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USING SETTING CIRCLES
With your telescope polar aligned and the hour circle accurately set, you
can now begin to locate celestial objects of your choice using star charts.
Helpful star charts are readily available in astronomy books or on the web.
A star chart normally consists of a map and an ephemeris. The map will
tell you, depending on your location and the time of here, what you will be
able to view and provide recommendations for objects with ideal viewing
conditions. The ephemeris will tell you the celestial coordinates of the
object you choose. Once you’ve selected an object, use the hour circle
and the declination circle to point your telescope quickly and accurately.
Remember - make large-scale adjustments using the Base Mount Screw
and Latitudinal Adjustment Screws, and fine-tuned adjustments using the
R.A and Declination adjustment cables.
USING MOTOR DRIVE
Once you’ve centered your telescope on a celestial object and begin
observing it, remember that it will move through the night sky. Engage
your motor drive once focused on an object and it will follow the objects
movements for extended viewing.
ADVANCED OBSERVATION
3. Center the star in the eyepiece using fine-tune adjustments
with the R.A. and Declination Adjustment Cables. Once it sits
in the exact center of your viewfinder, turn the hour circle until
the arrow points at the appropriate measurement for the star
you’re viewing (11h23m for Dubhe, 12h33m for Acrux). This
sets the hour circle to the appropriate setting for your viewing
location and time.
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