EQ mount polar alignment

[aerohound73]

Hello,Just recieved a Celestron CG4 eq mount..No manual or Polar scope.Can anyone give me a brief "explanation for dummies" on how to do a polar aligment ,use the setting circles or how to use it to track planets? any input would be appreciated. Thanks

[Qualia]

On my CG 5, there's a hole bored straight throgh the mount along the Polar axis (covered by a large cap which you remove for the operation). When rotating the Declination 90º all obstruction is moved aside and you can peak through the hole and align your scope. See if your CG 4 has something similar, for it makes life easier.

Anyway, for a simple and well informed article to follow, check out this page and if it doesn't make a lot of sense, please let us know.

Just keep in mind the page's moto: Polar alignment is done by moving the mount, not by moving the telescope.

[Grommie]

Hi...I found these useful for a newcomer. Remember that a lot of the (complicated) stuff is only really needed for photography. I find I can track Jupiter pretty well having only pointed the RA axis very roughly on the pole star. Just needs the odd "tweak" now and again....Fine for visual.

http://www.astro-baby.com/simplepolar/simple_polar_alignment.htm

http://www.astro-baby.com/HEQ5/HEQ5-1.htm

[cantharis]

CG5 is a clone of the EQ5 - there are a number of on line guides.

http://www.nightskyimages.co.uk/polar_alignment.htm

It is complex, however and many people find it difficult. Then they buy an Alt-Az.

[Grommie]

Sorry...That should have read...Point the Polar axis roughly north.