Hello Friend,

Recently I wrote about the joys of sometime using a completely manual telescope as opposed to
a computerized telescope.

     I also mentioned that Meade Instruments has recently released a good quality series
of telescopes and mounts, called the LX70 series.

http://khanscope.com/newEquipList.cfm?catID=1&subCatID=1&manID=1

One of the models is a 6" Maksutov, which is a really good planetary performer if that is
your thing.

Considering the number of planets visible right now, well why not?

      One thing that folks often have difficulty with is finding objects in the night sky with
a manual scope.

And that is where our old, tried and true device, the Telrad comes in.

http://khanscope.com/accessDetails.cfm?productID=409

    Personally, I have used one for years. Even on my computerized instruments.

I recall being at a star party several years ago, where I met the inventor of the Telrad,
the late Steve Kufeld, himself also a keen amateur astronomer, with an engineering degree.

   He recounted how he had gotten the idea from an old WW2 bomber sighting
and decided to incorporate the idea into a more practical finder unit for amateur astronomers.

While Steve is no longer with us, his memory lives on with countless amateur astronomers
who continue to use his clever finding device, which fits practically all telescopes.

    So if you are having some difficulty hunting objects down in the night sky, then do
consider the telrad finder as an indispensable accessory to have.

Clear Skies,

Ray Khan