Model SN-8: 8" f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian — With 78% more light-gathering power than the SN-6, the 8" Model SN-8 roughly triples the number of observable objects in deep-space and resolves extremely fine planetary detail as well: Jupiter's cloud belts are seen as a web of intricate discontinuities; transits and shadow transits of Jupiter's main satellites are observable; six of Saturn's satellites may be seen in revolution about the planet. Deep-space phenomena may be observed in dramatically-heightened detail with the larger 8" aperture, as Autostar moves the telescope automatically from one spectacular object to the next. Observe all 110 objects in the Messier Catalog, as well as thousands of objects in the New General Catalog (NGC) and Index Catalog (IC), locating galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters to magnitude 14. CCD images at the telescope's prime f/4 focus show a new level of resolution and detail after only a few minutes' exposure.

Above, left to right: Meade 6" f/5, 8" f/4, 10" f/4 LXD55-Series Schmidt-Newtonian telescopes. Each telescope is shipped complete with all equipment shown.

Model SN-10: 10" f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian — A quantum leap in image brightness and resolution, the 10" Model SN-10 provides for a lifetime of serious study in deep-space or within the Solar System. Use Autostar to take an automatic tour, of, say, the 200 brightest diffuse nebulae, spiral galaxies, and globular star clusters. Or, with Autostar's pushbutton electronic slow-motion controls, scan the surface of the Moon at high magnification. LetAutostar locate and center in the field the outer planets Uranus and Neptune, now visible as finite-sized orbs, or Pluto, at the telescope's very limit of observability. Use the Meade #140 2x Barlow Lens to double the telescope's effective focal length with no diminution whatever in resolution, and study surface detail on Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn at high magnifications. The SN-10 presents wide, extremely bright star fields at lower powers, while resolving, under favorable seeing conditions, remarkable lunar and planetary detail at higher powers. It is an uncommon observer who might outgrow the capabilities of the Meade 10" LXD55.

Meade Model AR-6 — 6" f/8 Achromatic Refracting Telescope. The telescope is supplied as standard equipment with all of the features shown, including optical tube assembly, equatorial mounting, Autostar control system, Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece, and 8x50 viewfinder.

Meade LXD55-Series Achromatic Refractors: With objective lenses that resolve to the theoretical limits for their apertures, Meade 5" and 6" LXD55 refractors present all of the diffraction-limited optical performance obtainable from the classical 2-element achromat design. Deep-space images, in particular, are rich in resolution and contrast, with a minimum of chromatic aberration.

 

The LXD55 Control Panel is conveniently located below the upper bearing of the polar axis and includes 4 connectors and the ON-OFF switch.

LXD55 Equatorial Mount: Both refractors incorporate the Meade LXD55 equatorial mounting for smooth, effortless sidereal-rate tracking in RA or for automatic dual-axis GO TO operation at 4.5°/second with the standard-equipment Autostar hand controller. Precision worm gears on both axes assure low-backlash operation at all nine Autostar speeds. A 12v DC battery pack rests on the telescope's accessory shelf and operates either instrument for over 40 hours from eight (user-supplied) D-cell batteries.

Autostar Dual-Axis Electronic Control System: Locate any of 30,223 celestial objects in the Autostar database - automatically - at a push of the GO TO button.

Observing with a Meade 5" or 6" refractor is an experience unlike that with other telescopes, as the refractors' large unobstructed clear apertures enable a level of resolution and high contrast normally reserved for larger instruments of other types.

Meade 5" and 6" Achromatic Refractors are shipped complete with the LXD55 equatorial mount, Autostar dual-axis control system, and accessories.

Model AR-5: 5" f/9 Achromatic Refractor — Explore over 30,000 of Autostar's database objects — galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters — or any object of known RA and Dec., as the telescope moves automatically at 4.5°/sec. to locate and center each object. The AR-5 yields satisfying images of the Moon and planets: use the Autostar slow-motion pushbuttons to rove over the surface of the Moon at high power or to resolve surface detail on Jupiter and Saturn.

Optical Design of Meade Achromatic Refractors. Light travels through the front lens element of optical crown glass, then through the rear flint-glass element and is brought to a focus at F. The crown and flint glass elements have different indexes of refraction, permitting the design to be achromatic, or color-corrected.

Model AR-6: 6" f/8 Achromatic Refractor — The Meade 6" LXD55 refractor, with 44% more light-collecting power than the 5" model, permits a much wider imaging capability. Deep-space objects, from bright galaxies like Andromeda (M31) to faint nebulae like NGC 6559 in Sagittarius and thousands of other galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in between, take on added brightness and resolution of form and structure. Globular star clusters, such as M13 in Hercules, are better resolved, often to the core of the cluster. Significantly increased detail is visible on the Moon and planets; double stars may be split to the telescope's 0.74-arc sec. limit.