Aligning a finder scope..

[saaj]

Hello, I have been trying to find a post that will help me align my 8x30 skywatcher finder. this is because there are no alignment screws. How do you do it? Thanks in advance!

[Cornelius Varley]

There should be alignment screws in the finder holder. If not, there is probably something wrong with it.

[acey]

in the holder there should be two screws (visible in pic) and a spring - you adjust the screws and the spring maintains tension.

[saaj]

Thanks so much! Hopefully I will get a clear sky later on for some viewing. It will be ALOT easier now!

[acey]

A hint on aligning - if you use stars to align the finder then you have the problem that stars move across the sky. To make things easier, use a terrestrial light (distant streetlight) or Polaris, which is effectively stationary. Or do it in daytime using a distant object. If the finder needs focusing then this can be done by twisting the front end (the knurled ring locks it in place). Good luck and clear skies.

[saaj]

I did it in daylight in the moon.. Worked well and I am going to go and look at some messier objects hopefully... Heres a picture i got of the moon through my S3! The first is after editing and the second is without...

[crazyjedi]

I tend to use a terrestrial object a few hundred yards away (or as far away as possible) to line up my finder (Use the highest power lens possible to improve centering accuracy) during the day and then I'm good to go

[bendiddley]

i've managed to cope ok just aligning with random stars as this is more convenient for me. i don't have anything to align with that's far away enough in the day time and don't want to have to get the scope out twice in a day so don't bother. might try using polaris next time though, good tip acey!

[stem1989]

nice pic saaj