Eyepiece | Alignment | Objective |
focus ring | lens |
Focus lock ring
Figure 9a. The optional polar axis finder scope.
directly from your observing site, consult a compass and rotate the tripod so the telescope points north. There is a label bearing a large “N” at the base of the equatorial mount (Figure 8). It should be facing north.
The equatorial mount is now polar aligned for casual observ- ing. More precise polar alignment is recommended for astro- photography. For this we suggest using the optional polar axis finder scope
From this point on in your observing session, you should not make any further adjustments to the latitude of the mount, nor should you move the tripod. Doing so will undo the polar align- ment. The telescope should be moved only about its R.A. and Dec. axes.
Polar Alignment Using an Optional Polar Axis Finder Scope
The SkyView Pro 120 EQ mount can be equipped with an optional polar axis finder scope (Figure 9a) which goes inside the right ascension axis of the mount. When properly aligned and used, it makes accurate polar alignment quick and easy to do.
To install the polar axis finder scope, remove the cover at the rear of the mount’s right ascension axis (Figure 9b) and thread the polar axis finder scope into the equatorial mount until tight.
Alignment of the Polar Axis Finder Scope
1.Look through the polar finder at a distant object (during the day) and center it in the crosshairs. You may need to adjust the latitude adjustment
2.Rotate the mount 180º about the R.A. axis. Again, it may be convenient to remove the counterweights and optical tube first.
3.Look through the polar finder again. Is the object being viewed still centered on the crosshairs? If it is, then no fur- ther adjustment is necessary. If not, then look through the polar finder while rotating the mount about the R.A. axis. You will notice that the object you have previously centered moves in a circular path. Use the three alignment set- screws on the polar axis finder to redirect the crosshairs of the polar finder to the apparent center of this circular path.
Figure 9b. Installing the optional polar axis finder scope.
Figure 10. The optical tube must be at a 90° angle to the right ascension axis in order to view through the polar axis finder.
point to does not rotate
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. If you do not have a clear view of Polaris from your observing site, you will not be able to use the polar axis finder to precisely polar align the telescope. To align the mount using the polar axis finder scope, follow these instructions:
1.Approximately polar align the mount as outlined in the pro- cedure above.
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