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Astronomy Basics • 33
Pointing at PolarisPointing at Polaris
Pointing at PolarisPointing at Polaris
Pointing at Polaris
This method utilizes Polaris as a guidepost to the celestial pole. Since Polaris is less
than a degree from the celestial pole, many amateurs simply point the polar axis of
their telescope at Polaris. Although this is by no means a perfect alignment, it is
close. To align using this method:
Align the finderscope with the main optical tube as described in the "Aligning the
Finder" section earlier in the manual.
1 Set the telescope up so that the polar axis is pointing north and the
counterweight shaft is rotated towards the ground.
2 Release the DEC clamp and move the telescope so that the optical tube is
directly over the polar axis.
3 Move the mount in altitude and/or azimuth until Polaris is in the field of
view of the finder. Rough azimuth adjustments can be made by moving the
tripod .
4 Center Polaris using the fine altitude and azimuth controls (see figure 5-7).
Remember, do not move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You want to adjust theRemember, do not move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You want to adjust the
Remember, do not move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You want to adjust theRemember, do not move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You want to adjust the
Remember, do not move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You want to adjust the
direction the mount is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where thedirection the mount is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where the
direction the mount is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where thedirection the mount is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where the
direction the mount is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where the
mount is pointing.mount is pointing.
mount is pointing.mount is pointing.
mount is pointing.
5 Once Polaris is in the finder it should also be centered in the telescope. If
not, use the fine adjustment controls to center Polaris in the telescope
field.
6 Rotate the Declination circle, just above the counterweight shaft, to read 90°. Do
not move the Declination circle by hand after it is set.
Figure 5-7Figure 5-7
Figure 5-7Figure 5-7
Figure 5-7