Specifications

Remember, while polar aligning, do NOT move the telescope in R.A. or DEC. You do not want to
move the telescope itself, but the polar axis. The telescope is used simply to see where the polar
axis is pointing.
Like the previous method, this gets you close to the pole but not directly on it. The following
methods help improve your accuracy for more serious observations and photography.
The Polar Axis Finder
The Polar Axis Finder is designed to minimize polar alignment set-up time while maintaining
maximum accuracy. The installation of this optional accessory is described in the section on
Installing the Polar Axis Finder. Here's how to use it:
1. Tum the Polar Axis Finder illuminator on.
2. Place Polaris in the field of the polar axis finder by adjusting the mount in altitude and
azimuth.
3. Rotate the polar scope until the orientation of the stars on the reticle matches the star
pattern in the sky (as seen with the naked eye).
4. Adjust the mount in altitude and azimuth until Polaris is in the small space on the line
between Eta h Ursa Major (Alkaid - at the end of the handle of the Big Dipper) and
Epsilon e Cassiopeia (Segin - the beginning of the W).
5. Note the second brightest star in the field.
6. Place this star in space on the line between Cassiopeia and the bowl of the Big
Dipper. If you can not get Polaris and this second star in their respective places,
rotate the polar axis finder until you can.
When finished, the mount is accurately polar aligned.
Declination Drift
This method of polar alignment allows you to get the most accurate alignment on the celestial
pole and is required if you want to do long exposure deep-sky astra-photography through the
telescope. The declination drift method requires that you monitor the drift of selected guide stars.
The drift of each guide star tells you how far away the polar axis is pointing from the true celestial
pole and in what direction. Although declination drift is quite simple and straightforward, it
requires a great deal of time and patience to complete when first attempted. The declination drift
method should be done after anyone of the previously mentioned methods has been completed.
To perform the declination drift method you need to choose two bright stars. One should be near
the eastern horizon and one due south near the meridian. Both stars should be near the celestial
equator (0° declination). You will monitor the drift of each star one at a time and in declination
only. While monitoring a star on the meridian, any misalignment in the east-west direction will be
revealed. While monitoring a star near the east/west horizon, any misalignment in the north-south
direction will be revealed. As for hardware, you will need an illuminated reticle ocular to help you
recognize any drift. For very close alignment. a Barlow lens is also recommended since it
increases the magnification and reveals any drift faster.
When looking due south with the scope on the side of the mount, insert the diagonal so it points
straight up. Insert the cross hair ocular and align cross hairs to be parallel to declination and right
ascension motion Use ±16x guide setting to check parallel alignment.
First choose your star near where the celestial equator and the meridian meet. The star should be
approximately ± 1/2 hour of the meridian and ±5° of the celestial equator. Center the star in the
field of your telescope and monitor the drift in declination .
• If the star drifts south, the polar axis is too far east.
• If the star drifts north, the polar axis is too far west.
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