•If inside a warm house or building, move outside. Interior air conditions may distort terrestrial or celestial images, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a sharp focus. For optimal viewing, use the telescope outside in the open air instead of observing through an open or closed window or screen.

•If viewing a land object on a warm day, heat waves distort the image. See SIMPLE OBSERVATIONS, page 10.

•For clear viewing of objects, turn the focus knob (10, Fig. 4) slowly since the "in- focus" point of a telescope is precise. Turning the focus knob too quickly may cause the focus point to pass without notice.

•The optics within the telescope need time to adjust to the outside ambient temper- ature to provide the sharpest image. To "cool down" the optics, set the telescope outside for 10 to 15 minutes before observing begins.

A terrestrial object appears reversed left-for-right:

•The 90° diagonal mirror yields this image orientation. To view a correctly oriented image, the optional #928 45° Erecting Prism is required. See OPTIONAL ACCES- SORIES, page 19.

Meade Customer Service

If you have a question concerning your telescope, contact the Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at:

Telephone:

(949) 451-1450

Fax:

(949) 451-1460

Customer Service hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that your telescope requires factory servicing or repairs, write or call the Meade Customer Service Department first, before returning the telescope to the fac- tory, giving full particulars as to the nature of the problem, as well as your name, address, and daytime telephone number. The great majority of servicing issues can be resolved by telephone, avoiding return of the telescope to the factory.

NGC and NG Specifications

Optical design

Refractor

Clear aperture /NG60

60mm

Clear aperture NGC70/NG70

70mm

Focal length

700mm

Focal ratio

f/11.7

Tripod

Aluminum, full-length; adjustable

 

w/accessory tray

Alignment (NGC models only)

Altazimuth

 

Easy Alignment (U.S. Patent 6,392,799)

Control knobs (2) (NGC models only)

Slow motion control on each axis

Control panel (NGC models only)

Database of 1400+ objects

Batteries (1) (NGC models only)

9v, user-supplied

Accessories

5 x 24 viewfinder with rubber eyecup,

 

90° diagonal mirror, dew shield

TIPS for Beginners

Star Charts

Star charts and planisphere are very useful tools. In particular, they are a great aid in planning a night of celestial viewing, as well as assisting in locat- ing celestial objects.

A wide variety of star charts are available in books, in magazines, on the inter- net and on CD Roms. Meade offers AstroFinder™ and other star locator soft- ware. Contact your Meade dealer or Meade's Customer Service department for more information.

Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines print star charts each month for up-to-the-minute maps of the heavens.

The Norton Star Atlas and Reference Handbook by A. Norton and Sky Atlas 2000 by W. Tirion and R. Sinnot are two of the most popular star charts on the market.

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Meade NG-Series Meade Customer Service, NGC and NG Specifications, Tips for Beginners Star Charts, Telephone, Fax
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NGC-Series, NG-Series specifications

The Meade NG-Series and NGC-Series telescopes represent a significant advancement in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and experienced astronomers. Meade Instruments, renowned for its innovative designs and quality optics, has equipped these series with features and technologies that enhance the observing experience.

The NG-Series, or Next Generation Series, is designed with user-friendliness in mind. One of the standout features is its advanced AutoStar computer control system, which allows users to locate and track celestial objects effortlessly. With a database containing thousands of celestial objects, users can explore the night sky with precision. The GoTo functionality automates the alignment process, minimizing setup time and maximizing observation time.

A key characteristic of the NG-Series is its optical performance. These telescopes utilize high-quality glass optics with multi-coated lenses that provide maximum light transmission. This results in stunning clarity and detail when viewing celestial bodies such as planets, star clusters, and galaxies.

The NGC-Series, or Next Generation Catadioptric Series, takes this performance a step further by incorporating a unique design that combines both refractor and reflector technologies. This hybrid structure allows for a compact design while offering superior light-gathering capabilities. The NGC telescopes are particularly favored for astrophotography, as they produce sharp images with minimal distortion.

Portability is another significant trait shared by both series. Telescopes in the NG-Series and NGC-Series are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for both backyard observing and more remote stargazing locations. The sturdy, adjustable mounts ensure stability during observations, and many models come equipped with a built-in carry handle.

Additionally, both series incorporate user-friendly interfaces, enabling easy navigation and control, even for those who are new to astronomy. This accessibility helps cultivate the next generation of astronomers, fostering a greater appreciation for the wonders of the universe.

In summary, the Meade NG-Series and NGC-Series telescopes blend innovative technology, optical excellence, and user-centric design, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the night sky. With features that cater to both beginners and seasoned astronomers, these telescopes promise memorable celestial adventures.
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