Polar alignment using a polar scope.
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Polar alignment using a polar scope.
I hope this helps!
I would give credit to the author if I could remember where I got it from.
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
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Re: Polar alignment using a polar scope.
In the example above, Polaris was initially placed at the dead-centre of the dial. Then it was moved up or down (it doesn't matter which) onto the dial ring, and the
Once you have the reticle oriented correctly, look up the current clock position for Polaris. Note that this is not the same as "hour angle". Your handset might tell you the current clock position, or there are polar alignment apps that will tell you. Using the dial like a clock dial (0 or 12 at the top, 3 at the right, 6 at the bottom, and 9 at the left), adjust the mount to place Polaris on the dial at the correct clock position.
Clock dial reticles allow for correction for the movement of Polaris due to precession. Which circle you use depends on the year, as shown in the inset. This level of precision is probably more than most people require.
DSO AP: Orion 200mm f/4 Newtonian Astrograph; ATIK 383L+; EFW2 filter wheel; Astrodon Ha,Oiii,LRGB filters; KWIQ/QHY5 guide scope; Planetary AP: Celestron C-11; ZWO ASI120MC; Portable: Celestron C-8 on HEQ5 pro; C-90 on wedge; 20x80 binos; Etc: Canon 350D; Various EPs, etc. Obs: 8' Exploradome; iOptron CEM60 (pier); Helena Observatory (H2O) Astrobin
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Re: Polar alignment using a polar scope.
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
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