Tracking

[CKP]

When manually observing,  the target goes out of view quicker when using higher eyepieces.

When tracking would I need to change the speed to compensate for this?

Thanks.

[NGC 1502]

By ‘tracking’ I’m presuming you mean a motor driven mount. Essentially as long as the mount is properly set up and the correct tracking option selected then whatever magnification you’re using the object you’re viewing should remain within the field of view.

Does that answer your question?

Ed.

[Alan White]

To add to Ed’s very clear answer,
The speeding of the drift through a higher magnification eyepiece is an illusion,
the world is spinning past the point in space that you are observing at the same rate.

What makes it look faster, is the narrower view given by the eyepiece used.

Tracking wise, you either move the scope at the same rate or motors do this for you.
 

[Stickey]

If you are a visual observer and your mount is static, the target will eventually drift out of view (unless you adjust the slow motion controls). The higher the power of the eyepiece, the quicker this will happen. 

The only way to avoid this is to make the mount move to follow the object.It's possible to do this manually, but it needs a VERY steady hand. The second you touch the slow-motion controls,  the view through the eyepiece will wobble. It's almost impossible to avoid this and its made worse by high power eyepieces. 

The way to avoid this problem is to have a Tracking mount.  Tracking usual relates to motorised mounts and the motors move the mount at the right speed to compensate for the rotation of the Earth and the resulting movement of the stars. 

Some mounts can have motors added.

Hope this helps. 

 

Mike

[ollypenrice]

The earth rotates at a constant speed so we need to 'unwind' its rotation at a constant speed as well. 

Olly

[CKP]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was just trying to wrap my head around it, but I guess that's why its called an illusion!