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Figure 7-8
A collimated telescope
should appear as a
symmetrical ring pattern
similar to the diffraction
disk seen here.
Take note of the direction the light appears to flare. For example, if it appears to flare
toward the three o'clock position in the field of view, then you must move whichever
screw or combination of collimation screws necessary to move the star’s image toward
the direction of the flaring. In this example, you would want to move the image of the
star in your eyepiece, by adjusting the collimation screws, toward the three o'clock
position in the field of view. It may only be necessary to adjust a screw enough to move
the star’s image from the center of the field of view to about halfway, or less, toward the
field's edge (when using a high power ocul r).
ar's position in the field of view and turning the
djustment screws simultaneously. This way, you can see exactly which way the movement occurs. It may
y
-
Fig 7-7 Even though the star pattern appears the same on both sides of focus, they are asymmetric. The dark
obstruction is skewed off to the left side of the diffraction pattern indicating poor collimation.
a
Collimation adjustments are best made while viewing the st
a
be helpful to have two people working together: one viewing and instructing which screws to turn and b
how much, and the other performing the adjustments.
IMPORTANT: After making the first, or each adjustment, it is necessary to re-aim the telescope tube to re
center the star again in the center of the field of view. The star image can then be judged for symmetry by
going just inside and outside of exact focus and noting the star's pattern. Improvement should be seen if the
proper adjustments are made. Since three screws are present, it may be necessary to move at least two of
them to achieve the necessary mirror movement.
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