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, One-Star, Two-Star and Three Star.

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) “Two-Star”.

One-Star Polar Alignment

Polar One-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AudioStar provides a database of bright stars and one star from this database is chosen by the observer for alignment. Polaris is chosen by AudioStar. 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 almost identical to the (alt/az) One Star alt/az Alignment, except that AudioStar prompts you to point the telescope at Polaris and center it in the telescope eyepiece.

Two-Star Polar Alignment

Polar Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. AudioStar provides a database of bright stars and two stars from this database are chosen by the observer for alignment. 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 almost identical to the (alt/az) Two Star alt/az Alignment, Page 49.

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 time-consuming effort at lining up with the pole to interfere with your basic enjoyment of the telescope. For long-exposure photography, however, the ground rules are quite different, and precise polar alignment is not only advisable, but almost essential.

Even though the LX80 telescopes offers a sophisticated drive system, the fewer tracking corrections required during the course of a long-exposure photograph, the better. In particular, the number of declination corrections required is a direct function of the precision of polar alignment.

Precise polar alignment requires the use of a crosshair eyepiece. The Meade Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece (see Optional Accessories, Page 52) is well-suited in this application, but it is also preferable to increase the effective magnification through the use of a 2x or 3x Barlow lens as well. Follow this procedure (particularly if the pole star is not visible), sometimes better known as the “Drift” method:

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 North-South line passing through your local zenith) and the celestial equator intersect. For best results, the star should be located within ±30 minutes in RA of the meridian and within ±5° of the celestial equator (see Celestial Coordinates, Page 61). Pointing the telescope at a star that is straight up, with the declination set to 0°, will point the telescope in the right direction.

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Meade LX80 Precise Polar Alignment, AudioStar Polar Alignment, Easy Polar Alignment, One-Star Polar Alignment

LX80 specifications

The Meade LX80 is a versatile and innovative telescope designed to cater to both novice astronomers and experienced stargazers. Its combination of performance, ease of use, and advanced features makes it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking to explore the cosmos.

One of the standout characteristics of the LX80 is its extensive GoTo mount system, which allows users to automatically locate and track celestial objects with remarkable precision. This feature is powered by a database containing over 30,000 astronomical objects, providing a broad range of targets for exploration. The telescope's integrated GPS ensures swift alignment with the night sky, simplifying setup and enhancing the observing experience.

The LX80 employs advanced technology with its heavy-duty dual-axis equatorial mount, providing stability and sturdiness. This design is particularly beneficial for astrophotography, as it minimizes vibrations and allows for longer exposure times without blurring. Additionally, the mount is compatible with various optical tubes, enabling users to customize their setup according to their specific interests, whether it’s planetary observation or deep-sky photography.

Another impressive feature of the Meade LX80 is its SmartDrive technology, which continually corrects any tracking errors, ensuring smooth and accurate movement across the night sky. This is especially helpful for capturing high-quality images of celestial bodies. The telescope can also be controlled via a smartphone or tablet using the optional Meade app, which further adds to its user-friendly design.

The LX80's optical performance is equally commendable. Many models come with a high-quality optical tube, offering superb light-gathering capabilities. The telescope's aperture, typically ranging from 6 to 10 inches, makes it well-suited for observing faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, as well as brighter targets such as planets.

In terms of portability, the LX80 is designed to be compact, making it easier to transport to dark-sky locations. The telescope can be quickly set up and dismantled, accommodating astronomers who wish to observe in various settings.

Overall, the Meade LX80 stands out as a dynamic and feature-rich telescope. With its powerful GoTo capabilities, advanced tracking technology, and customizable optics, it offers a well-rounded observational experience. Whether you're peering through the eyepiece for the first time or capturing stunning images of the universe, the LX80 is equipped to meet your astronomical needs.