Polarscope for EQ8 mounts (off axis)

Polarscope for EQ8 mounts (off axis)

The polar scope has to be mounted to the right ascension axis and then adjusted using a distant target: rotate the mount's head on its right ascension axis and check the reticle: the center should remain on the selected target. During nighttime target the mount so that Polaris can be seen at the proper place. The constellations on the reticle helps to find the correct position.

These polar scopes can be used on the southern hemisphere as well, thanks to the stars of constellation Octans.

You can find a very detailed writing about this topic here.

These Sky-Watcher polar scopes are compatible with EQ-3 and EQ-5 mounts (and also with HEQ-5 and EQ-6, but those ones contain a polar scope). Using a polarscope is a must when taking astrophotos but can help a lot during visual observations as well.

The polar scope has to be mounted in the hole in the right ascension axis and then adjusted using a distant target: rotate the mount's head on its right ascension axis and check the reticle: the center should remain on the selected target. During nighttime target the mount so that Polaris can be seen at the proper place. The constellations on the reticle helps to find the correct position.

These polar scopes can be used on the southern hemisphere as well, thanks to the stars of constellation Octans.

You can find a very detailed writing about this topic here.

The HM5 version is compatible with EQ-3 and Fornax-10 mounts.
The HM6 version is compatible with EQ-5, HEQ-5 and EQ-6 mounts.