Home >> Science & Nature >> Astronomy

How to Align a Super Polaris Celestron Telescope

Super Polaris equatorial telescope mounts are suitable for Celestron telescopes. You must use mounts because the telescope is heavy, and the optical tube needs supporting. These mounts also mimic the earth's rotation, so you must align the axis of the telescope with the axis of earth for it to work properly. You can align a Super Polaris Celestron telescope after assembling the telescope onto the mount and installing the eyepiece. You must balance the telescope and then align it roughly; you can also perform full polar alignment.

Things You'll Need

Compass
Star map

Instructions

- 1
  Align the telescope roughly by inserting the compass into its receptacle on the tripod. Move the tripod so the "N" on the compass and the "N" on the polar axis are aligned. Set the altitude gradation mark so it corresponds with your latitude. Level the mount with the bubble level, and adjust the inclination and direction of the polar axis so the altitude graduation and direction of the compass are identical.
- 2
  Align the telescope precisely if you plan to do long viewing or want to take photographs. Locate the big dipper, and use the two stars at the end of the cup to point at Polaris. Point the telescope at Polaris. Use a star map if you have trouble finding it.
- 3
  Adjust each tripod leg so the bubble is centered. Unfasten the declination clamp, set the graduation to 90 degrees and tighten the clamp. Get Polaris within the view of the finder through adjusting inclination and direction of the polar axis. Do so by unfastening the right ascension clamp and adjusting the altitude screw for inclination and turning the direction adjusting screws for direction of polar axis. Unfasten one screw while tightening the other.
- 4
  Repeat Step 3 until the center of the field of view is exactly between the head of the Great Bear and left-most star of the Cassiopeia "W" shape. Tighten the right clamp.

Astronomy