ATM [Fwd: BOUNCE atm@shore.net: Non-member submission from [Chip <ebainesNOSPAM@worldnet.att.net>]]

[Mel Bartels <mbartels@efn.org>]

From: Chip <ebainesNOSPAM@worldnet.att.net>
To: "Steele, Kirk A" <SteeleKA@nafm.misawa.af.mil>, atm@shore.net
Subject: Re: ATM Polar alignment

The Sky and Telescope web site talks about the drift method, which is a
highly-accurate technique that unfortunately takes a long time to get
right.  I
like to use a quicker method that is almost as accurate, and is
certainly good
enough for most visual observing needs, called the single star method. 
This
method actually involves two stars - Polaris and a second star whose
coordinates are known that's not too near Polaris (near the equator is
best).
This method requires the use of setting circles on your scope.  It takes
about
5 minutes, and once you're done the scope is aligend with the pole and
your
setting circles are already calibrated.  This method gives sufficient
accuracy
to allow you to use the setting circles to locate otehr objects pretty
well.

If you need more accuracy, such as for astrophotography, follow this
method up
with the drift method, to ensure very accurate alignment with the pole. 
Once
you've finished the drift method, you'll have to recalibrate your
setting
circles on one or two known stars.

Both techniques are described on my web site:
http://home.att.net/~ebaines/scope.htm

There's a pretty neat on-line star chart at
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bmoler/starchrt.htm

-Chip Baines

"Steele, Kirk A" wrote:

> <snip>
> I have found the Sky and Tel page on polar alignment. It makes a modecum of
> sense.
>
> Are there anymore that youz guys are aware of.?
>
> And isnt the "really accurate" method to look up a well known star or three
> in an ephimeras and calibrate your mount against the stellar coordinates?
>
> p.s. Is there an online ephimeras? The snail mail aint what it used to be.

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