Astronomy/RA DE

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Expert: - 1/2/2012


Question
Hi i have a EQ mount for my Celestron 114 Astromaster telescope and i have heard about the RA an DE  but i don't know anything about it or how to align it to stuff

Answer
Hi Xavier,
Sorry, but I (and most other amateurs) star hop to objects rather than using celestial coordinates.  It's much faster, quicker, and doesn't require all that set up time to polar align first.  If you don't know about Right Ascension and Declination, you must be fairly new to the hobby. Suggest you punch on our club website and read "Tom Whiting's Sound Advice for the Novice
Observer" at     (Tells you how to get into the hobby the right way).
http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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