![APPENDIX A: PRECISE POLAR ALIGNMENT](/images/new-backgrounds/101916/10191637x1.webp)
- 19 -
APPENDIX A: PRECISE POLAR ALIGNMENT
Precise polar alignment is essential for
Precise polar alignment requires the use of a crosshair eyepiece — such as the Meade Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece — and a 2x Barlow lens for increased magnification.
The method for precise polar alignment — commonly referred to as the “drift” method — is as follows:
1.Obtain a rough polar alignment as described in the telescope's instruction manual. Once approximate alignment has been accomplished, insert the 2x Barlow lens and the illuminated reticle eyepiece into the telescope’s eyepiece holder.
2.With the motor drive running, point the telescope at a moderately bright star near where the meridian (the
3.Disregarding the drift in R.A., note the star’s drift in Declination:
a.If the star drifts South, the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too far East (Fig. 10).
b.If the star drifts North, the telescope’s polar axis is pointing too far West (Fig. 11).
Polaris ★
★Polaris
Fig. 10: Telescope aligned too far East.
Fig. 11: Telescope aligned too far West.
4.Use the Azimuth Control knob to adjust the LXD Equatorial mount in azimuth, so there is little or no
5.Next, point the telescope at another moderately bright star near the Eastern horizon, but still near the celestial equator. For best results, the star should be about 20° or 30° above the Eastern horizon and within
a.If the star drifts South, the telescope's polar axis is pointing too low (Fig. 12).
b.If the star drifts North, the telescope's polar axis is pointing too high (Fig. 13).
Polaris ★
Polaris ★
Fig. 12: Telescope aligned too far low.
Fig. 13: Telescope aligned too high.
6.Use the latitude adjustment knob on the LXD Equatorial Mount to change the latitude angle based on your observations above. Again, track the star for a period of time to verify that Declination drift has ceased.
After completing these procedures your telescope is precisely polar aligned, minimizing the need for tracking corrections during long- exposure astrophotography.