| Little Dipper | |||
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Big Dipper | N.C.P. | |||
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(in Ursa Major) |
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| Polaris |
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Pointer |
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| Cassiopeia |
Stars |
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Figure 8. To find Polaris in the night sky, look north and find the Big Dipper. Extend an imaginary line from the two "Pointer Stars" in the bowl of the Big Dipper. Go about five times the distance between those stars and you'll reach Polaris, which lies within 1° of the north celestial pole (NCP).
star Sigma Octantis lies about 1° from the SCP, but it is barely visible with the naked eye (magnitude 5.5).
For general visual observation, an approximate polar align- ment is sufficient.
1.Level the equatorial mount by adjusting the length of the three tripod legs.
2.There are two latitude adjusting
3.Loosen the Dec. lock lever and rotate the telescope’s opti- cal tube until it is parallel with the right ascension axis, as it is in Figure 7.
4.Move the tripod so the telescope tube and right ascen- sion axis point roughly at Polaris. If you cannot see Polaris
Azimuth adjustment knobs
Figure 9. For polar alignment, position the tripod so that the "N" label at the base of the mount faces north. The azimuth fine adjustment knobs above it are used to make small adjustments to the mount’s azimuth position. Be certain to loosen the tripod attachment knob on the central support shaft before adjusting these knobs.
directly from your observing site, consult a compass and rotate the tripod so the telescope points north. There is a label bearing a large “N” at the base of the equatorial mount (Figure 9). It should be facing north.
The equatorial mount is now polar aligned for casual observ- ing. More precise polar alignment is recommended for astrophotography. For this we suggest using the optional polar axis finder scope.
From this point on in your observing session, you should not make any further adjustments to the latitude of the mount, nor should you move the tripod. Doing so will undo the polar align- ment. The telescope should be moved only about its R.A. and Dec. axes.
Polar Alignment Using the Optional Polar Axis Finder Scope
The SkyView Pro EQ mount can be equipped with an optional polar axis finder scope (Figure 10a) which goes inside the right ascension axis of the mount. It makes accurate polar alignment quick and easy to do.
To install the polar axis finder scope, remove the cover at the
Eyepiece | Focus lock | Objective |
focus ring | ring | lens |
Figure 10a. The optional polar axis finder scope.
rear of the mount’s right ascension axis and thread the polar axis finder scope into the equatorial mount until tight (Figure 10b).
Figure 10b. Installing the optional polar axis finder scope.
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