BULLETIN 100

TELESCOPES

Explore the Universe with the Worlds Most Respected and Best Selling Telescope Brand

DSSERIES

Includes AutoStar Computer Controller

StarNavigator Software

Meade DS-2130ATS
130mm (5.1") Altazimuth Reflector
LARGE APERTURE GO TO TELESCOPE Reflectors have long been a favorite with amateur astronomers. The large 130mm diameter mirror of the Meade DS-2130ATS provides 469% brighter images and a tremendous increase in fine detail, compared to common 60mm telescopes. The standard equipment #494 AutoStar Computer Control System permits automatic object location and tracking of more than 1400 objects in the AutoStar database at the touch of a button. See fainter and more distant objects in far greater detail. Several thousand star clusters, galaxies and nebulae are within range of this telescope. This model is highly recommended for astronomical applications; however, due to its image orientation it is not recommended for land viewing. Includes two premium 4-element Super Plssl eyepieces.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model DS-2130ATS (P/N: 20132) Supplied complete with aluminized and multi-coated primary mirror (D = 130mm, F = 1000mm, f/7.7) Motorized tracking mount (requires eight user-supplied AA-size batteries) #494 AutoStar Computer Control System Meade PC-compatible astronomical software Full-length adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory shelf 6 x 30mm viewfinder; two premium eyepieces (1.25"): SP 9.7mm, and SP 26mm Operating instructions Giftbox.

114EQ-AST

EQSERIES

114EQ-A

Meade 1 14EQ-AST and Meade 1 14EQ-A
114mm (4.5") Equatorial Reflectors
LARGE APERTURE MANUAL TELESCOPES Because the earth rotates once on its axis every 24 hours, celestial objects move rapidly through the telescopic field, particularly at higher powers. The equatorial mount of both the Meade 114EQ-AST and 114EQ-A greatly facilitates object tracking, simply by manually turning one or both of the control cables. The large 114mm-diameter mirror of these models gathers 361% more light than 60mm telescopes. Fainter, more distant objects can be seen in far greater detail. The beginning amateur who intends to use a manual telescope on a regular basis will find the equatorial mount to be a valuable investment.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 114EQ-A (P/N: 04055) Deluxe model supplied complete with overcoated primary mirror and aluminum optical tube assembly, (D=114mm, F=910mm, f/8) Rack-and-pinion focuser (1.25") Equatorial mount with unique covered worm-gear slow-motion control Setting circles Deluxe latitude control with scale Two eyepieces (1.25"): MA9mm (101X) and MA25mm (36X) 5 x 24mm viewfinder Adjustable aluminum tripod with shelf Planetarium software for the PC Operating instructions Giftbox. SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 114EQ-AST (P/N: 04056) Basic model includes the same diameter mirror as above, but includes a special relay lens which shortens the tube length and yields a 1000mm focal length (f/8.8). Includes a somewhat smaller mount and tripod than the model above. The exact same accessories are present in both models.

Meade DS-2080AT

80mm (3.1") Altazimuth Refractor
HIGH-PERFORMANCE GO TO TELESCOPE Feel like a professional astronomer your first night under the stars. Revolutionary AutoStar computer technology allows you to navigate the heavens effortlessly at the touch of few buttons. Just enter the object you desire in the AutoStar display, press GO TO, and AutoStar places the object in the telescopic field of view, and tracks it automatically! Provides pristine, ultra high-contrast images of Saturns awesome rings, the cloud belts of Jupiter, and the essential structure of deep space objects. AutoStar has over 1400 fascinating celestial objects in its database. Features built-in internal tracking motors, gears and cords. The single-tine fork mount design and quick release tripod with accessory tray offers a sleek contemporary appearance. Includes two premium 4-element Super Plssl eyepieces.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model DS-2080AT (P/N: 20084) Supplied complete with coated objective lens (D = 80mm, F = 800mm, f/10) Motorized altazimuth mount (requires eight user-supplied AA-size batteries) #494 AutoStar Computer Control System with 1400-object database Meade PC-compatible astronomical software Adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory shelf 5 x 24mm viewfinder Diagonal mirror (1.25") Two premium eyepieces (1.25"): SP 9.7mm and SP 26mm Operating instructions Giftbox.

Meade 80EQ-A

80mm (3.1") Equatorial Refractor
HIGH-PERFORMANCE MANUAL TELESCOPE This large aperture 80mm diameter telescope with deluxe equatorial mount provides contrast-rich, high-resolution images of Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon and many deep-space objects, as well as landmarks and nature. The Meade 80EQ-A permits more advanced study than smaller telescopes and enables observation of the Cassini Division in Saturns rings. Jupiters surface now takes on added detail as the cloud belt begins to show their essential structure, and transits of the planets satellites across the planetary disk may now be seen. In deep-space, open star clusters, such as the Pleiades (M45) in Taurus, display hundreds of stars in one telescopic field of view. Includes two 3-element 1.25" eyepieces, deluxe equatorial mount with covered worm-gears that facilitate slow-motion tracking control of fast moving sky objects, heavy-duty aluminum tripod, and much more.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 80EQ-A (P/N: 04051) Supplied complete with coated achromatic objective lens made of grade-A crown and flint glass Diagonal mirror Deluxe equatorial mount with slow-motion controls Deluxe latitude adjuster Adjustable aluminum tripod Two 3-element eyepieces (MA9mm, MA25mm) 6 x 30 viewfinder Software for the PC Operating instructions Giftbox.

NGSERIES

NGC-70

Meade NG-70 / NGC-70

Advanced 70mm (2.8") Refractor
NEW GENERATION TELESCOPES: ADVANCED MANUAL MOUNT WITH COMPUTER CAPABILITY Meade engineers have thoroughly updated the traditional entry-level telescope to a new standard for the 21st Century. These New Generation telescopes incorporate advanced industrial design yielding a striking, ultra modern appearance. Large, precision bearing surfaces provide smooth manual motions in both altitude and azimuth. An advanced computerized model (NGC) offers all the feature enhancements of the previously described NG model, plus includes the significant performance advantage of a built-in computer finding system with manual slowmotions controls. Both models include two premium 4-element Super Plssl eyepieces.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model NGC-70 Refracting Telescope (P/N: 20211) Supplied complete with multi-coated, achromatic objective lens (D=70mm, F=700mm, f/11.7) Built-in, self-guided GO TO computer control system offering 1400-object database (requires one 9 Volt user-supplied battery) Altazimuth mount with slowmotion controls PC-compatible astronomical software Adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory shelf 5 x 24mm viewfinder Diagonal mirror Two eyepieces (1.25"): SP 26mm and SP 9.7mm Operating instructions Giftbox. SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model NG-70 Refracting Telescope (P/N: 20210) Identical in all specifications to Model NGC-70 above, but without computer control system.

AZSERIES

Meade 70AZ-A
70mm (2.8") Altazimuth Refractor
A QUALITY TELESCOPE AT A GREAT PRICE The Meade 70AZ-A is a high performance 70mm refractor ideally suited to the beginning astronomer or terrestrial observer: the rings of Saturn, four satellites of Jupiter, and hundreds of Moon craters are only the beginning of what can be observed through this telescope. The Meade 70AZ-A includes an altazimuth mount with a slow motion control in vertical. The coated, achromatic (color-corrected) objective lens yields sharp, clear images for viewing both astronomical and terrestrial subjects. The Meade 70AZ-A includes two 3-element 1.25" barreldiameter eyepieces (MA9mm, MA25mm), adjustable aluminum tripod, and planetarium software for the PC with 10,000-object database.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade Model 70AZ-A (P/N: 04041) Supplied complete with coated objective lens assembly (D=70mm, F= 700mm, f/10) Rackand-pinion focuser Altazimuth yoke type mount with vertical slowmotion control Two eyepieces (1.25"): MA9mm (78X) and MA25mm (28X) 5 x 24mm viewfinder Diagonal mirror Adjustable aluminum tripod with shelf Planetarium software for the PC Operating instructions Giftbox.

60AZ-T

70AZ-T
Meade 60AZ-T, Meade 70AZ-T
Short Tube 60mm (2.4") and 70mm (2.8") Table Top Altazimuth Refractors
Whether used as casual telescopes for astronomy or as highresolution spotting scopes for land viewing, these short tube telescopes deliver powerful performance in a small package. These instruments provide bright, richest-field performance for observing wide-field astronomical objects like galaxies and nebula from dark skies, or use the provided Barlow lens for viewing close-up detail of the Moon, planets, or nature from your own backyard. Compact and portablethese scopes travel easily and store in a small space. Both models includes a quality 2-element, coated achromatic objective lens and two 3-element eyepieces.
SPECIFICATIONS Meade 70AZ-T (P/N: 04058) Supplied complete with coated achromatic lens (D=70mm, F=350mm, f/5) Table top mount with dual slow motion controls Two 1.25" eyepieces: (MA9mm, MA17.5mm) 2x Barlow lens 5 x 24 viewfinder Soft carry case Instructions. SPECIFICATIONS Meade 60AZ-T (P/N: 04062) Supplied complete with achromatic lens (D=60mm, F=350, f/5.8) Table top tripod with pan-handled control Two 1.25" eyepieces: (K9mm, K17.5mm) 2x Barlow lens Soft carry case Instructions.

SERIES

#882 Field Tripod

Standard Equipment

Meade ETX-70AT

Compact GO TO Refractor

INCLUDES AUTOSTAR COMPUTER AND FIELD TRIPOD Locate and explore planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and hundreds of other deep-space objects, all at the push of a few buttons. For the novice astronomer or casual observer, the ETX-70AT opens up the skies to reveal an amazing level of detail. Use the standard-equipment #494 AutoStar controller to automatically locate over 1400 celestial objects. Enter the object you wish to observe on to the AutoStar display, press GO TO, and the telescope moves automatically to place the object in the field of view and then tracks it. Compact, multi-coated 70mm refractive optical system of Grade-A crown and flint glass with 350mm focal length yields razor-sharp images. Supplied with 3-element MA25mm and MA9mm eyepieces. Includes flip-mirror system, built-in tracking motors, and electronic control panel.
SPECIFICATIONS ETX-70AT Astro Telescope (P/N: 0705-04-10) Includes a precision ground refractive lens with optical coatings (D = 70mm, F = 350mm, f/5) Fork mount with built-in tracking motors 9-speed #494 AutoStar computer controller with 1400-object database Internal battery compartment accepting six (user-supplied) AA-size batteries MA9mm (39X) and MA25mm (14X) eyepieces #882 Standard Field Tripod Operating instructions.

ETX-125AT

ETX-105AT

ETX-90AT

Meade ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, ETX-125AT
Advanced GO TO Telescopes
#884 Deluxe Field Tripod Included
INCLUDES ADVANCED #497 AUTOSTAR COMPUTER CONTROLLER AND #884 DELUXE FIELD TRIPOD Revolutionary Meade ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT and ETX-125AT telescopes go with you anywhere at a moments notice, and present the finest optical images, bar none, ever made available in ultraportable telescopes. Use the standardequipment #497 AutoStar Computer Controller for automatic location and tracking of over 30,000 celestial objects at the push of a button. ETX optics are so high in contrast, image brightness, and resolution that they consistently outperform many instruments of larger aperture. (See ETX brochure for more information.)

SPECIFICATIONS ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, ETX-125AT Astro Telescopes MaksutovCassegrain optical tube assembly (D = 90mm, F = 1250mm, f/13.8) or (D = 105mm, F = 1470mm, f/14) or (D = 127mm, F = 1900mm, f/15) with EMC super multi-coatings Internal flip-mirror system for straight-through or 90 observing position Fork mount with electric slow-motion controls, setting circles and locks on both axes; electronic control panel 9-speed dual-axis motor drive system with #497 AutoStar Computer Controller Internal compartment for eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries 8 x 21mm erect-image viewfinder (ETX-90AT) 8 x 25mm right-angle viewfinder (ETX-105AT and ETX125AT) Series 4000 Super Plssl 26mm eyepiece (1.25") #884 Deluxe Field Tripod Operating instructions.
All ETX Premier Telescopes include AutoStar

ETX-125PE

ETX-105PE

PREMIER

ETX-90PE
Meade ETX-90PE, ETX-105PE, ETX-125PE Astro Telescopes
Premier Edition Telescopes with LNT and SmartFinder Advanced Technology
JUST BECAUSE A STAR MAY BE MILLIONS OF YEARS OLD DOESNT MEAN IT SHOULD TAKE YOU THAT LONG TO FIND IT
Until now, the stargazers two biggest challenges to enjoying the night sky have been aligning their telescope and finding objects. Meades new ETX Premier Edition eliminates these two challenges and makes astronomy as easy as pushing a buttonright out of the box. Want to see a hard-to-find deep space galaxy? Simply push a button. The same goes for planets, stars, nebulae and more. Just pick an object you want to observe, press a button, and then AutoStar will automatically point your telescope. All you need is a clear night, a dark sky and a little curiosity. Whether you already know the sky by heart, or are just beginning your journey of discovery, your Meade ETX Premier Edition will take you where you want to go. Astronomy has never been so fun and rewarding. Its diffraction-limited optics are so crisp in contrast, brightness and image resolution that they consistently out-perform telescopes of larger aperture. All ETX telescopes feature BK-7 glass and oversized Pyrex primary mirrors. The Meade #884 Field Tripod is included with each ETX-Premier telescope.
All ETX Premier telescopes feature:

ASTRONOMY

Adventures in Astronomy
From the comfort of your own backyard, you can explore hundreds of galaxies, gas clouds (nebulae), and star clusters, as well the Moon, planets, and comets with a Meade telescope. The powerful light-gathering capability of a Meade telescope can transform simple points of light into objects of incredible detail. You will be enriched with the experience of seeing first-hand some of natures most awesome spectacles.

What You Can See

With any of the Meade telescopes presented in this brochure, you can observe the following celestial objects, and a great many more, sharply and clearly: the magnificent ring system of Saturn; the distinctive cloud belt structure of Jupiter and four of its largest moons; hundreds of craters and mountain ranges on Earths Moon and deep-space objects including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Hercules globular star cluster, and the diffuse Orion Nebula. Meade Models 70AZ-A, NG-70, NGC-70, ETX-70AT, 80EQ-A, NG-70, NGC-70, DS-2080AT and ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain models ETX-90, 105 and 125 can also be used for high-resolution terrestrial observation from reading a license plate a half-mile away to studying the delicate detail of a birds feather. The additional light-gathering capability of the larger aperture Meade 114EQ-AST, 114EQ-A, DS-2130ATS, ETX-90, ETX-105 and ETX-125 are especially advantageous for deep-space phenomena. Several thousand star clusters, galaxies and nebulae are within range of these instruments.
COMPUTERIZED OBJECTLOCATION AND TRACKING

What About Power?

To calculate power, divide the focal length of the telescope (e.g., 700mm for Model NG-70) by the focal length of the eyepiece (e.g., 25mm). Lower power eyepieces (e.g., 25mm) offer wide fields of view for observing deep-space and terrestrial objects. Higher power eyepieces (e.g., 9mm) offer greater magnification and are useful for observing surface detail on the Moon and planets.
The Importance of Computerized Tracking and Object-Location
Observing an astronomical object involves following a constantly moving target. Every object in the sky moves in the same manner as our Sun, rising in the East and setting in the West. This apparent celestial movement is caused by the rotation of the Earth. Computerized Tracking: To the unaided eye an object like the Moon appears to move slowly across the sky, but will, in fact, move surprisingly quickly through the field of view of a telescope. The AutoStar Computer Control System directs the telescope to automatically follow fastmoving celestial objects. Automatic object-location: A novice astronomer often spends a disproportionate amount of time learning the sky and searching for subjects to view. AutoStar technology obliterates this learning curve. Meades revolutionary AutoStar Computer Control System facilitates automatic object-location and tracking of over 1400 objects.

Refracting Telescopes, like the Meade Model NGC-70, use a large objective lens as their primary lightcollecting element. Meade refractors include achromatic (2-element) objective lenses in order to reduce false color that results when light passes through a lens. Reflecting Telescopes use a concave primary mirror to collect light and form an image. In the Newtonian type of reflector telescope, the Meade Model DS2130ATS, light is reflected by a small, flat secondary mirror to the side of the main tube for observation of the image. This is a large telescope 14 for a comparatively low price.

Types of Telescopes

All telescopes fall into one of three optical classes.
Catadioptric (Mirror-Lens) Telescopes like the ETX-90 employ both mirrors and lenses, resulting in optical configurations that achieve remarkable image quality and resolution in extremely short, highly portable optical tubes.
Series 5000 5-Element Plssl
Series 4000 QX Wide Angle Eyepieces

EYEPIECES

Series 4000 Super Plssl
Meade Series 4000 and Series 5000 Eyepieces
The Finest in Premium Telescope Eyepieces
Series 4000 Super Plssl Eyepieces feature a great all-purpose eyepiece design: 4-element, fully multi-coated optics, wide 52 apparent field of view. Features long eye relief, with soft eyeguards.
Product Number Focal Length Barrel Size Product Number Focal Length Barrel Size
07170-02 07171-02 07172-02 07173-02

6.4mm 9.7mm 12.4mm 15mm

1.25" 1.25" 1.25" 1.25"
07174-02 07175-02 07176-02 07177-02

20mm 26mm 32mm 40mm

Series 4000 QX Eyepieces offer extra-wide 70 field of view.
Product Number Focal Length 15mm 20mm Barrel Size 1.25" 1.25"
Series 5000 5-Element Plssl Eyepieces represent a milestone in design and engineering. The five- and six-element designs feature tack sharp optical performance and 60 apparent field-of-view. Take a look through the new Meade Series 5000 Plssls and rediscover your favorite celestial objects.
Product Number 07654 Focal Length 5.5mm 9mm 14mm 20mm 26mm Barrel Size 1.25" 1.25" 1.25" 1.25" 1.25"
Series 5000 Super Wide Angle Eyepieces boast a 68 apparent fieldof-view and image resolution that is razor sharp from edge-to-edge, rich in detail and contrast with virtually no chromatic aberration. Series 5000 Ultra Wide Angle Eyepieces, representing the ultimate in technology, deliver extremely high resolution, contrast and fullfield sharpness over an astounding 82 apparent field-of-view to achieve the highest level of optical performance.

CaptureView 8X22 VGA

CaptureView 8X30 1.3MP Flashback
Meade CaptureView 8x22 VGA, 8x30 1.3MP
Binoculars that take pictures
WHAT A GREAT IDEA! Say goodbye to the phrase You should have been there. Whether its a mountain goat leaping a gorge, a recordbreaking home run, or a rafting trip through the rapids of the Colorado River, now you can view the action up close and capture it as digital images or video clips. Use the exclusive Flashback feature to save the last 5, 10, 15 or 20 seconds of any recording, then view an instant replay of what you recorded. Pick up a CaptureView for the boater, bird watcher, sports fan or outdoor enthusiast in your life. (See CaptureView Brochure for more information.)

SPECIFICATIONS: CV-1 CV-2 Power. 8x. 8x Objective Lens Diameter. 22mm. 30mm Field of View. 382 ft. 367 ft. at 1000 yards at 1000 yards Prism Type. Folding roof. Folding roof Close Focus (Binocular). 16 ft. 16 ft. Waterproof. No. No Flashback. No. Yes Weight. 12.8 oz. 17.2 oz. Memory (Camera). 16MB SDRAM. 16MB SDRAM Image Capacity (Camera). 400@VGA. 12@1.3MP Video. 200 sec. @QVGA. 30 sec. @QVGA
DIGITAL CAMERA BINOCULARS
CaptureView 8X30 2.0MP Flashback / WATERPROOF
CaptureView 8X42 2.0MP Flashback
Meade CaptureView 8x30 2.0MP Waterproof, 8x42 2.0MP
Capture the image you see in the binocularperfectly!
CAPTUREVIEW CV-1 8X22 VGA / CV-2 8x30 1.3MP Great for e-mailing up-close highlights of the big game, vacation or concert to family and friends. 16MB built-in memory. Compact, portable, easy to use. CAPTUREVIEW CV-4 8x30 2.0MP / CV-5 8X42 2.0MP A fantastic, bright, high-resolution 8-power binocular combined with a state-of-the-art digital camera. Full color flip-up LCD preview screen. 2.0 MP resolution. SD slot for additional memory. Flashback Video Instant Replay feature captures the last 10 seconds of live action. So you never miss the action. (See CaptureView Brochure for more information.)
SPECIFICATIONS: CV-4 CV-5 Power. 8x. 8x Objective Lens Diameter. 30mm. 42mm Field of View. 367 ft. 376 ft. at 1000 yards at 1000 yards Prism Type. Folding roof. Folding roof Close Focus (Binocular). 16 ft. 16 ft. Waterproof. Yes. No Flashback. Yes. Yes Weight. 19.4 oz. 24.9 oz. Memory (Camera). 16MB SDRAM. 16MB SDRAM 16MB Flash 16MB Flash Image Capacity (Camera). 40@2MP. 40@2MP Video. 90 sec. @QVGA. 90 sec. @QVGA

ASTROBINOCULARS

Meade 9X63

Astronomy Binoculars

Whether the object youre observing is light years away or an eagle perched in a tall tree, Meades 9x63 roof prism Astro binocular provides sharp, bright, high resolution images. Giant 63mm achromatic objective lenses provide powerful light-gathering ability. Long eye relief provides hours of comfortable viewing without eye strain.
The binocular is rubber armored for a comfortable and sure grip. Features precision, fluid-motion central focusing. Supplied complete with a soft carry case and neck strap.

Meade offers a complete line of general purpose binoculars for travel, spectator sports, concerts, and more to meet every need and pocketbook. For the complete line of Meade binoculars see the Meade Binocular Catalog or visit: www.meade.com/binoculars.
SPECIFICATIONS: Power. 9x Objective Lens Diameter. 63mm Field of View. 305 ft. at 1000 yards Prism Type. Full size roof prism Close Focus. 16.4 ft. Eye Relief. 21.5mm Exit Pupil. 7mm Weight. 44.1 oz. Dimensions. 6.25" x 10.5" x 2.8"

Other Night Vision

Meade NightView
Revolutionary Digital Night Vision
NIGHTVISION THATS FUN AND EASY TO USE! The Meade NightView monocular is a new digital compact night scope that will change the way you view the world after dark. NightView is built on state-of-the-art digital imaging technology which yields a crisp, detail-rich, full field-of-view image in all low-light conditions. Its what you expect night vision to be! Its fun and easy-to-use. It includes a video-out port that can be quickly connected to a video monitor or camcorder for surveillance purposes. Its perfect for boaters, nature hobbyists, campers, hikers, astronomers, and night vision enthusiasts. Buy it today, and open your eyes to a whole new world after dark.

Includes:

e n F ilt e r

R e d F ilt e r

u t r a l F ilt e r

ce C o nt

is e Nig ht V

h Lig ht to t

SPECIFICATIONS NightView Objective lens 1.5x, 12mm f/1.2 2x digital zoom Field-of-view 38 Image resolution 525x420 pixels Viewer resolution 400 x 225 pixels Eyepiece contrast filters: red, green and neutral density AC adapter Video-out port Tripod adaptable.

MEADE.COM

MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
6001 Oak Canyon Irvine, California 92618 USA (949) 451-1450 www.meade.com
Copyright 2004/2005 Meade Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved. Pyrex is a registered trademark of Corning Inc. 40-04078. B100-05

Apochromatic:

Apochromatic Refractors use two (or preferably three) elements of a much more expensive extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to colorcorrect the image and eliminate color fringing. Meades triplet design does this especially well (see pg. 100). These instruments offer some of the finest views in all astronomy at their respective apertures.
a st rophotogr a ph y : ja son wa r e / moon / l x0

Telescopes 101.

A basic guide to optical systems.
R e f l e c t o r : C a p t u r e s l i g h t w i t h a m i r r o r.
The RefLECtor. Newtons Contribution.
What is it? A long tube with a mirror at the bottom and an eyepiece at the top. What About It? In 1668, Isaac Newton designed a telescope that collected light with a mirror instead of a lens. Reflectors capture light in a bowl-shaped mirror at the bottom of an open tube, then reflect the light and bring it to a focus near the top of the tube. As the least expensive design per inch of aperture, reflectors are known for giving astronomers the serious lightgathering capability necessary to explore the depths of space. Who Uses Them? Reflectors are great for portable deep sky observing by all ability levels. Traditional closed-tube Dobsonians are not easily portable in apertures over 8" but Meade LightBridge truss-dobs are easily portable in all apertures. Schmidt-Newtonians are popular for their wide fields of view and astrophotographers love their fast (f/4) focal ratio. For What? Highly rewarding resolution of faint deep sky nebulas, clusters, and galaxies (particularly from dark sky locations). Not suitable for daytime use or land viewing.
Meade Scopes Available: Newtonian: LXD75 6"
Newtonian (pg. 38), 114EQ-ASTR, DS-2114, DS-2130 (pg. 110). Dobsonian: LightBridge 8", 10", 12", 16" (see pg. 20), Schmidt-Newtonian: LXD75 6", 8", 10" (see pg. 39).
Newtonian: Newtonian Ref lectors are the classic Ref lector design. They may also be mounted on an equatorial mount for computer-guided GoTo capabilities. (See pg. 38)
D iagonal mirror parabolic primary mirror
Dobsonian: Dobsonian telescopes are Newtonian Ref lectors def ined by their mounta simple box-like design that allows the scope to rotate side-to-side and pivot up and down. They are the most simple, no-frills telescopes you can buy and are popular in larger apertures as the most inexpensive cure for aperture fever. Schmidt-Newtonian: Technically a compound telescope (see next page), this hybrid optical design adds a front corrector lens to the standard Newtonian reflector. Exclusive to Meade, this design provides pinpoint stellar images over an astoundingly wide f ield of view for brilliant high-resolution observing and imaging of nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies. Meade Schmidt-Newtonians are mounted on the LXD75 German Equatorial Mount for GoTo capabilities.

Au to Sta r Su i t e Sof t wa r e.
Sm a rtFi n de r R e d D ot a n d 8 xVi e w f i n de r.

objects (see pg. 15).

L X90-ACF 8" #0810-90-01
8" (203mm) aperture Advanced Coma-Free f/10 focal ratio (2000mm) #497 AutoStar 30,000+ object database 8 x 50mm viewfinder plus SmartFinder red dot 26mm Series 4000 Super Plssl UHTC Optical Coatings included 52 lbs total net weight Optical tube: 9.1" dia, 16.75" length 8 c batteries (user supplied) Slew speed: 2x sidereal to 7/sec in 9 increments Guide Speed: 2x sidereal
L X90-ACF 10" #1010-90-01
10" (254mm) aperture Advanced Coma-Free f/10 focal ratio (2500mm) #497 AutoStar 30,000+ object database 8 x 50mm viewfinder plus SmartFinder red dot 26mm Series 4000 Super Plssl UHTC Optical Coatings included 69 lbs total net weight Optical tube: 11.75" dia, 22" length 8 c batteries (user supplied) Slew speed: 2x sidereal to 7/sec in 9 increments Guide Speed: 2x sidereal
L X90-ACF 12" #1210-90-01
12" (305mm) aperture Advanced Coma-Free f/10 focal ratio (3048mm) #497 AutoStar 30,000+ object database 8 x 50mm viewfinder plus SmartFinder red dot 26mm Series 4000 Super Plssl UHTC Optical Coatings included 79 lbs total net weight Optical tube: 13.6" dia, 25" length 8 c batteries (user supplied) Slew speed: 2x sidereal to 7/sec in 9 increments Guide Speed: 2x sidereal
Oversized Primary Mirror Corrector Lens

LX90-ACF highlights

A. Oversized Primary Mirror: Captures the light competitive Schmidt-Cassegrains leave behind. With a primary mirror larger than the aperture of the objective or corrector lens, virtually no light gets lost on its way to the eyepiece. Enjoy brighter off-axis viewing and astrophotography with more fully-illuminated fields of view.

8. 25"

8"

Capture more light

Slews 3 per second

Slews 7 per second

B. Faster Slew Speeds: At a sleepy three degrees per second, it takes competing Schmidt-Cassegrains a full minute to move from horizon-to-horizon. The LX90-ACF slews more than twice as fast as competing Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Go for the speed. And see more objects all night long.

MASTER
A legend is reborn. The worlds top telescope gets an Advanced Coma-Free upgrade.
Rick Beno: Retired engineer, Arizona Sky Village resident, LX200 owner.

Married to astronomy.

Im in love with observing and imaging. Im ready for the most exquisite views available. I like portability, but I may also be considering a large aperture permanent installation.

Sleep? Whats sleep?

The finest optics. Unbelievably precise mechanics. Pinpoint tracking. A rugged and proven imaging platform.
Share the wonders of the universe with family and friends. Take astrophotographs with the most widely used research telescope in the world. Perhaps make a discovery or two.
Also used by: Recruit, Hot Shot, Guru
The ultimate all-around instrument. Period.

Advanced Coma-Free

Unique, industry-leading optical design. Crisp, flatter, field of view. Research-capable pointing and tracking. Huge user support network.
Sky & Telescope magazine says many feel Meades Advanced CF optics are the biggest news in amateur telescopes in more than a decade, maybe even a quarter century.

Recruit

The aCF revolution. A Hubble for your backyard.
L X 0 - A C F S eries ADVANCED COMA-FREE

A. B. G. H. I.

Z ero I ma g e - S hift M icrofocuser.
P. Clay Sherrod calls the Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser, one of the nicest features ever put into a telescope.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the LX200 series. I can attest to the wonderful hands-off convenience and sheer fun of the motorized goto.
Advanced Coma-Free optics make the LX200 the best commercially available telescope you can buy for the money. There are people who will argue with that. But its true.
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod, Arkansas Sky Observatory
Provides excellent performance in all critical areas while adding a level of technical luxury that is truly powerful and impressive.
The most widely used research telescope on earth now comes with the most advanced optical system in space. Meades lx200-acf brings advanced coma-free optics within reach of aspiring astronomers everywhere. Nearly every observatory reflector in the world is a Ritchey-Chrtien, including NASAs Hubble Space telescope. Now you can have the performance the professionals expect. The lx200-acf combines a revolutionary new optical system with the field-proven mechanical features of the original lx200 the most widely used research-grade telescope in astronomy today. Dr. Clay Sherrod says, I personally know over 100 amateur astronomers using lx200s out-of-thebox (new ones and old ones) to provide research data to professionals around the world. One friend of mine used his 14" lx200 to discover binary asteroids using light curves. Its remarkable stuff that only the pros could do before. But the lx200-acf offers inspiring views for the recreational astronomer too. After decades of Schmidt-Cassegrain optical designs dominating the market, the lx200-acfs evolution to patentpending Advanced RC optics is the biggest news in astronomy since, well, the original lx200.

Discovers 10 Comets with Shoemaker-Levy team
Discovers Periodic Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9
Getting a new telescope is like starting a new relationship. Its not
just some bucket of bolts and glass. If youre willing, it can become your partner in exploring the universe. I named my first telescope Echo back in 1960. And I still have it. In fact, it has a Coronado PST solar telescope piggybacked on it now and I use it for looking at the Sun in H-alpha all the time. Years later, I got the first 12" Schmidt Camera Meade ever made. When we got it home, I noticed this massive thing would probably displace every other telescope in our observatory. When I was a teenager in Montreal, our astronomy club had this piggy bank called Obadiah. Whenever there was enough money, Obadiah, the observatory pig , would go shopping for
I give every telescope a name. Because part of the majesty of the sky is the majesty of the instrument you view it with.
accessories. So when I saw that massive new 12" in place, I thought, you are the observatory pig and I named it Obadiah. Now Obadiah has been converted to CCD and is involved in a serious search for comets. Im never happier than when Im outside, using one telescope to search for comets, while my other two scopes are doing their own searches automatically. I have music playing. Im moving from field-tofield. And I can hear the motors of Obadiah and Esther (my 10" LX200 classic) moving to their next positions to take pictures in the pre-dawn sky. I love the way the motors hum. I love the speed at which these huge telescopes can climb up to the zenith and find their next objects. And Im just amazed they do it all by themselves. They arent people. But they do a lot of things people do. Last spring , I went to New Orleans to help give away Meade scopes. On March 9th, 2006 we launched the National Sharing the Sky Foundation to help the next generation reach for the stars. Id like to see a telescope in every backyard. And a name on every telescope.

1990-92

1993-94
Gets 12" LX200, names it Esther
Discovers Periodic Comet Levy
Two more Shoemaker-Levy Comet discoveries
Discovers Comet Takamizawa-Levy
Watches Comet he helped discover collide with Jupiter Grants 150 interviews in one month. (one with the U.S. Vice President)

1994-05

Is awarded 5 Honorary Doctorates
Marries Wendee Is named Science Editor, Parade Magazine
Gets 12" Schmidt Camera, Names it Obadiah
Got 14" telescope, names it Flaire

2003-06

Discovers many asteroids with Tom Glinos and Wendee
Launches National Sharing the Sky Foundation
David searches for comets with a Meade 12" Schmidt Camera, a 16" LX200GPS, and a 10" LX200 classic. He is very impressed with Meades new LX400s and will add one to the family as soon as he can think of a suitable name.

I p u r c h a s e d t h e L X 0 - ACF to image from my light-polluted home in Brisbane, Austral i a. T h e m a i n r e a s o n I chose this scope was for the Advanced Coma-Free optics. I w a s p r e v i o u s l y u s i n g a competitors 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain and have found the 10"
L X 0 - A C F to b e fa r s u perior in contrast, sharpness, and f ield f latness. I am delighted w i t h t h e L X 0-ACF and plan to enjoy many years of great imaging.
tony cordaro / m20 - trifid nebula / lx200-acf

LX400-ACF

Sky & Telescope magazine calls the LX400-ACF, as revolutionary today as the Schmidt-Cassegrain was when it was introduced over 30 years ago
Peter Lewis: Small business owner, ultra-light pilot, LX400-ACF owner.

As serious as it gets.

Im ready for the observatory-level research telescope of my dreams. I cant wait to image, explore, and discover with one of the most advanced telescopes ever made.

Live to explore.

Priorities:
Ritchey-Chretin-like performance I can afford. A flat field perfect for astrophotography. A scope that can handle large-chip CCD imaging. The most mechanically tricked-out, precise, and user-friendly mount on the market.

Goals:

Take astrophotographs worthy of publication. Contribute to scientific research. Share astronomy with family and friends. Participate in supernova, comet, and asteroid searches.
Also used by: Fanatic, Master, Specialist
Absolute state-of-the art system. Hands down.
Optical Design: Strength:

Advanced Coma-Free.

Unparalleled crisp, flatter field of view. Observatory quality optics. Remote access via web or network. Fully-integrated turn-key system.
Sky & Telescope calls the LX400 the most electronically sophisticated mass-market telescope ever made.
OBSERVATORY CLASS. For the pro in all of us.
A dvanced C O M A - F R E E

L X 0- A C F

A. B. G. P. H. D. O. C. S. e. F. I. L. U. I. T.

Carbon fiber tube

The LX400-ACF does indeed perform like a Ritchey-Chrtien. The difference between the off-axis images (compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain) was dramatic to say the least.
Out of the box the scope had the most responsive declination guiding that I have ever experienced with a mass-market telescope.
The scope is a quantum leap above conventional Schmidt-Cassegrains. It approaches the performance of telescopes that cost five or six times as much.

Laser aligned to the true optical path, then bonded in place, the mirror is fixed but literally floats on neoprene rubber seals. This results in zero stress to the glass and no distortion to the optics.
E l e c t ron ic Fron t Fo c u s i ng Sy s t e m.
Patent-pending digital system electronically moves the entire front cell (corrector lens and secondary) in precise increments as fine as 1/1000 of a millimeter. A fixed primary means no image shift or focus backlash. Sky & Telescope says, Ive never used an electric focusing system that I liked more.
N i n e Fo c u s Po s i t ion P r e s e t s.
Customize up to nine perfect focus settings for moving from eyepiece to eyepiece, camera to camera, or observer to observer. Recall preset positions with the touch of a few buttons.
E l e c t ron ic C ol l i m at ion. The very best astrophotographs come from well-collimated (aligned) optics. The LX400-ACFs unique collimation process is so easy that you can collimate in just seconds with simple up-down/left-right buttons on the AutoStar II controller. Bu i lt-I n A n t i-D e w H e at e r. A unique heating coil is affixed to the outside edge of the corrector lens. Temperature is adjusted via the AutoStar II controller. Uses a fraction of the energy of aftermarket anti-dew heaters. Sky & Telescope says it worked exceptionally well. Son y GPS R e c e i v e r Se n s or.
Automatically inputs exact time, date, and geographical location to help quickly and precisely align your telescope. Gets a satellite fix in seconds despite obstructions like trees or buildings.

I. J. K.

Au toA l ign .
Automatically aligns your scope to the night sky. Sky & Telescope says, Working with the LX400-ACF was a very pleasant out-of-the-box experience. In a perfect world all products would be like this.

Sm a rt D r i v e .

Provides Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) on both axes over the course of one or more training periods, thereby minimizing guiding corrections during long-exposure astrophotography.

Smart Mount .

Constantly refines pointing accuracy each time an object is centered and updated. Works in equatorial or altazimuth alignment. An indispensable feature for permanent installations.

A p e rt u r e. A p e rt u r e. A p e rt u r e. 16" a n d " ava i l a b l e.
See pg. 78-99 for details on Meades revolutionary LX400-ACF Advanced Coma-Free optics. The MAX Mount is available with 16" and 20" (half-meter) versions of this revolutionary new flat-field instrumentenough aperture for serious astronomical research. A well-sited 20" LX400ACF will reach magnitude 19 with a Meade Deep Sky Imager in less than 1 minute.
0 Pou n d Tota l C a pac i t y.
The MAX blows away every other production mount on the market. This means you can add guide scopes, wide-field instruments, spectrographs, heavy cameras and coolers to your mount with confidence.
13.625" Dual Drive Gears with 652 Teeth.
More teeth means more torque. And because the worm turns more quickly, periodic error decreases in proportion to the tooth count. MAX has roughly half the periodic error of competing 360-tooth mounts.
P e r iodic E r ror A s L ow A s 2 A rc Se c on d s.
Periodic error of about 2 arc seconds is better than the seeing condition on most nights. For serious astrophotographers, snap shooters, supernova hunters, asteroid researchers, variable star studies and other research projects, the MAX Mount is point-and-shoot. GoTo pointing accuracy with SmartMount is sub arc minute.
I n t e rc h a nge a b l e Q u ic k R e l e a s e D ov e ta i l P l at e s.
Swapping scopes takes only about two minutes. Simply slew scope down for access, loosen two handles (no tools required), swap scopes, then use MAXs computerassisted balancing and quick release counterweights to get back to work in a hurry without losing alignment. Compare that to competing mounts with their milled and drilled plates, Allen wrenches, and lots of time.
I n t e r n a l C a b l i ng.
The MAX puts all the controls you need for your OTA and modern cameras up on the saddle plate to allow a cable-free installation of most instruments. Competing mounts make you get out your fish tape and pull cables through the RA and DEC axes yourself (or call an electrician).

0 - L at i t u de.

MAX Mounts can be used anywhere on earth from Pole to Pole. No other maker of heavy-duty mounts can make this claim.
Ex pa n de d Au to Sta r Su i t e s of t wa r e w i t h N e t wor k a n d We b C on t rol.
AutoStar Suite version 4.0 gives you a complete turnkey observatory control system at no added cost. Control your scope remotely via web browser from any remote PC, Macintosh, PDA or even cell phone without installing new software. Easily operate your scope anywhere from the classroom to the hotel room.
MAX Mount Components. Massive. Modular. Mobile.

M A X M ount

Fo r a d e t a i l e d M A X M o u n t Q & A , v i s i t m ea d e. c o m/m a x m o u n t/fa q s. h t m l
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
The MAX Mounts unique modular design allows two or three people to assemble (and/or transport) a mount twice the size of any previously available commercial mount. Because its components fit easily into a station wagon, SUV, minivan or small truck, the MAX represents the worlds most portable permanent observatory (a very desirable contradiction in terms).

M a s s i v e O p t ic a l Tu b e A s s e m b ly.
In recent years, Meades 16" LX200-ACF on a fork mount has become the ubiquitous scope of choice for serious amateurs, colleges, and universities. The new MAX Mount means these same individuals and institutions can own an Advanced Coma-Free with either 16" or 20" of aperture (a full half-meter!). A search of astronomical literature indicates the vast majority of good science is produced by telescopes in the half-meter to one-meter class.
P e de s ta l A s s e m b ly.
MAXs rock solid pedestal assembly represents the perfect marriage between stability and adjustability. Standard field adjustments can be made quickly and easily (without tools) with MAXs ergonomic adjustment knobs. The pedestal assembly can easily be configured to cover three altitude ranges without disassembly. This makes the MAX the only mount in its class that can operate anywhere on the planet.
R igh t A s c e n s ion Hou s i ng A s s e m b ly.
The RA Housing mates to the Pedestal easily by sliding firmly into a 100 square inch dovetail block. When locked into place, this broad footprint assures your mount will operate as a single rigid block for accurate and repeatable pointing and tracking. The RA Housing contains Meades proven AutoStar II telescope control system and a massive 13.625" pitch diameter worm gear built to handle gigantic loads.
Declination Housing Assembly. The DEC Housing mates to the RA Housing using another huge dovetail block. When locked in place, the mount is one single rigid structure ready to point your instrument anywhere in the universe with phenomenal accuracy. The mount can cover the whole sky, tracking more than 6 degrees past the meridian (prime seeing area) without interference. In addition to quick-change dovetail plates for your primary OTA, generous wing mounts allow you to attach a variety of secondary instruments without interfering with MAXs all sky design. C ou n t e rw e igh t s.
MAX counterweights are beautifully crafted with sure locking, quick release buttons. Add MAX electronic balancing and you can balance your scope quickly and get back to work.
Tr i p od or P i e r A s s e m b ly.
The MAX tripod can be transported or permanently installed. Its wide stance will safely carry MAXs massive payload in all orientations. But it will still collapse down to a size thats easy to handle. Like the MAX, it sets up, knocks down, and adjusts without tools. The MAX pier is exclusively for permanent installations. It too can handle the MAXs payload in all orientations and withstand vibration. Pier height must be specified at time of order.

+ C o mpu te r - a s s i s te d s q u a r i n g of y ou r o p t ic a l a x i s. + Photographic polar alignment eliminates the need for drift alignment. + No clutches or worm releases means no extra alignment, even if you switch instruments during an observing run.
O t h e r nota b l e p oi n t i ng a n d t r ac k i ng f e at u r e s.
Advanced Pointing and Tracking
OBSERVATORY-LEVEL PRECISION.
Smart Drive. Permanent Periodic Error Correction.
Meades SmartDrive technology allows Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) on both axes that offers an observatory standard of precision of 5 arc seconds or less. Because no worm gear is perfect, no matter how precisely it is manufactured, small inconsistencies will always occur in the drive system of any telescope. Meades Smart Drive allows you to train your telescopes software to automatically compensate for these tiny periodic errors in the worm/gear system. This will bring your telescopes tracking accuracy up to a level consistent with the worlds top observatories. The programming is stored forever, independent of any power source, yet may be erased, updated or averaged with future programming if you choose.
High-Precision Pointing (HPP). Finding objects too faint to see.
This feature is most helpful to astrophotographers interested in imaging objects too faint to be confirmed with the naked eye. Or those who want to place an item dead center on a very small CCD chip. When you turn this feature on and ask the scope to slew to an object, the scope will first slew to a star right next to the object and John Hoot, San Clemente, CA ask you to center that star perfectly. The star is likely to be perfectly centered already (thats how accurate Meade telescopes are). But once you have confirmed the stars precise location, the scope will slew to the nearby deep sky object and place it exactly in the center of your field of view. For normal observing, this level of precision isnt necessary (a Meade scope will center objects anyway). But HPP gives you the confidence to kick off a two-hour long imaging sequence without even visually confirming a faint objects existence!
Smart Mount. Added accuracy for permanent installations.
Meade telescopes are designed for everyone from the casual visual observer to the most demanding scientific researcher, with the dedicated astrophotographer in the middle. No comparably priced scope will point or track better.
By constantly refining pointing accuracy every time an object is centered and updated, Smart Mount helps targets fall in the center of the field of view or the CCD chip every time. Smart Mount is mostly a tool for people who do high-volume automated astronomy (such as supernova searches). Say, for example, you want your telescope to follow an imaging script and shoot pictures of various galaxies throughout the night unattended; Smart Mount ensures every galaxy will be dead center.

For crisp wide-field observing and imaging, few optical designs match the performance of a true triple-element apochromatic refractor. This is especially true in astrophotography. Thanks to a two-year design process and a triple objective lens made from the highest quality ED (extralow dispersion) glass, Meade Series 5000 ED APO Triplets compete head-to-head with the worlds premium APOs at a fraction of the cost. Expert observers will be delighted by the virtual absence of color fringing around objects and the scopes textbook-perfect pinpoint star images. Even beginners will notice the extra high contrast and breathtaking resolution of a Series 5000 ED APO. Each scope is available as a standalone OTA in two models: Standard or deluxe. The deluxe model includes our new Series 5000 2" enhanced diagonal with a 99% reflectivity mirror and an aluminium hard carrying case. A Series 5000 ED APO is the ideal companion for your larger Schmidt-Cassegrain, RitcheyChrtien, or Newtonian scope. When piggybacked, a Series 5000 ED APO is the perfect guide scope that doubles as an ideal wide-field photography scope when guided by the primary instrument. It also makes an ideal lightweight and portable scope for flawless field observing. We anticipate that over the next several years these scopes will produce some the worlds best wide-field astrophotographs.
P r e m i u m ED Gl a s s.
For unsurpassed color correction, brightness, clarity. Expensive FCD1 ED Glass. This Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass causes all three primary spectral colors to meet at the same focal point for textbookperfect views. Virtually eliminates chromatic aberration.
A. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
Tru e ED A p o c h rom at ic Tr i p l e t.
you should expect from a premium APO.
A true triplet optical design guarantees the textbook color correction

Fa s t fo c a l R at io.

At f/6 (80mm) and f 7.5 (127mm), the focal ratio of these scopes is tailor-made for
wide-field astrophotography.
A i r- Spac e d O bj e c t i v e Le n s.
The precision air-spaced triple element ED objective lens focuses red, green, and blue wave lengths to the same exact focal point.
Fu l ly-Mu lt ic oat e d Le n s e s.
Meade broadband multicoated lenses ensure maximum light transmission.
M ac h i n e d A lu m i n u m C r ay for d Fo c u s e r.

with no image shift.

Superior focuser means smooth and repeatable focusing
A dj u s ta b l e Le n s C e l l.
Allows collimation of lenses if necessary.
Fu l ly-Ex t e n da b l e D e w Sh i e l d/ Su n Sh a de. Mounting Bracket.
An essential accessory included for your convenience.
Allows nearly universal mounting on all Meade and non-Meade German equatorial Mounts.
Need a mount? See LXD75 German Equatorial Mount, pg. 32-35.

O v e r t h e y e a r s I h a v e done quite a bit of astrophotography of all types and cons ider

5000 ed apo

t h e n e w S e r i es A P O Refractor one of the f inest instruments of its type for imaging. T h e fo c u s i s s h a r p a s o n e would expect from a high-quality triplet and the image color is e x c e l l e n t. I f y o u r e l o o king for a world-class APO you can afford, you wont be sorry.
mike reynolds / third contact / series 5000 80mm ed apo
mark sibole / m100 / meade 80mm ed apo
mark sibole / ngc 6960 / meade 80mm ed apo
jack newton / sun / 7" apo
Th e p e o p l e o f M o n t s e r r a t h a d a l r e a d y s e e n hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. S o I showed them J u piter.

Tippy DAuria

In 1997, one of seven active volcanoes on
Boy Scouts. Brownies. Moms and Dads. S Maybe it was the pull of the cosmos. Maybe there was just nowhere else to go. But there was a line in front of that little Meade ETX telescope for five nights straight. Nearly 2500 men, women, and mostly children, waited over an hour to look at planets they had read about in books but had yet to experience. S Of all the sights in astronomy, none is grander than the look on a childs face when they first see the rings of Saturn. And heres a little trick of the trade: Never tell a child youre going to show them Saturn. Instead , let them look in the telescope and say, what do you see? You can thank me later. S Since my first look at Saturns rings, I have recorded video of mysterious flashes on Mars, photographed dozens of comets and meteor showers, and had an asteroid named in my honor (11378 DAuria). But the real joy of astronomy is still sharing the wonder with others. While the ef fect is somewhat less dramatic at home than it was on Jack Boy Hill, my telescope never fails to draw a crowd.
the 7x12-mile island of Montserrat suffered a catastrophic eruption. Two thirds of the islands 20,000 inhabitants fled. The capital city of Plymouth was abandoned. You could walk out of a second story window onto volcanic ash. S As a volcanologist and amateur astronomer, I went with some friends to Montserrat in the spring of 2001 to study the impact of the full moon on volcanic activity. S Knowing we were headed to a place where there had never been a telescope before, I took one along just for fun. At first, it was a mistake. The telescope got me held up in customs because the agent was afraid I would tr y to sell it. I got through by giving the agent all of my food money as collateral. S I could no longer eat. But I could stargaze. Such were the humble beginnings of the first star party in Montserrat history. S The islands only radio station (to which everyone listens for volcanic activity reports) ran announcements that some Americans were up on Jack Boy Hill with a telescope. Half the island turned out. Literally.

Series 5000 Eyepieces. The best view of the heavens on earth.
Th e r igh t e y epi e ce ca n m a k e or br ea k a n y t ele scope. A f t er a ll , w h y squ i n t t h rough a t i n y pi n hole w h e n you ca n li nger at a dr a m at ic w i n dow on t h e u n i v erse a n d ex a m i n e e v ery de ta i l? M e a de ser i e s 0 e y epi e ce s of f er r e volu t ion a ry n e w a dva nce s i n r e solu t ion, i m age cor r e ct ion a n d e y e r eli ef at i r r e sist i ble pr ices. You si m ply wont beli e v e how a pr em i u m e y epi e ce i m prov e s you r v i e w, no m at t er w h at scope you ow n. See pi n poi n t r e solu t ion edge-to-edge w i t h lu x u r iously l ong e y e r eli ef. I f you t h i n k ou r ser i e s 0 e y epi e ce s l ook good on t h e ou tsi de , wa i t u n t i l you see t h e h e av e ns t h rough on e. Series 5000 5-Element Plssls have the widest apparent field of view (60) of any Plssl on the market. The Super Wide Angle series ups the ante with an amazing-for-the-money 68 apparent field of view. Finally, our top-ofthe-line Ultra Wide Angle eyepieces deliver an astounding 82 apparent field of view. For uncompromising views that make any telescope better, order a set today. You have to see the universe through one to believe it.
Compare Series 5000 features to any eyepiece on the planet:
+ Several types of exotic premium grade optical glass + Individually tuned, multi-layered coatings for maximum light transmission + Blackened lens edges and internal surfaces maximize contrast + Parfocal - little or no focusing necessary when switching eyepieces + Extra long eye relief + Adjustable twist-up rubber eyeguards
Eyepieces may be purchased separately or in sets. Photo shows entire Ultra Wide Angle family (purchased separately) in aluminum carry case.
C o m p l e t e K i t s w i t h a l u m i n u m c a s e
Series 5000 5-Element Plssl
includes: 5.a n d a l u m i n u m c a r ry c a s e
Series 5000 S u p e r Wi d e A n g l e
includes: 34 a n d a l u m i n u m c a r ry c a s e
Series 5000 U lt r a W i d e A n g l e
includes: 6.30 a n d a l u m i n u m c a r ry c a s e
The Ultra Wide Angle Series 5000 is the most incredible eyepiece Ive ever tested. Perfectly flat to the edges. Outstanding light transmission. Absolutely breathtaking.

Deep Sky Imager Fan. Its cool. Enhances the air-
cooled properties of any DSI camera. Keeps your camera up to 9 Fahrenheit cooler than without a fan. Powered by 8 user-supplied AA batteries or with #541 AC power supply (p. 141).
T-Mounts. Canon and Nikon. T-Ring Mounts allow
you to attach your SLR or DSLR camera to your telescope. Available for Canon, Canon EOS, and Nikon cameras.
Deep Sky Imager Pro II RGB Filter Set.
Basic Camera Adapter. Your telescope. Your camera.
The colorizer. Color filter set for monochrome DSI Pro II.
Includes Red, Green, and Blue interference filters plus an IR blocking filter. Designed specifically for DSI imagers, these filters provide ideal wave length transmissions for true color images with minimum exposure times. 1.25" Parfocal.
For photographing the moon, planets and stars through your telescope using 1.25" eyepieces. Accepts an eyepiece that will project an enlarged image onto the camera film plane or CCD chip. Each camera requires a separate T-mount.
An Equatorial Wedge is for exposures longer than about 5 minutes (under 5 minutes, a wedge is not necessary). A wedge permits precise polar alignment of your telescope in equatorial mode (compared to Alt/Az mode). This eliminates field rotation in long-exposure photographs by allowing you to align the telescopes axis of rotation with the Earths axis of rotation. Die cast aluminum wedges include fine adjusters, no-tool knobs, and a compass for faster aligning on the pole. Choose the appropriate 8" EQ Wedge or our extra heavy duty Ultra-Wedge. + 8" LX90ACF Equatorial Wedge with adapter plate (not shown) + 8" LX200-ACF Equatorial Wedge + Ultra-Wedge (Ultra-stable wedge for all LX models 8"-14")
Equatorial Wedges. A long exposure necessity.
Variable Projection Camera Adapter. With or without an eyepiece. This camera adapter permits a
continuous range of projection magnifications. Two separable units allow prime focus or eyepiece-projection photography. Requires a camera-specific T-Mount. 1.25"
ETX PE T-Adapter. #64T Shoot through your ETX
PE. Prime focus camera adapter converts your ETX PE into a
telephoto lens. Threads onto the rear cell of the ETX PE 90 and 125. Requires camera-specific T-Mount.
ETX-80 T-Adapter. #64ST Shoot through your ETX
80. Prime focus camera adapter converts your ETX into a telephoto lens. Threads onto the rear cell of the ETX 80. Requires camera-specific T-Mount.
ETX PE Back Cell Adapter. Accepts Schmidt
Schmidt-Cassegrain accessories like focal reducers, flip-mirrors, and off-axis guiders. Turns your ETX into a world-class astrophotography instrument.