Autoguiding Basics

Abstract

It would be nice if imaging rigs could follow stars precisely. Unfortunately, reality conspires against that dream. While celestial mechanics dictate that stars move at fairly precise rates, nothing else does. Humans are imperfect, and they work with imperfect mechanical contrivances. To benefit from the precision of celestial mechanics, the rig would need to be aligned with our planet more precisely than possible. After perfect polar alignment, one would need perfect balance. And even the most expensive machines do not have gears ground with such precision, matched so perfectly, and driven so smoothly that speed and direction are constant.