Until now, the stargazer's two biggest challenges to enjoying the night sky have been aligning their telescope and finding objects. Meade's new ETX Premier Edition series eliminates these two challenges and makes astronomy as easy as pushing a button – right out of the box. Setting up your scope is a snap with the Automatic Alignment + SmartFinder™ system – just enter your zip code, and your scope will level itself, point to true North and set the time automatically. When you're ready to begin observing, scan the vast database of the included Autostar Computer Controller – choose from over 30,000 celestial objects. Find the object you want, then hit the GO TO button. Your telescope will automatically locate the object and place it in the center of your eyepiece.

Automatic Alignment + SmartFinder™
The ETX-90PE automatically levels itself, points to North and sets the time once you enter your location or zip code. After the scope completes its patented Level North automatic alignment procedure, it will point to the first alignment star. Use the new wide-field SmartFinder to center the red dot over the alignment stars for ultra-precise pointing accuracy.

Autostar Controller and Software Package
Plug Meade's #497 Autostar Computer Controller into your ETX scope and quickly locate more than 30,000 celestial objects at the push of a button. The Autostar's dual-axis GO TO function automatically slews your scope at a smooth 5° per second, placing the desired object in the center of your field of view. Find galaxies, nebulae, asteroids, periodic comets and more – without the hassle of fumbling with star charts or maps. Used in conjunction with the Autostar Controller, Meade's Autostar Suite software for your PC offers even more observable objects – over 19 million – enabling point-and-click telescope control right from your desktop.

Precision Crafted Optical Sets
Meade Maksutov-Cassegrains optical sets are individually hand-figured by a Meade master optician. Every optical set is put through over 30 separate optical tests and inspections before the optics are mounted in their respective optical tubes.

Ultra-High Transmission Coating (UHTC)
UHTC is a new technology that builds upon the already high-quality reflectivity and transmission of Meade standard optics. Through the use of vacuum-deposited exotic coatings on all four optical surfaces, UHTC increases light transmission by roughly 20% when averaged over the entire visible spectrum. Image brightness of the 10" LX200 GPS, for example, is effectively increased by about one full inch of aperture.

Meade #884 Deluxe Field Tripod
The full-length Meade #884 Deluxe Field Tripod provides a rigid mounting platform for virtually any observing application, astronomical or terrestrial. Suitable for either standing or seated observing, the #884 Tripod is adjustable in height from 34 to 54 inches.

Ideal For
Its portability and ease of use make this scope perfect for beginner or intermediate observers, while providing experts with a sophisticated field tool.

Specifications
Includes Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube assembly (D=90mm, F=1250mm, f/13.8) with EMC super multi-coatings and UHTC; internal flip-mirror system for either straight-through or 90° observing position; fork mount with electric slow-motion controls; setting circles and locks on both axes; electronic control panel; 4-speed (8x, 32x, 0.75/sec, 5/sec) dual-axis motor drive system with hand controller; sidereal-rate tracking in equatorial mode; #884 Field Tripod; #497 Autostar Computer Controller with Autostar Suite software; internal battery compartment accepting eight (user-supplied) AA-size batteries; Series 4000 Super Plossl 26mm eyepiece (1.25"); PC interface cable; operating instructions.

Care Instructions: Spot clean lenses. 1 year manufacturer's warranty.