Thread: Polar Alignment
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Old 07-03-2020, 09:52 AM
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skysurfer
Dark sky rules !

skysurfer is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: 52N 6E (EU)
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Nice method.


I use a somewhat similar method, but exact noon is not needed, can be used any time.


https://www.skysurfer.eu/eqmount.php
This method works OK for looking up objects using setting circles (yes even bright stars / planets in full daylight), but also when doing AP with 85mm (FF) or 50mm (APS-C) lenses with a few minutes per frame.


For more accurate (using prime focus in ED110 = 600mm FL and frames of a few minute exposure) I point the polar scope towards the south pole after having done the abovementioned rough alignment and center the +6.9 star BQ Oct in the field. That is even simpler than in the northern hemisphere, where there is no star that close to the pole (Polaris is 40' off the pole).
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