Exclusive to Scopes'n'Skies!

This Meade ETX80 Observatory 80mm refractor kit normally sells for £328.96 but we have this super Special Edition version for just £244.99 inc UK p&p!

Fabulous complete astronomy starter kit featuring the amazing fully computerised Meade ETX80 high-technology 80mm robotic refractor including the special edition 'Observatory' accessory pack worth £26 completely FREE!.

Complete Observatory kit! This amazing instrument comes with everything you need to discover the fascinating hobby of astronomy!

Included in the special edition kit:

80mm ETX robotic telescope

2 high performance eyepieces (A,C)

Autostar computer handset

Full-height tripod and carry case (H)

Alignment compass and level aid

This stunning telescope package will give you amazing views of the Moon, planets, stars and nebulae, and what’s more – it’ll show you nearly 1471 such objects from your own back-garden at the merest touch of a button!

Finds objects automatically!

The Meade ETX80 Observatory Special Edition has a fully computer controlled mounting with two ultra high-precision motors (like the ones used in the most sophisticated colour ink-jet printers, only more powerful) that work in synchronization with the Autostar electronic brain and steer the telescope to any object in the sky that you select from the illuminated handset. It automatically compensates for the constant rotation of the Earth so that the object (planet, galaxy etc) appears stationary in the eyepiece and allows you to study it in detail.

We know this might sound too good to be true, but it really is like having the brain and knowledge of Patrick Moore or Carl Sagan built in to the telescope, ready to dispense tireless expertise every time you want it! And if you think it sounds almost too simple and will take away the fun of finding out and learning about the universe for yourself: think again. The best way to learn about almost anything is with the aid of an expert and patient teacher. The Meade ETX80 is just that, a PhD-caliber teacher that will let you and your family learn at your leisure and have great fun doing it.

If you’ve always wanted a top quality telescope for terrestrial and astronomy observation but were worried about the challenge of finding the things you want to see in the night sky, then the ultra portable fully robotic Meade ETX80 SE with it's advanced computer brain is the ideal scope.

With its pre-assembled, full height adjustable tripod (see H), the ETX 80 'Observatory' Special Edition can be up and ready to use in a matter of minutes. Best of all, for ultra quick setup it can be used on a patio table or window sill as it does not require the tripod to be used.

The unique Autostar alignment technology and the included compass-level (see F) makes aligning and setting up a breeze.

A wonderful first-time astronomical scope, the Meade ETX80 Special Edition can also be used as a great, land-based spotting telescope with optional erect-image diagonal.

Meade ETX80 SE features

Autostar Handset Reliable patented Autostar computer-control technology is the brains of the scope and knows the location of 1471 of the sky's best targets - and after easy aligning the scope (takes just a minute!) the ETX80 will show you the best of them any minute of any hour of the night! The handset has state-of-the-art flash upgradeable firmware that can be updated via the Internet.

Tripod Sturdy full height stainless steel tripod and accessory tray included (see H). Fully adjustable for the best terrestrial and celestial observing.

Also included with the Special Edition "Observatory" ETX80 kit

Two super eyepieces: 9.7mm (high power), and 25mm (medium power).

Special built-in Barlow lens. Just slide any of the three eyepieces into the telescope eyepiece holder and you can switch in a special built-in Barlow lens to get double the usual magnification. It's like having four eyepieces istead of two! (see G)

The ETX80 has a built-in top quality 90 degree mirror star diagonal to allow convenient viewing with no neck strain –the telescope can be switched to straight through viewing for photography at the turn of a knob.

CD-ROM telescope control software, for advanced control of your telescope via computer (additional cable required)

Support pack The instruction manual (in well-written English!) is fully illustrated with clear diagrams.

This outfit is our best-ever GOTO telescope astronomy starter kit - in fact, all you will need to supply is a clear night!

SPECIFICATIONS

OPTICAL DESIGN: Refractor

APERTURE: 80mm

FOCAL LENGTH: 400mm

MOUNT: Dual Motorized Alt-azimuth

TWO EYEPICES (25mm,9.7mm)

EYEPIECE 1: 25mm

MAGNIFICATION 1 16 x – with Barlow 32x

EYEPIECE 2: 9.7mm

MAGFIFICATION 3 41x – with Barlow 82x

TRIPOD: Full height, aluminium with carry case

OPTICAL RESOLVING POWER: 1.45 arc seconds

LIGHT GATHERING POWER 131 x

OPTICAL COATINGS Fully-Coated

COMPUTER HAND CONTROL Fully Computerized / Flash Upgradeable

SLEW SPEEDS Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x

TRACKING RATES Sidereal, Solar and Lunar

DATABASE 1471 Object Database

What can you see with the Meade ETX80 SE telescope?

At low to medium power, the ancient landscape of the Moon becomes a fabulously intricate panorama of craters, rays and rills. At higher powers, individual crater systems can be explored. The planet Mars will show many details on its surface, and the polar cap can be seen during ideal observing conditions. At good observing times, when observed at just 50x or higher magnification, the planet Jupiter will appear as a banded disc larger in size than you normally see the full Moon with the unaided eye! The cloud belts of Jupiter will show ever changing detail that will show drift across the planet's face in just a few minutes. The four main moons of Jupiter can be seen orbiting the giant planet, sometimes casting shadows onto Jupiter's dense cloudy atmosphere. The planet Saturn will show its magnificent ring system and its bright famous moon Titan. These are just a few of the things that can be seen in our own solar system with the Meade ETX80 Special Edition computerised telescope.