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the telescope. The declination drift method requires
star tells you how far away the polar axis is pointing from
clination drift is simple and straight-forward, it requires a
reat deal of time and patience to complete when first attempted. The declination drift method should be done after
eridian. Both stars should be near the celestial equator (i.e., 0° declination). You will
monitor the drift of each star one at a time and in declination only. While monitoring a star
st/west horizon, any
eyepiece to help you
ases the magnification
straight up. Insert the
other is parallel to the
approximately within
r in the field of your
•
inated all the drift, move
ithin five degrees of the
If the
If the star drifts north, the polar axis is too high.
gain, make the appropriate adjustments to the polar axis to eliminate any drift. Unfortunately, the latter adjustments
teract with the prior adjustments ever so slightly. So, repeat the process again to improve the accuracy checking both
es for minimal drift. Once the drift has been eliminated, the telescope is very accurately aligned. You can now do
ime focus deep-sky astrophotography for long periods.
OTE: If the eastern horizon is blocked, you may choose a star near the western horizon, but you must reverse the
polar high/low error directions. Also, if using this method in the southern hemisphere, the direction of drift is
reversed for both R.A. and DEC.
This method of polar alignment allows you to get the most accurate alignment on the celestial pole and is required if
ou want to do long exposure deep-sky astrophotography throughy
that you monitor the drift of selected stars. The drift of each
the true celestial pole and in what direction. Although de
g
any one of the previously mentioned methods has been completed.
To perform the declination drift method you need to choose two bright stars. One should be near the eastern horizon
and one due south near the m
on the meridian, any
misalignment in the east-west direction is revealed. While monitoring a star near the ea
misalignment in the north-south direction is revealed. It is helpful to have an illuminated reticle
recognize any drift. For very close alignment, a Barlow lens is also recommended since it incre
and reveals any drift faster. When looking due south, insert the diagonal so the eyepiece points
cross hair eyepiece and align the cross hairs so that one is parallel to the declination axis and the
right ascension axis. Move your telescope manually in R.A. and DEC to check parallelism.
First, choose your star near where the celestial equator and the meridian meet. The star should be
1/2 an hour of the meridian and within five degrees of the celestial equator. Center the sta
telescope and monitor the drift in declination.
• If the star drifts south, the polar axis is too far east.
If the star drifts north, the polar axis is too far west.
Make the appropriate adjustments to the polar axis to eliminate any drift. Once you have elim
to the star near the eastern horizon. The star should be 20 degrees above the horizon and w
celestial equator.
• star drifts south, the polar axis is too low.
•
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ax
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