
4
4. Now re-center the object on the crosshairs as you did in Step 1, then repeat
Steps 2 and 3.
5. Repeat this procedure as needed until the star or object does not rotate off-
center when the mount is rotated in R.A. The polar axis nder scope is then
ready to use for polar alignment. When not in use, replace the plastic cover
over the polar scope (if your mount has such a cover) to prevent it from get-
ting bumped out of alignment.
Polar Alignment Using the Polar Scope
To polar-align the mount using the polar axis nder scope, follow these steps:
1. Move the tripod so the telescope tube and right ascension axis point roughly
at Polaris. If you cannot see Polaris directly from your observing site, consult
a compass and rotate the tripod so the telescope points north.
2. Remove the cap on the front opening of the equatorial mount. Now, sight
Polaris in the polar axis nder scope. Polaris will probably be somewhere
within the eld of view. If not, move the tripod left-to-right, and adjust the lati-
tude up and down until Polaris appears the eld of view. Polaris will be the
brightest star in its immediate vicinity.
3. Note the constellation Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper in the reticle of the
polar axis nder scope. They do not appear in scale, but they indicate the
general positions of Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper relative to the north
celestial pole. Rotate the reticle so the constellations depicted match their
current orientation in the sky when viewed with the naked eye. To do this,
release the R.A. lock lever and rotate the main telescope around the R.A.
axis until the reticle is oriented with sky. For larger optical tubes you may
need to remove the tube from the mount to prevent it from bumping into
the mount. Once the reticle is correctly oriented, use the R.A. lock lever to
secure the mount’s position.
4. Now use the mount’s azimuth adjustment knobs and the latitude adjustment
jackscrew to position Polaris inside the tiny circle marked “Polaris” on the
nder’s reticle. You must rst loosen – very slightly only -- the knob under-
neath the equatorial mount on the center support shaft so that the mount can
rotate.
Once Polaris is properly positioned within the reticle, you are precisely polar
aligned. Retighten the knob underneath the equatorial mount. If you do not have
a clear view of Polaris from your observing site, you will not be able to use the
polar scope to precisely polar align the telescope.
NOTE: From this point on in your observing or imaging session, you should not
make any further adjustments to the azimuth or the latitude of the mount, nor
should you move the tripod. Doing so will undo the polar alignment. The tele-
scope should be moved only about its right ascension and declination axes.