10
Eridanus
Crux
Octants
Pavo
Apus
Chamaeleon
Mensa
Reticulum
Horologium
Hydrus
Volans
Musca
Centaurus
Triangulum Australe
Circinus
Carinae
Tucana
α
Eri
(Achernar)
α
β
τ
Oct
χ
Oct
σ
Oct
↓
↓
↓
↓
SMC
LMC
Celestial south
S.C.P
Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere
The polar axis of the AP equatorial mount is aligned to the South Celestial Pole in the southern hemisphere. The polar alignment
scope utilizes 3 stars of Sigma Octantis, Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis near the South Pole. Positions of these star are plotted on
the reticle of the polar alignment scope. To locate the S.C.P, you simply match each of the position scale on the reticle with the
designated 3 stars caught by the polar alignment scope. Also, the pattern of the Southern Cross and Alpha Eridani are engraved
on the reticle for use as a guidepost for the South Pole.
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 mount on flat and hard ground where you can see Octans in the sky. Take off the polar axis cap. Point the polar axis of the mount in the
direction of nor th as shown in the figure. Adjust the tripod legs so that will the tripod is as level as possible.
Remove
Window
Slide down to open
Polar axis cap
Southwar
d
★
Celestial south
