How to Observe Satellites With Your Meade LX90GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Using Autostar

The database for the Autostar computer controller on your Meade LX90GPS telescope contains the orbits for dozens of space stations and GPS satellites. You can automatically locate them by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Meade Autostar computer controller
• Meade LX90GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope

1. Go to "Object: Satellite" in the Autostar menu and press "Enter."
   
   
   
2. Using the Scroll keys, browse the list of satellites and select one. Press "Enter."
   
   
3. You will see "Calculating..." and then "Tracking..." on the display. If the satellite you selected in Step 2 is about to make a pass, you will see "Located" on the display.
   
   
4. Use the Scroll keys to get more information on the satellite.
   
   
5. Press "Enter" when you see "Alarm" on the display, and Autostar will set off an alarm one minute before the satellite appears. While waiting, you can view other objects.
   
6. When the alarm sounds, access the Satellite menu and use the Scroll key to find the correct satellite.
   
   
7. Press "Go To" to turn the telescope to the satellite's anticipated location. You'll see a countdown begin on the display.
   
   
8. When there are only 20 seconds left on the countdown, look through the telescope's viewfinder for the satellite. When you see it, press "Enter" and the telescope will begin tracking the satellite.
   
   
9. Using the Autostar arrow keys, bring the object to the center of the viewfinder and look through the eyepiece.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes objects such as trees or buildings may block your view of the satellite. If this happens, press "Enter" and the telescope will move along the satellite's expected path. When the object no longer obstructs your view, press "Enter" again.
• Once a month, check www.meade.com for updated information on satellites.
• It is best to try viewing a satellite near sunrise or sunset.

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