How to Observe Satellites with Your Meade LX-90 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

In addition to observing the stars, you can also observe satellites using your Meade LX-90 telescope. Just follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Meade LX-90 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope

1. Go to the "Object: Satellite" menu option. Once there, push "ENTER."
   
   

2. Using the scroll key, go through the list of satellites and select one. Press "ENTER."
   
   

3. The Autostar will read "Calculating" and then it will read "Tracking." Should you find a satellite that is visible, it will read "Located."
   
   

4. You can use the scroll keys to get additional information about the pass.
   
   

5. Once the location information is shown, "Alarm" will appear. Press "ENTER." An alarm set by Autostar will activate a minute before the satellite becomes visible.
   
   

6. Once the alarm sounds, go back to the satellite menu and push "Scroll." Do this until the satellite you want is displayed on top.
   
   

7. When you press "GO TO," veer the telescope so it will be where the satellite is scheduled to appear. When it stops, a countdown will begin.
   
   

8. You can observe your satellite through your telescope starting about 20 seconds before the countdown ends.
   
   

9. Push "ENTER" and Autostar will start to track the satellite.
   
   

10. Using the arrow keys, center the satellite for better observation.
    

Tips & Warnings

• You can visit the Meade Web site monthly to get up-to-date information on how to download new satellite data to Autostar.
• The best time to see satellites is before sunrise or before sunset, while it's still dark.
• Do not use your Meade LX-90 telescope to observe the Sun.