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Polar Alignment refers to the procedure for aligning Star Adventurer 2i’s rotational axis with the
Earth’s rotational axis. If we extend Earth’s rotational axis out into space it intersects an imaginary
point called the Celestial Pole. In the Northern hemisphere we refer to that point as the North
Celestial Pole, or NCP for short. In the Southern hemisphere it is the South Celestial Pole or SCP.
Because the celestial poles are imaginary points, there is nothing to see at their locations. This
can make pointing at them a bit of a challenge! However, there are a couple of celestial land marks
nearby the poles that help us along. In the north it is Polaris, the North Star. In the south it is the star
Sigma Octanis
To polar align Star Adventurer 2i with the NCP follow this procedure. It is best to do this at
dusk when you can just see Polaris, but before it is completely dark so that you can more
easily see what you are doing. Also, it’s always good practice to save the dark for taking
your pictures, not for setting up your equipment.
1. Set up your tripod and be sure that it is secure.
2. Attach
Star Adventurer 2i
to the tilt/pan or ball head.
3. Move the tripod and make the
Mounting Platform
facing north. Then remove
Polar Scope Cap.
4. Attach
Polar Scope Illuminator
to the
Polar Scope
on
Mounting Platform side. This will help make the reticule
pattern in the
Polar Scope
eyepiece more visible in dark
conditions. Adjust the intensity of the illuminator by turning
the dial. Make it bright enough to see the reticule pattern,
but not so bright as to wash out your view of Polaris
5. Loose
Clutch Knob
and rotate
Mounting Platform
so
that In view of
Polar Scope
the “0” label on the reticule
pattern is at the12 o’clock position (i.e., at the top). When
positioned correctly 3 will be seen at the right, 6 and the
bottom and 9 to the left. Then fasten
Clutch Knob
.
6. Now, angle the tilt/head or ball mount up and rotate so
that you can see Polaris in the field of view of the
Quick
Polaris Finder
.
7. Now you should be able to see Polaris in field of view
of
Polar Scope
. If not, angle the tilt/head or ball mount
up and rotate until Polaris in the field of view. It can be
anywhere in the field of view at this point. You will adjust
to its exact location in a moment
8. Go to
Using the Polar Clock
Utility for Polar
Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere
to finish the
Polar alignment procedure
Polar Alignment:
Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere
While using a tilt/pan head or ball mount attached to
your tripod:
Polaris
