Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/16/2009

Question
I have a reflector on an Alt/Azimuth mount with no coordinate markings on the mount at all. How am I going to find out objects by coordinates? I mean, are there any devices (except the Go-TO) that I can use to measure the sky coordinates?

Thank you

Answer
Hi Quest

You can't use celestial coordinates with an alt-azimuth mount--it just doesn't work.  The turning axes are in different directions.    The alt-azimuth mount moves up and down, and side to side.  The celestial coordinates are based on a system that rotates around the celestial pole, and it needs to be adjusted for your specific latitude.

You can buy the software and encoders for the GOTO system--but by that time, you might as well get the whole package.

Sorry I don't have better news for you!

Paul Wagner