travel to darker skies where light pollution is minimal.

The ETX-90EC also incorporates an electronic drive system that ensures smooth and precise tracking of celestial objects, which is invaluable for astrophotography enthusiasts. With optional accessories, users can attach cameras and other devices to capture stunning images of deep-sky phenomena.

Overall, the Meade ETX-90EC combines advanced optics, user-friendly technology, and portability, making it a versatile and powerful tool for exploring the night sky. Whether you are a novice looking to kickstart your journey into astronomy or a seasoned observer seeking a reliable companion, the ETX-90EC offers a unique blend of performance and convenience that appeals to a wide range of stargazers.
Top Page Image Contents