polar alignment and setting circles

[dazcaz]

It looks like I've decided on the 'scope to buy.
Now a couple of questions:-

First a stoopid one:
I can't see the pole star from my tiny garden. So how do I polar align?
Is there an alternative way of doing it


What are setting circles... will this be obvious when I finally get the 'scope?

Darren

[alisterchapman]

You can do an approximate alignment by aligning the mount with true north and setting your latitude using the scale on the side. For short exposures of up to a minute and most observing this will do.

Setting circles are used to locate stars and other objects. The easiest way to use them is to point the scope at an object of a known position, then turn the rings so they read that position. Once set you can then look up the RA and DEC of the object you want to find and swing the scope until the rings read the appropriate location and with luck the object will be in view.

[joe]

I can't see the pole star from my tiny garden. So how do I polar align?
Is there an alternative way of doing it

If you Google "Drift Alignment" you will get many descriptions of this technique. Like this very detailed one.

[dazcaz]

Thanks for the fast replies. This really is a great forum.

I think that I'll be able to manage setting circles.

As for drift alignment... Ouch! My brain hurts, and I only scanned down briefly

It looks like I'll be leaving my attempts at astro-photography to the times I take the 'scope to darker skies.... I'll give it a go though.

Thanks again

Darren

[Sapper]

What 'scope did you decide on in the end, Darren ?

[dazcaz]

What 'scope did you decide on in the end, Darren ?

Drum roll.......

The explorer 200 on the HEQ5

I've seen the EQ5 version. It's HUGE but I think I can find somewhere to keep it. Getting it stored safely in the motorhome will be fun , but I've started clearing a space to store it in the radio shack... I'll have to clear space in my garden too

As soon as my most wonderful and darling wife (just in case she ever reads this) says go ahead, I'll be ordering from Steve at FLO. I spoke with him on the phone earlier and he sounded decent, so that's OK with me.

I've just joined the SPA too.... It'll be chess club next
Mmmm... Ham radio, electronics, Photography, astronomy..... Is it me, or am I turning into a geek?.... now where did I put those corduroy trousers... I saw some nice elbow patches in a catalogue this morning....

Help!!!!!!!

Darren

[joe]

As for drift alignment... Ouch! My brain hurts, and I only scanned down briefly

Bear in mind that all they are saying is that if you centre a star and it slowly drifts out of centre then you simply have to re-adjust the axis a little until the drift disappears.

now where did I put those corduroy trousers... I saw some nice elbow patches in a catalogue this morning....
Help!!!!!!!

How about beige chinos and black Polo?

Photographer: davep