Know your observing site: If possible, know the location where you will be observing. Pay attention to holes in the ground and other obstacles. Is it a location where wild animals, such as skunks, snakes, etc., may appear? Are there viewing obstructions such as tall trees, street lights, headlights and so forth? The best locations are dark locations, the darker the better. Deep space objects are easiest to see under dark skies. But it is still possible to observe even in

a city.

Surf the Web and visit your local library: The internet contains a huge amount of astronomical information, both for children and adults. Check out astronomy books from your library. Look for star charts—these are available on a monthly basis in Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines.

HAVE A GOOD TIME,

ASTRONOMY IS FUN!

SPECIFICATIONS

Optical tube focal length . . . . . . . . . 700mm Objective lens diameter . . . . . . 70mm (2.8") Focal ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f/10

Mounting type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Altazimuth What do the specifications mean?

Optical tube focal length is simply a measurement of the length of the optical tube. In other words, this is the distance light travels in the telescope before being brought to focus in you eyepiece. Your tube is 700mm long.

Objective lens diameter is how big the lens is on your scope. Telescopes are always described by how large their objective lens is. Your telescope is 70mm or 2.8 inches. Other telescopes are 90mm, 8 inches, 16 inches, or even 3 feet in diameter. The Hubble Telescope’s objective lens has a diameter of 2.4 meters (that’s 7.8 feet across!).

The focal ratio helps determine how fast the photographic speed of a telescope is. The lower the focal ratio number, the faster the exposure. f/5 is faster than f/10. The faster

the ratio, the faster exposure time is needed when a camera is hooked up to

the telescope. Your telescope has 11 slower focal ratio at f/10.

Sometimes, astronomers use focal reducers to make slow exposure telescopes have faster focal ratios.

Altaz mounting simply means your telescope moves up and down (altitude or “alt”), and side to side, (azimuth or “az”). Other mounting configurations are available for other telescopes, such as equatorial mounting.

ASTRONOMY RESOURCES

•The Meade 4M Community

27 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

•Astronomical League Executive Secretary

5675 Real del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88012

•The Astronomical Society of the Pacific

390 Ashton Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112

•The Planetary Society

65 North Catalina Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106

•International Dark-Sky Association, Inc.

3225 N. First Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719-2103

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

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Meade NG70-SM instruction manual Have a Good Time Astronomy is FUN Specifications, Astronomy Resources
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NG70-SM specifications

The Meade NG70-SM is an excellent entry-level telescope designed for both novice astronomers and hobbyists. This telescope combines quality optics with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.

One of the standout features of the NG70-SM is its 70mm aperture. This aperture size strikes a perfect balance between portability and light-gathering power. The telescope allows users to observe celestial objects in great detail, providing a clear view of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. The optics of the NG70-SM are fully coated to enhance light transmission, ensuring bright and sharp images.

The telescope is equipped with a sturdy mount that offers smooth and precise movements, which is essential for tracking celestial objects across the sky. The mount features both altitude and azimuth adjustments, allowing users to easily find and follow objects. Additionally, the NG70-SM comes with a stable tripod, providing a solid base during observation sessions.

Another notable characteristic of this telescope is its simplicity in setup and use. The NG70-SM is designed with beginners in mind, making it easy to set up without needing complex tools or extensive knowledge of astronomy. The telescope includes a simple manual that guides users through initial assembly, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The Meade NG70-SM also features a 1.25-inch focuser, which is compatible with various eyepieces and accessories, enabling users to customize their viewing experience. The telescope typically comes with a couple of eyepieces, offering different magnifications to suit different astronomical targets. The addition of a red dot finder enhances aiming accuracy, allowing users to quickly locate objects in the sky.

Portability is another advantage of the NG70-SM, as it is lightweight and easy to transport. Whether going to a dark site for better stargazing or attending an astronomy club event, the telescope can be easily carried, making it a convenient option for those who wish to explore new environments.

In conclusion, the Meade NG70-SM combines quality optics, user-friendly features, and portability, making it an excellent choice for those beginning their journey into astronomy. Its combination of a 70mm aperture, a stable mount, and ease of use provides an immersive experience that inspires curiosity and a love for the cosmos.
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