Using the Meade ETX: 100 Objects You Can Really See with the Mighty ETX (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) (Paperback)

~ (Author), P.C. Sherrod (Contributor), R. Seymour (Contributor) "Prior to the ETX, most inexpensive consumer telescopes came in two varieties: the refractor telescope, which uses a glass lens at the top to focus..." (more)
Key Phrases: mounting mode, telescope indoors, optical tube assembly, Using the Meade, Clay Sherrod, Web Site (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In 1996 Meade, the world's largest astronomical telescope manufacturer, introduced the ETX, a low-cost and genuinely portable instrument capable of results close to the theoretical limits of optical performance. Since then several different models have been introduced, most of them controlled by on-board computers that automatically point the telescope at objects selected from a database of 12,000. Unfortunately not all these objects are visible when looking through the ETX! (They are included because they can be imaged with special equipment.) Mike Weasner is a world-renowned expert on the ETX range, and describes the "best" 100 objects to start with, and offers hints and tips about using and looking after the telescope to get the best possible results.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (March 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852333510
• ISBN-13: 978-1852333515
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #841,171 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I would love a good ETX book - but this is not it, May 26, 2002

By A Customer

I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it's not worth the paper it's printed on. There is more and better information available free on Mike Weasner's terrific website (referenced on almost every page of the book). Nor does the book provide a valuable and handy reference - the long text articles about tuning the scope etc lack diagrams, illustrations, useful pictures... I almost laughed when the Seasonal Name Star Charts appeared several to a page and so small as to be utterly useless. Want to know how to carry your ETX outside? This book is for you. Want to know anything about accessories, programming the AutoStar, what the inside of the ETX looks like, CCD imaging, or similar topics? Forget it, it's not in there. Conclusion: If you want a good astronomy book, consider "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" or "NightWatch". If you want ETX-specific information, visit Mike Weasner's website. And save your money until a useful ETX book is published - there is a need for one, but unfortunately this is not it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent treatment of the subject, January 30, 2006

By	T. Bakewell (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are new to astronomy or new owner of a Meade ETX, this book assumes no prior knowledge and gives very concise description of what you can and cannot do with the ETX, as well as instructions on maintenance and set up that go far beyond the owners manual. Full of links and with a detailed bibliography that will take you as far as you want to go in the world of ETX or other small telescopes. Highly recommended.

37 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mike Weasner -- the Champion of ETX owners, April 3, 2002

By	Robert Sylvan (Fresh Meadows, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This eagerly awaited book has finally arrived! Best of all, it is specifically directed to those of us who own and you use one of the Meade ETX scopes. It is an essential tool/accessory for anyone who uses an ETX to view the universe, and I'm sure others will no doubt find it helpful, as well. For those of us familiar with Mr. Weasner's site on the Internet, we all know that it is an invaluable source of information for any amateur astronomer, regardless of level of experience or equipment used. There is something for everyone, from the very first-time night sky watcher, to the novice beginner or the advanced user of the most complex and expensive gear available. As many times as I will return to that web site, now I have a handy, well organized, clearly written and equally useful compendium of information that I can carry with me and read anywhere at all (without having to download page after page and print, to bring with me in the field, or elsewhere). Great features are the wonderfully organized table of contents and useful index to quickly locate the kinds of things I want to know while using the book as a reference, whether away from the scope, or actually out observing the stars and celestial bodies, etc. The book is a "fast read" if you choose to 'devour' it that way (I did!) Thanks Mike!!!