![Appendix D: Equatorial ( Polar Alignment)](/images/new-backgrounds/101931/101931123x1.webp)
Appendix D: Equatorial ( Polar Alignment)
Locating the Celestial Pole
To get basic bearings at an observing location, take note of where the Sun rises (East) and sets (West) each day. After the site is dark, face North by pointing your left shoulder toward where the Sun sets. To precisely point at the pole, find the North Star (Polaris) by using the Big Dipper as a guide (Fig. 47).
For precise tracking of astronomical objects, your telescope should be Polar aligned.
Important Note: For almost all astronomical observing requirements, approximate settings of the telescope’s latitude and polar axis are acceptable. Do not allow undue attention to precise Polar Alignment of the telescope to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the instrument.
AudioStar Polar Alignment
AudioStar provides four different methods for Polar Alignment: Easy,
Little Dipper
| Polaris |
Big Dipper | Cassiopeia |
|
Figure 47: Locating Polaris
Easy Polar Alignment
Two alignment stars are chosen by AudioStar based on the date, time and location entered. First, choose “LX80 Polar” from the “Setup: Telescope: Telescope Model” menu and place the telescope into the Polar Home Position as described on Page 28. The rest of the procedure is identical to the (alt/az)
One-Star Polar Alignment
Polar
Two-Star Polar Alignment
Polar
Precise Polar Alignment
It should be emphasized that while doing casual observing, precise alignment of the telescope’s polar axis to the celestial pole is not necessary. Don’t allow a
Even though the LX80 telescopes offers a sophisticated drive system, the fewer tracking corrections required during the course of a
Precise polar alignment requires the use of a crosshair eyepiece. The Meade Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece (see Optional Accessories, Page 52) is
1.Obtain a rough polar alignment as described earlier. Place the illuminated reticle eyepiece (or eyepiece/ Barlow combination) into the accessory adapter of the telescope.
2.Point the telescope, with the motor drive running, at a moderately bright star near where the meridian (the
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