Celestron 31058 User Manual download pdf (Page 31)

28 • Astronomy Basics

Figure 4-3

When the telescope’s axis of rotation is parallel to the Earth’s axis, stars viewed

through the telescope appear stationary when using a motor drive.

In order for the telescope to track the stars it must meet two criteria. First,

you need a drive motor that will move at the same rate as the stars. For the G-8N

there are two optional motor drives (#93518 and #93523) that can be fitted to it.

The second thing you need is to set the telescope’s axis of rotation so that it tracks

in the right direction. Since the motion of the stars across the sky is caused by the

Earth’s rotation about its axis, the telescope’s axis must be made parallel to the

Earth’s axis.

Polar alignment is the process by which the telescope’s axis of rotation is

aligned (made parallel) with the Earth’s axis of rotation. Once aligned, a

telescope with a clock drive will track the stars as they move across the sky.

The result is that objects observed through the telescope will appear stationary

(i.e., they will not drift out of the field of view). If your telescope does not use a

motor drive, all objects in the sky (day or night) will drift out of the field. This

apparent motion is caused by the Earth’s rotation. Even if you are not using a

motor drive, polar alignment is still desirable since it will reduce the number of

corrections needed to follow an object and will limit all corrections to one axis

(R.A.). There are several methods of polar alignment, all of which work on a

similar principle, but are performed somewhat differently. Each method will be

considered separately, beginning with the easier methods and working to the

more difficult, but more precise.

Although there are several methods mentioned here, you will never use all of

them during one particular observing session. Instead, you may use only one

if it is a casual observing session. Or, if you plan on astrophotography, you

may use two methods — one for rough alignment followed by a more accurate

method.

Definition:Definition:

Definition: The polar axis is the axis around which the telescope rotates when moving the

telescope in right ascension. This axis remains stationary as the telescope

moves in right ascension and declination.

Polar AlignmentPolar Alignment

Polar Alignment

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Celestron 31058 User Manual Page 31