60MM Optical System
Meade offers superior optics through superior design. Light travels through a 2-element, air-spaced objective lens and travels to a focus at the focal plane. Field stops inside the optical tube prevent off-axis light from reaching the focal plane, thereby enhancing image contrast. All of the major planets except Pluto are easily observable through the 60AT in celestial detail. Now even the most novice amateur astronomer can locate and explore planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and hundreds of other deep-space objects at the push of a button!
Dual-Axis Drive System and Electronic Controller
Fork mountings include high-torque DC motors on both telescope axes, permitting electronic operation from the standard-equipment plug-in hand controller. Use the pushbutton electronic controller at any of four dual-axis speeds: 8x sidereal for image centering in the main telescope at high power; 32x for image centering at lower powers or for pushbutton object-tracking in the alt azimuth mode; 0.75 degrees/second for image centering in the viewfinder or for terrestrial tracking; 5 degrees/second for fast slewing across the sky. You can instantly select any of these speeds simply by depressing the SPEED button on the controller.
Autostar Computer Controller (Included)
One of the most important advances in telescope design in decades, the Autostar Computer Controller brings to the amateur astronomer features previously available only on much more expensive telescopes. Star catalogs list hundreds of double and multiple star systems, variable stars, open star clusters, globular clusters, diffuse nebulosity's, planetary nebulae, and spiral galaxies within grasp of the instrument. The Autostar controller can locate all of these objects automatically, in seconds. Just plug the Autostar into the telescopes HBX port in place of the standard-equipment Electronic Controller, do a quick (less than one minute) telescope alignment, and you're ready to observe any of the 1,471 objects in the Autostar's database. If you wish to view an object that doesn't happen to be in the Autostar's massive data base, all you need are the object's celestial coordinates and Autostar will find it for you in seconds and automatically track it across the sky.
Terrestrial Observing
Meade telescopes also make excellent land-view instruments for the bird watcher, the naturalist, or for the home with a view. ETX image quality and resolution typically far exceed the levels normally expected of terrestrial telescopes. Terrestrial observers quickly appreciate the advantages afforded by the Autostar hand controller. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance using one of nine selectable speeds from slow to fast.
Ultra Portable, Tripod Included!
East to carry to any observing location, whether a distant mountaintop or your own backyard, Meade ETX telescopes bring the excitement of astronomy to users of any age. Just place the telescope on any flat surface, do a quick, easy 60-second alignment of the telescope's computer to the sky, and start observing. It's portability also makes it an attractive choice for viewing all manner of exciting flora and fauna here on the home planet. Meade's #882 tripod is included with your telescope. This sturdy tripod uses micrometric controls to provide precise equatorial alignment of your telescope at any observing latitude from 20 to 90 degrees. This alignment is useful for fully automatic tracking of celestial objects in Right Ascension. For added versatility and greater viewing comfort, this tripod is also adjustable from 34" to 54". You can easily set it up for your own height as well as having the option of viewing from a standing or seated position. At home, or in the field, you'll appreciate having a quality tripod for your telescope. Especially since it doesn't cost you anything extra.
Included With Purchase
Electronic control panel & dual axis motor drive system with #494 Autostar computer controller; MA9mm (39x) & MA25mm (14x) multi-coated eyepieces; operating instructions. Internal battery compartment requires 6 user supplied AA size batteries.
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