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Use these large-scale movements to point your telescope in the general
direction of the object you are viewing. Use the following fine-tuned
adjustments to perfectly center it in your view for accurate tracking.
•
The larger silver circle on your mount is the Hour Circle, which shows
the exact Right Ascension of your telescope position. Once you’ve
set the general position by rotating the entire OTA on the Mount Base
Screw, fine-tuned adjustments to Right Ascension can be made using
the Right Ascension Adjustment Cable and your position can be seen
on the Hour Circle. R.A. is measured in 0 to 24 hours.
•
Nearer the base of your mount is the Declination Scale. After setting
the telescope angle using the Latitudinal Adjustment Screws, the fine-
tuned adjustments can be made using the Declination Adjustment
Cable. Declination is measured from
0° to 90° each direction.
Before beginning polar alignment, it is important to ensure that the base
of your mount is level. If the base is not level by even the smallest degree,
your measurements will be off and alignment will be much more difficult.
ADVANCED OBSERVATION
POLAR ALIGNMENT
Polar Alignment uses easy-to-find stars to help you find the center of the
celestial sphere. All of your coordinates (R.A. and Dec.) are calculated
using this center as a reference point, so exact alignment is absolutely
necessary. The process varies depending on which Hemisphere you will
be setting up. Both are described below, here’s what you’ll need -
For Northern Hemisphere viewing, you will need to familiarize yourself with
the locations of a few key constellations and stars.
