– 10 –
•
To center an object in the main telescope, loosen the telescope’s R.A. lock (
22, Fig. 1c) and Dec. lock
(
23, Fig. 1c). The telescope can now turn freely on its axes. Use the aligned viewfinder to first sight-in
on the object you wish to observe; with the object centered on the viewfinder’s crosshairs, re-tighten the
R.A. and Dec. locks.
•
If you have purchased an assortment of eyepieces (see Section G on Calculating Power and Section J
on Optional Accessories for higher and lower powers with the telescope), always start an observation
with a low power eyepiece (e.g., the 25mm eyepiece); get the object well-centered in the field of view
and sharply focused. Then try the next step up in magnification. If the image starts to become fuzzy as
you work into higher magnifications, then back down to a lower power; the atmospheric steadiness is not
sufficient to support high powers at the time you are observing. Keep in mind that a bright, clearly
resolved but smaller image will show far more detail than a dimmer, poorly resolved larger image. The
25mm eyepiece included with the Meade 114 EQ-ASB presents a wide field of view, ideal for general
astronomical observing of star fields, clusters of stars, nebulae, and galaxies; it is also probably the best
eyepiece to use in the initial finding and centering of any object.
•
Once centered, the object can be focused by turning one of the knobs of the focusing mechanism (
31,
Fig. 1b). You will notice that the astronomical object in the field of view will begin to slowly move across
the eyepiece field. This motion is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis, as described in Section
C, although the planets and stars, are, for practical purposes, fixed in their positions in the sky. The
platform on which the telescope is sitting ( the Earth) rotates once every 24 hours under these objects.
To keep astronomical objects centered in the field of the polar aligned telescope, simply turn the
R.A. flexible cable control (3, Fig. 1e). These objects will appear to move through the field more rapidly
at higher powers. Note that the Declination flexible cable control
(4, Fig. 1e) is used only for centering
purposes, and not for tracking.
•
Avoid touching the eyepiece while observing through the telescope. Vibrations resulting from such
contact will cause the image to move. Likewise, avoid observing sites where ground-based vibrations
may resonate the tripod. Viewing from the upper floors of a building may also introduce image
movement.
•
You should allow a few minutes to allow your eyes to become “dark adapted” before attempting any
serious astronomical observations. Use a red filtered flashlight to protect your night vision when reading
star maps or inspecting the components of the telescope.
•
Avoid setting up the telescope inside a room and observing through an open window (or worse yet, a
closed window). Images viewed in such a manner may appear blurred or distorted due to temperature
differences between inside and outside air. Also, it is a good idea to allow your telescope a chance to
reach the ambient (surrounding) outside temperature before starting an observing session.
•
Avoid viewing objects low on the horizon–objects will appear better resolved with far greater contrast
when viewed higher in the sky. Also, if images appear to “shimmer” in the eyepiece–reduce power until
the image steadies. This condition is caused by air turbulence in the upper atmosphere. We repeat the
warning stated at the outset of this manual:
Never point the telescope directly at or near the Sun at any time! Observing the Sun, even for the
smallest fraction of a second, will result in instant and irreversible eye damage, as well as physical
damage to the telescope itself.
The Meade 114 EQ-ASB may be used for a lifetime of rewarding astronomical observing, but basic to your
enjoyment of the telescope is a good understanding of the instrument. Read the above instructions carefully
until you understand all of the telescope’s parts and functions. One or two observing sessions will serve to
clarify these points forever in your mind.
The number of fascinating objects visible through your Jupiter reflector is limited only by your own motivation.
Astronomical software, such as Polaris’s AstroSearch, or a good star atlas, will assist you in locating many
interesting celestial objects. These objects include:
•
Cloud belts across the surface of the planet Jupiter.
•
The 4 major satellites of Jupiter, visible in rotation about the planet, with the satellite positions changing
each night.
•
Saturn and its famous ring system, as well as several satellites of Saturn, much fainter than the major
satellites of Jupiter.
