Polar Alignment In The Northern Hemisphere - Vixen AP Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual

APPLICATION

Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere

The polar axis of the AP equatorial mount is aligned to the North Celestial Pole in the northern hemisphere. The polar alignment
scope utilizes 3 stars of Polaris, Delta UMi and 51 Cep near the North Pole. Positions of the above stars are plotted on the reticle
of the polar alignment scope. To locate the N.C.P, you simply match the scale position on the reticle with the designated 3 stars
seen in the polar alignment scope. Also, the patterns of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are engraved on the reticle for use as a
guidepost for the North Pole.
Perseus
Cassiopeia
1
Check your observing site with a compass, a GPS system or a map in advance to confirm that Polaris, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia can be
seen from your observing location on the date of observation.
2
Set up the mount on flat and hard ground where you can see Polaris in the sky. Take off the polar axis cap. Point the polar axis of the mount in
the direction of north as shown in the figure. Adjust the tripod legs so that the tripod is as level as possible.
Window
Slide down to open
Camelopardalis
51Cep
Polaris(Alpha UMi)
N.C.P
Cepheus
Remove
Polar axis cap
36
Delta UMi
Ursa Minor
Draco
★ Celestial north
Big Dipper
Ursa Major