Polar Alignment - Celestron FIRSTSCOPE 80 EQ Instruction Manual

eastward from an arbitrary point on the celestial equator in the constellation Pisces. The prime R.A.
coordinate which passes through this point is designated "O hours O minutes O seconds". We call this
reference point the vernal equinox where it crosses the celestial equator. All other coordinates are names
for the number of hours, minutes and seconds that they lag behind this coordinate after it passes overhead
moving westward.
Given the celestial coordinate system, it now becomes possible to find celestial objects by translating their
celestial coordinates using telescope pointing positions. For this you use setting circles for R.A. and Dec.
to find celestial coordinates for stellar objects which are given in star charts and reference books.
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Polar Alignment
To make tracking the stars easier, rough polar alignment is required.
1. The right ascension (polar) axis should be pointed towards the North Pole (see the illustration
below).
2. The equatorial mount should be level.
3. Your latitude should be set (see 3.A).
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