23
Landmarks
stores the location of terrestrial points of interest in the permanent Autostar data-
base.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
To use the Landmark function, the telescope must be located
and aligned exactly as when the landmark was added to the database.
Select
: To select a Landmark already in the database (see
ADD
below), choose the
"Select" option and scroll through the list. Press ENTER to select a Landmark, then press
GO TO and the telescope slews to the object.
Add
: To add a Landmark, choose the "Add" option. Enter a name for the Landmark. Locate
and center the Landmark in the eyepiece, then press ENTER.
Identify
is an exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start explor-
ing. After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the Autostar Arrow keys to move about
in the sky. Then follow this procedure:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during the
Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks or move the base or align-
ment is lost.
1.
When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the “Select
Item: Object” menu is displayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.
2. Scroll through the Object menu options until the “Object: Identify” screen appears.
3. Press ENTER. Autostar searches the database for the identity of the object being
observed.
4.
If the telescope is not directly on an Autostar database object, the nearest database object
is located and displayed on the screen. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to that
object.
Event Menu
The Event menu provides access to dates and times of astronomical events. The Event data-
base includes:
Sunrise
and
Sunset
calculates the time that the Sun rises or sets on the current date. Find
rise and set times for other dates by entering a new date into the “Setup: Date” menu. See
DATE
, page 25.
Moonrise
and
Moonset
calculates the time that the Moon rises or sets on the current date.
Find rise and set times for other dates by entering a new date into the “Setup: Date” menu. See
DATE
, page 25.
Moon Phases
displays the date and time of the next Full, New, 1st Quarter, and 3rd Quarter
Moon.
Meteor Showers
provides information on upcoming meteor showers, such as the Perseids, the
Leonids,
etc. Also lists the dates of the showers and when they reach maximum.
NOTE:
Meteor showers cover large areas of the sky and are usually best observed
with the naked eye.
Solar Eclipse
lists upcoming Solar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, annular, or par-
tial) of eclipse, and the location and time of the first and last contacts of the Moon's shadow.
Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display the available data. Remember, never use a tele-
scope to look at the Sun! See “WARNING!” to the left.
Lunar Eclipse
lists upcoming Lunar Eclipses, including the date and type (total, partial,
penumbral) of eclipse. Use the Scroll Up and Down keys to display the available data.
Autumn
and
Vernal Equinox
calculates the time and date of the fall or spring equinox of the
current year.
Winter
and
Summer Solstice
calculates the time and date of the winter or summer solstice of
the current year.
WARNING!
Never use a
Meade DS-
2000 Telescope to
look at the Sun!
Looking at or near
the Sun will cause
instant and irre-
versible damage to
your eye. Eye dam-
age is often painless,
so there is no warn-
ing to the observer
that damage has
occurred until it is
too late. Do not point
the telescope or its
viewfinder at or near
the Sun. Do not look
through the tele-
scope or its viewfind-
er as it is moving.
Children should
always have adult
supervision while
observing.
Looking at or near the
Sun
will cause
irreversable
damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the
Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.
