Ultima 9
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and Ultima 11 Manual 35
Pointing at Polaris
This method uses Polaris as a guidepost to the celestial pole. Since Polaris is less than a degree from the
celestial pole, you can simply point the polar axis of your telescope at Polaris. Although this is by no means
perfect alignment, it does get you within one degree. Unlike the previous method, this must be done in the
dark when Polaris is visible.
1. Set the telescope up so that the polar axis is pointing north.
2. Loosen the DEC clamp and move the telescope so that the tube is
parallel to the polar axis. When this is done, the declination setting
circle will indicate +90°. If the declination setting circle is not
aligned, move the telescope so that the tube is parallel to the polar
axis (see figure 4-6).
3. Adjust the mount in altitude and/or azimuth until Polaris is in the
field of view of the finder.
4. Center Polaris in the field of the telescope using the altitude and
azimuth adjustment knobs.
Remember, while polar aligning, do NOT move the telescope in
R.A. or DEC. You do not want to move the telescope itself, but
the polar axis. The telescope is used simply to see where the
polar axis is pointing. You adjust the telescope by moving the
wedge and/or tripod.
Like the previous method, this gets you close to the pole but not directly on
it. The following methods help improve your accuracy for more serious
observations and photography.
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