Manuals / Meade / Lawn and Garden / Telescope

Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Appendix E the Moon Menu

Models: RCX400TM

1 74
Download 74 pages 17.85 Kb
Page 68
Image 68

APPENDIX E: THE MOON MENU

The Moon option of the Object menu allows you to observe the moon in a way never possible before. You will be able locate many specific features of the lunar surface, including hundreds of craters, mare, valleys, and mountains. One special feature allows you to view all six Apollo landing sites. While you won't be able to see details such as any of the lunar landers or lunar excursion modules left behind by the astro- nauts (the best earth-based telescopes can only resolve features of about a half-mile across), you'll be able pinpoint the landing sites and study the terrain surrounding these sites.

When Autostar II synchs to a lunar feature, the telescope switches to Selenographic coordinates, i.e., lunar latitude and longitude.

To observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon option:

1.Initialize and align the telescope system as previously described.

2.Press "5" on the Autostar II keypad. "Solar System: Mercury" displays.

3.Press a Scroll key until "Solar System: Moon" displays. Press ENTER.

4."Moon: Overview" displays. Press GO TO. The telescope slews to the Moon.

5.With "Moon: Overview" on Autostar II's display, use the Scroll keys to browse

through the menus options. Five categories of features are available: Landing Sites, Craters, Mountains, Mare and Lakes, and Valleys and Rills.

6.Select a distinct lunar crater with which you are familiar, such as Copernicus or Kepler, from the Craters option and press ENTER.

7.Then press GO TO to slew to that feature. Center the feature in the eyepiece and hold down ENTER for more than two seconds to ENTER TO SYNC. The telescope is now synced to Selenographic coordinates.

8.Press MODE twice to return to the features list. Press a Scroll key until "Moon: Landing Sites" displays.

9.Press ENTER. "Landing Sites: Apollo 11" displays.

10.Press a Scroll key until "Landing Sites: Apollo 15" displays.

11.Press GO TO. The telescope slews to the Apollo 15 site.

12.Press MODE to return to the previous menu option. Continue to press MODE to exit this menu.

Use this method to find other lunar features and points of interest. When you have selected a feature, press the "?" key or use the Scroll keys to display detailed infor- mation about the feature. Press MODE to return to the menu options.

Kepler

Copernicus

Tycho

Figure 56: Some easily recognized lunar craters.

68

Page 67 Page 69
Page 68
Image 68
Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Appendix E the Moon Menu, To observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon option
Page 67 Page 69

RCX400TM specifications

The Meade RCX400TM is a sophisticated telescope designed for serious astronomers and astrophotographers seeking exceptional performance and innovative features. Combining advanced optics with user-friendly technology, the RCX400TM stands out as a powerful tool for both amateur and experienced stargazers.

At the heart of the RCX400TM is its revolutionary Ritchey-Chrétien optical design. This design minimizes optical aberrations, resulting in sharp, high-contrast images across the field of view. The telescope features a large aperture, typically around 10 inches, which allows for the observation of faint celestial objects, including distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. The high-quality optics ensure that users can capture stunning details and nuances of their targets.

One of the standout characteristics of the RCX400TM is its advanced AutoAlign technology. This feature simplifies the setup process by automatically aligning the telescope to the night sky, enabling users to start observing in a matter of minutes. This is particularly beneficial for beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free experience when setting up for observations.

Additionally, the telescope is equipped with the Meade Smart Drive system, which enhances tracking accuracy and allows for long exposure astrophotography without the worry of trailing or blurring. This system compensates for periodic errors and undergoes continuous monitoring, ensuring that the telescope maintains precise alignment while tracking celestial objects.

The RCX400TM also incorporates an intuitive user interface with a large, easy-to-read LCD display. This interface allows users to access a comprehensive database of celestial objects, making it simple to locate and observe a wide range of astronomical phenomena. With its compatibility with various Meade accessories, such as cameras and filters, the RCX400TM provides flexibility for users looking to expand their astrophotography capabilities.

Durability is another significant aspect of the RCX400TM. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand various outdoor conditions, making it suitable for both backyard observations and expeditions to remote dark sites.

In summary, the Meade RCX400TM is designed for those who demand high-performance optics, advanced technology, and ease of use. With features like the Ritchey-Chrétien optical design, AutoAlign technology, and the Smart Drive system, it offers a remarkable viewing experience that brings the wonders of the universe closer to all who gaze through its eyepiece. Whether for casual observation or serious astrophotography, the RCX400TM is poised to satisfy the needs of astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.