Meade Polaris 130mm User Manual - Page 3

INTRODUCTION Your telescope is an excellent beginner's instrument, and is designed to observe objects in the sky. It can be your personal window to the universe allowing you to see bright galaxies, planets, stars and more. The telescope is shipped with the following parts: • Optical tube • German equatorial mount • Stainless-steel tripod with accessory tray • Three 1.25" eyepieces: MA25mm, MA9mm, MA6.3mm • Red dot viewfinder with bracket • Slow-motion control cables • 90 degree erect-image diagonal prism (Refractors only) The Polaris Series of telescope includes optical tubes of different sizes and design. Some optical tubes use lenses to focus the incoming light and are called refractors. Other optical tubes use mirrors to bring the incoming light to focus and are called reflectors. The lens or mirror diameter of the telescope is one of the most important pieces of information about the telescope. The size of the lens or mirror, also known as "aperture", determines how much detail you will be able to see in your telescope. The optical tubes focal length information is also important and will help later on to calculate the viewing magnification. Setting up your telescope involves these simple steps: •Setup your tripod •Attach the accessory tray •Attach the mount •Attach the counterweight shaft and counterweight •Prepare the mount •Attach the optical tube to the mount •Attach the red dot viewfinder •Attach the eyepiece Study the picture on the next page(s) and become acquainted with the parts 1 of your telescope. Figure 1A shows a typical reflector telescope whereas Figure 1B shows a refractor. Then proceed to "Setup your Tripod."