Any thing as a polar scope diagonal?

[Lerxst]

I have an EQ3-2 fitted with a Skywatcher polar scope.

The problem is that living on these latitudes (59°), requires me to lie on the ground doing polar alignment. Something which is extremely cold in minus 10-20C which we've been having this winter, as well as adjusting the mount is awkward when you lie on your back.

So is there any diagonal for polar scopes one can get so I can actually stand and polar align?

[Merlin66]

I'm sure the answer is no.

Can you mark the ground at your favourite location and just replace the tripod back into an aligned position? That's all I do with my HEQ5......

Ken

[Lerxst]

I have two observing locations around the house; the shale stone covered walkway for the N/E sky and the balcony at the back for the S/E/W sky.

Any attempt at making any markings at these sites will be wildly unpopular, as well as they will anyway be covered in snow and ice during the winter season, which is when it's only dark enough to make any useful observations.

[Merlin66]

You may be able to get away with some Gaffa tape/ small paint spots on the balcony.... I'm sure the family understand;)

[Tantalus]

Just a thought, would a small mirror, like those small round inspection mirrors help?

[Breakintheclouds]

Good idea, Tantalus. Most tool shops sell these. e.g.,

Inspection Mirror : Miscellaneous Tools : Maplin

[Merlin66]

Sounds like a good idea, but unless the polar scope eyepiece has a very good eye relief you may be dissappointed.

Ken

[BlueAstra]

Could you stick an eyepiece projection widget on it and image the view with a webcam/camera?

[Merlin66]

Hmmmm,

You gave me an idea....

The right angle viewing adaptors for DSLR cameras are basically small telescopes... if one were aligned with the exit pupil of the polar scope you should see the reticle etc.....

Ken

[TheThing]

There's a gap in the market waiting to be filled...

[m.tweedy]

shine a green lazer through it

it really works

no aircraft to worry about:D

[oceanheadted]

Once you get the altitude set up (which you only need to do once), the azimuth alignment isn't that critical for visual observation. I often just point my mount where I think North is and it usually works fairly well.

[Lerxst]

Thanks all for good ideas. I'm actually thinking of just getting a diagonal, and fit it somehow. Maybe I need a hammer and a couple of nails, but fit, it will.

Yes it will.