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by
Craig Hill
Balancing the Declination Axis |
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Balancing the Right Ascension Axis |
Next, we want to tighten the Declination Axis screw,
and loosen the other one, for balancing the Right Ascension Axis. The Right
Ascension, or R/A axis, is the one that your weight is screwed into. The
other setting circle here is for this axis. ![]() And finally, a picture showing The Final Balance |
Aligning to the North Star |
Ok..Now that we have the scope balanced so that
it will move in either direction freely, and stay put wherever we let go
of it, it's time to "Polar Align" it. First, we will need to set the "Latitude
Adjustment" to our particular Latitude, which can be obtained by calling
a nearby airport, and asking what![]() ![]() |
A Graphic representation of Polar Alignment
and the Celestial Sphere.
Using the Mount to Locate Objects |
Now that we are all set up, balanced and Polar Aligned, we can use the mount to find objects by their "Celestial Coordinates". First, you will notice that the Declination Setting Circle does NOT rotate. It is set at the factory, and needs to remain where it is. The Right Ascension Setting Circle DOES rotate, and is changed when we use it to find objects. To begin, we must first set the scope to a star with a known address. We will use a "circumpolar star", or one that is visible all year long from a Latitude of 40 degrees North... Beta Ursa Major, or Merak. This star is the bottom right star of the bowl of the Big Dipper. Its Celestial Coordinates are..11 hours, 1 Minute of R/A.. so.. we get this star in the center of our eyepiece, and quickly set the R/A setting circle to 11 Hours. The numbers on this circle represent hours and minutes. on my mount, the divisions are in 10 minute increments. The declination of this star is +56 degrees.. 23 minutes. This should already be where the declination circle is, if you have set up the mount properly. Now, moving quickly, because as the stars move across the sky, the R/A moves with them, find the coordinates of an object you wish to find, and move the scope on its two loosened axis' until both the R/A setting circle, (without touching the R/A circle) AND the Declination circle read the star's address. If you have done everything correctly, the object should be in or near the center of the eyepiece in the scope. You MAY need to move the scope around just a LITTLE to find the object, but it will be very near to where you are pointing the scope. |
As I said in the beginning, this page is simply intended to help the new
person understand how to use an Equatorial Mount. If you have ANY questions,
or something does not seem clear,
PLEASE E Mail me at Craig
It is my intention to make this page as easy to understand as possible. Your
comments are really appreciated, Thanks!! And Clear Skies!!
Additional Information |
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