EXT-70AT Astro Telescopes by:

Let Meade high-resolution optics and standard-equipment Autostar controller take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond.

Now even the most novice amateur astronomer can locate and explore the planets, asteroids, and comets, as well as nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and hundreds of other deep-space objects, all at the push of a button. Meade  ETX-70AT Astro Telescopes bring the full range of celestial images to your eye with an astonishing level of clarity and resolution. And, carrying on the ETX® tradition of optical and mechanical excellence, 60mm and 70mm ETX models include many of the same features as larger ETX telescopes.
 

Observing with the  ETX-70AT: All of the major planets except Pluto are easily observable through the ETX-70AT. Study Saturn and its ring system; the primary cloud belts of Jupiter and its four major satellites, the Moonlike phases of Mercury and Venus; prominent features on Mars; the star-like images of the distant planets Uranus and Neptune. The Moon stands out in stark, almost three-dimensional detail -- craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. In our galaxy the telescope displays hundreds of nebulae, star clusters, double and multiple stars, and variable stars -- plus dozens of external galaxies in all their variations of form and structure. See the Autostar database listing below for a complete compilation of observable objects.

"Frankly I was doubtful that a telescope of the capabilities of the ETX-70AT could be obtained at anything near the price it's advertised for, but several nights of testing have allayed all of my concerns. This is simply an amazing instrument You should have seen the looks on the faces of our little observing group as we pushed the Autostar buttons and watched the telescope auto-locate first Saturn, then the Orion Nebula, followed by dozens of other objects in deep-space. It was quite an evening!" - Eric Shook, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

ETX-70AT? For the introductory student of astronomy, or for the casual observer, the Meade ETX-70AT opens up the skies at modest cost to an amazing breadth of celestial detail utterly invisible without the telescope.  The ETX-70AT increases light collecting power by 36% for significantly brighter, more highly resolved images of all the foregoing objects. Through the ETX-70AT, for example, Jupiter's cloud belts, under good atmospheric conditions, take on additional structure not normally observable in the 60mm model; additional satellites of Saturn can be seen; the tenuous filaments of the Orion Nebula can be studied in wider extension. Except for their objective lens diameters, ETX-60AT and -70AT models are otherwise identical.
Terrestrial Observing: Meade ETX telescopes also make excellent land-view instruments for the birdwatcher, 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 (see below), notwithstanding Autostar's primary applications to astronomical observing. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance, using one of nine selectable speeds from slow to fast .
Fork Mount with Dual-Axis Drive System: In conjunction with the telescope's Autostar hand controller, precision worm gear systems on each axis permit smooth pushbutton motions of the telescope. Integrated to one of the fork arms, the telescope's Control Panel serves as a central connection point for the hand controller (the HBX port) as well as for the RS-232 serial interface adapter (the AUX port), an adapter included with the optional #506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit (see Optional Accessories listing). Using the RS-232 interface, new or revised software may be downloaded through your PC to the telescope; the positions of Earth satellites may be updated for their observation through the telescope; and the positions of newly-discovered objects, such as comets, may be accessed by Autostar.

 

The Meade ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT Optical System
In the optical design of ETX 60mm and 70mm models, light enters from the right through a 2-element, air-spaced objective lens and travels to a focus at the focal plane. Field stops internal to the optical tube prevent off-axis light from reaching the focal plane, thereby enhancing image contrast.

 

Optical Systems: ETX 60mm and 70mm models include multi-coated, air-spaced achromatic objective lenses of exclusive Meade design and are manufactured of Grade-A crown and flint optical glass components. Each lens yields razor-sharp images of astronomical and terrestrial subjects.

Flip-Mirror System: For observing in the standard 90° position, flip the internal, optical flat mirror "up." For terrestrial observing with the optional #933 45° Erecting Prism or for photography with the optional #64ST
T-Adapter, flip the mirror "down."

Ultraportable and Simple to Use: Easy to carry to any observing location, whether a distant mountaintop or your own back yard, 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. Six internal (user-supplied) AA-batteries power ETX-60AT and -70AT models for over 20 hours in the field.

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