Figure 8. The optical tube must be at a 90° angle to the right ascension axis in order to view through the polar axis finder
The polar axis finder scope is now ready to be used. When not in use, replace the plastic protective cover to prevent the polar finder from getting bumped, which could knock it out of alignment.
Using the Polar Axis Finder Scope
The reticle of the polar axis finder scope for the SkyView Pro has a tiny star map printed on it that makes precise polar alignment quick and easy. To align the mount using the polar axis finder scope, follow these instructions:
1.Approximately
2.Loosen the Dec. lock lever and rotate the optical tube on the declination axis so that the tube is at a 90° to the right ascension axis (Figure 8). Tighten the Dec. lock lever.
3.Remove the cap on the front opening of the mount (Figure 4). Focus the polar finder by rotating its eyepiece. Now, sight Polaris in the polar axis finder scope. If you have fol- lowed the approximate polar alignment procedure accu- rately, Polaris will probably be within the field of view. If not, move the tripod
4.Shine a red flashlight down the front end of the polar finder to illuminate the reticle within the field of view. Make sure the flashlight shines in at an angle, so as not to block the polar finder’s field of view. It may be helpful to have a friend hold the flashlight while you look through the polar finder. Note the constellation Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper in the reticle. They do not appear in scale, but they indicate
the general positions of Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper relative to the north celestial pole (which is indicated by the cross at the center of the reticle). Rotate the reticle so the constellations depicted match their current orientation in they sky when viewed with the naked eye. To do this, release the R.A. lock lever and rotate the main telescope around the R.A. axis until the reticle is oriented with sky. For larger optical tubes, you may need to remove the tube from the mount to prevent it from bumping into the mount. Once the reticle is correctly oriented, use the right ascen- sion lock lever to secure the mount’s position.
5.Now use the azimuth adjustment knobs (Figure 2) and the latitude adjustment
If you do not have a clear view of Polaris from your observing site, you will not be able to use the
Note: From this point on in your observing session, you should not make any further adjustments in the azimuth or the latitude of the mount, nor should you move the tripod. Doing so will undo the polar alignment. The tele- scope should be moved only about its right ascension and declination axes.
Use of the Right Ascension and Declination Slow-Motion Control Knobs
The right ascension (R.A.) and declination (Dec.)
Note: If you have an optional motor drive attached you will need to loosen the manual clutch on the R.A. (and Dec. for
The object should now be visible somewhere in the tele- scope’s finder scope. If it isn’t, use the
Tracking Celestial Objects
When you observe a celestial object through the telescope, you’ll see it drift slowly across the field of view. To keep it in
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