
| North |
Declination | Pointer |
at 0˚ |
|
Fig. 25: Alt/Az Home Position.
ADVANCED FEATURES
Terrestrial Observing
The
Astronomical Observing
Used as an astronomical instrument, your telescope has many optical and electromechanical capabilities. It is in astronomical applications where the high level of optical performance is readily visible. The range of observable astronomical objects is, with minor qualification, limit- ed only by the observer’s motivation.
Sidereal Rate
As the Earth rotates beneath the night sky, the stars appear to move from East to West. The speed at which the stars move is called the sidereal rate.
If the telescope is aligned, the motor drive is designed to rotate the telescope at the sidereal rate so that it automatically tracks the stars. This tracking makes it easy to locate objects and keep them centered in the telescope’s eyepiece.
Alignment (Mount)
The telescope's mount permits the movement of the telescope in both Altitude (vertically) and Azimuth (horizontally). In order to automatically track a celestial object, the mount must be properly aligned. Easy Alignment is described on page 19.
Alt/Az Alignment
The term "Alt/Az." is frequently used to refer to the Altitude or horizontal and Azimuth or verti- cal movements of the
Alt/Az Home Position
To set your telescope in the "Alt/Az" home position (also see Fig. 20, page 19).:
•Loosen the telescope’s vertical lock (13, Fig. 1).
•Level the optical tube with the horizon. Move the optical tube until the pointer points at “0” on the setting circle.
•Tighten the vertical lock to a "firm feel" only.
•Unlock the horizontal lock (14, Fig. 1) and turn the telescope horizontally until it points North.
•Remove the 45° prism and eyepiece from the rear cell port. It may interfere with the alignment procedure. After alignment, you may replace the prism and eyepiece.
•Press ENTER.
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