Eridanus
Crux
Octants
Pavo
Apus
Chamaeleon
Mensa
Reticulum
Horologium
Hydrus
Volans
Musca
Centaurus
Triangulum Australe
Circinus
Carinae
Tucana
α
Eri
(Achernar)
α
β
τOct
χOct
σOct
↓
↓
↓
↓
SMC
LMC
APPLICATION
Celestial south
S.C.P
61
Chapter 5 APPLICATION
Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere
The polar axis of the AXJ mount is aligned to the South Celestial Pole in the southern hemisphere. The polar alignment scope
contains a reticle showing the relative positions of four stars near the S.C.P. These stars are Sigma, Tau and Chi of Octans.
Positions of the above stars are plotted on the the polar alignment reticle with the precessions are considered. To locate the
S.C.P, you simply match the scale position on the reticle with the designated 3 stars seen in the polar alignment scope. Also, the
pattern of the Sourthern Cross is engraved on the polar alignment reticle for use as a guidepost for the S.C.P.
1
Check your observing site with a compass, a GPS system or a map in advance to confirm that Octans, the Southern Cross and Alpha Eridani can
be seen from your observing location on the date of observation.
2
Set up the telescope on flat and hard ground where you
can see Octans in the sky. A rough setting with a com-
pass or pointing the polar axis of your telescope’s mount
for Octans will work well for visual observation. Point the
polar axis of the AXJ mount in the direction of south as
shown in the figure. Adjust the tripod legs so that the
tripod is as level as possible.
Take off the front polar axis cap on the declination body
and the rear cap on the polar axis body.
3
Turn on the power switch of the mount and advance the initial
settings until the telescope’s home position screen appears on
the screen of the STAR BOOK TEN.
Front polar axis cap
Celestial south
Remove
Polar axis cap
Southwar
d
