Alignment

Abstract

In order for a telescope to GoTo objects and track them, it is necessary for the computerized hand control or external control application to build a model of the sky. An accurate model can be built if we point the ‘scope to at least two identifiable celestial objects, a process we refer to as initial alignment, or simply, alignment. Alternatively, the hand control provides lower accuracy tracking and GoTo when using the Solar System and One Star alignment routines. While even a haphazard approach to alignment will provide fairly accurate GoTo and tracking, there are several key elements to producing very accurate performance, night after night.