JeffPo's Drift Alignment Page

Last update:  03/14/02


Schmidt-Cassegrain or refractor with right angle diagonal

EASTERN horizon star

1) Point to star along the meridian (the north-south line overhead) and somewhat above the celestial equator (about +10 degrees declination).

If the star drifts UP (north), then your polar axis is set too far west. Turn the AZIMUTH knob that moves the star RIGHT in the field of view.

If the star drifts DOWN (south), then your polar axis is set too far east. Turn the AZIMUTH knob that moves the star LEFT in the field of view.

2) Point to a star that is on the celestial equator and low in the EASTERN sky (within about 15 degrees altitude).

If the star drifts UP (north), then your polar axis is set too high. Turn the ALTITUDE knob that moves the star DOWN in the field of view.

If the star drifts DOWN (south), then your polar axis is set too low. Turn the ALTITUDE knob that moves the star UP in the field of view.


Schmidt-Cassegrain or refractor with right angle diagonal

WESTERN horizon star

1) Point to star along the meridian (the north-south line overhead) and somewhat above the celestial equator (about +10 degrees declination).

If the star drifts UP (north), then your polar axis is set too far west. Turn the AZIMUTH knob that moves the star RIGHT in the field of view.

If the star drifts DOWN (south), then your polar axis is set too far east. Turn the AZIMUTH knob that moves the star LEFT in the field of view.

2) Point to a star that is on the celestial equator and low in the WESTERN sky (within about 15 degrees altitude).

If the star drifts UP (north), then your polar axis is set too low. Turn the ALTITUDE knob that moves the star UP in the field of view.

If the star drifts DOWN (south), then your polar axis is set too high. Turn the ALTITUDE knob that moves the star DOWN in the field of view.


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