Hello, in order to view Mars my scope is in a place where I can't see Polaris, so I cannot polar align. I just got a clock drive for the scope and I'm wondering if I would be close enough as long as the tripod is level and the lattitude is set for my area. Thanks.
RA tracking?
Started by dale tubbs, 09/18/2003 06:30AM
Posted 09/18/2003 06:30AM
Opening Post
Posted 09/18/2003 05:13PM
#1
You might try this method which I've used for a little 3.5 Questar I've had for years. Maybe it would work for a bigger scope:
1. Start your clock drive
2. Ascertain the right ascension of your meridian of longitude at the current time (I use an old device called AccuStar, but there may be a more computerized method to do it), and set your right ascension circle to show that number at the zenith position.
3. Then use the setting circles to point your telescope to the right ascension and declination of a visible bright star, such as Vega or Altair.
4. Without further changing its settings, move the telescope(i.e., both the polar axis and the r.a. axis) until the star you've selected is centered in the eyepiece.
This brings my little Questar close enough to polar alignment to allow me to view Mars (or other objects I may use the setting circles to point to) for long minutes with very little drift (obviously not suitable for photography).
1. Start your clock drive
2. Ascertain the right ascension of your meridian of longitude at the current time (I use an old device called AccuStar, but there may be a more computerized method to do it), and set your right ascension circle to show that number at the zenith position.
3. Then use the setting circles to point your telescope to the right ascension and declination of a visible bright star, such as Vega or Altair.
4. Without further changing its settings, move the telescope(i.e., both the polar axis and the r.a. axis) until the star you've selected is centered in the eyepiece.
This brings my little Questar close enough to polar alignment to allow me to view Mars (or other objects I may use the setting circles to point to) for long minutes with very little drift (obviously not suitable for photography).
NexStar 8i SCT, Orion 80ED APO refractor, Orion 120 mm EQ refractor, 3.5-inch Questar
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