13
RIGHT ASCENSION AXIS
Declination (Dec.)
slow motion
control
Latitude adjustment t-bolt
Azimuth adjustment knob
R.A. lock knob
Declination (Dec.)
setting circle
Right ascension
(R.A.) setting circle
Right ascension
(R.A.) slow motion
control
Latitude locking
t-bolt
Latitude scale
Figure 3. The equatorial mount.
DECLINA
TION AXIS
Figure 4.
To find Polaris in the night sky, look north and find the Big Dipper. Extend an imaginary line from the two “Pointer Stars” in
the bowl of the Big Dipper. Go about five times the distance between those stars and you’ll reach Polaris, which lies within 1°
of the north celestial pole (NCP).
Big Dipper
(in Ursa Major)
Little Dipper
(in Ursa Minor)
N.C.P.
Pointer Stars
Cassiopeia
Polaris
