Polar
/ Drift Telescope Alignment
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For
visual observing, or for imaging with short
exposure video, a rough polar alignment of the
telescope is generally quite adequate. However,
when imaging with long exposures, accurate polar
alignment is important. The links below explain
how to start with an approximate polar alignment
and refine it to high accuracy using the "drift"
method.
With this method a telescope is first
approximately aligned using a polar axis scope if
available or visually aiming the polar axis of
the telescope toward north. Then the telescope is
aimed at a star and the drift of the star noted.
Corrections to the telescope alignment are made
based on the drift of the star. Detailed, step-by-step
information on how to make the corrections can be
found at the following links:Very nice easy to
understand multimedia instruction video by Andy
Raiford:
Drift
Alignment
Clear text and
graphical instructions by Scott Tucker:
Polar
Alignment
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