PointingatPolaris
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"sectionearlierinthemanual.
1Set the telescope up so that the polar axis is pointing north and the counterweight shaft is rotated towards the ground.
2Release the DEC clamp and move the telescope so that the optical tube is directly over the polar axis.
3Move 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 .
4Center Polaris using the fine altitude and azimuth controls (see figure
Remember,donotmovethetelescopeinR.A.orDEC. Youwanttoadjustthe direction the mount is pointing and you are using the telescope to see where the mountispointing.
5Once 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.
6Rotate the Declination circle, just above the counterweight shaft, to read 90°. Do not move the Declination circle by hand after it is set.
Figure
Astronomy Basics • 33
