|
Hi
The method intimated by Peter with Stellarium is probably the one I always suggest. It is extremely accurate and does not need a compass. Just set your telescope up on its levelled alt/azm mount power off. Turn stellarium on (set to your exact location) and locate a star that is easy to identify, Stellarium can also help here, and has an azimuth bearing of between 4 and 10 degrees (much less when you get the knack). Centre the star and track it manually and watch the azimuth in Stellarium as soon as it hits 0 degrees stop tracking. The telescope is now pointing due north. Wind the Altitude down to locate a landmark on the horizon. Next time you set up at the same place you can use the same land mark as your north reference.
A by product of being able to set north within a couple of arc minutes and find an accurate level also within a couple of arc minutes can bypass the alignment phase of a goto telescope for most purposes.
Barry
|