Re: [Utah-astronomy] Polar Alignment

Barney's exactly right with his comment about the need to make sure the mount is level. Adding to the difficulty, I happen to know, is that sometimes the factory-mounted bubble level is not level. That was the case with my old Celestron 8". I plan to check my Meade 12" to make sure. The hassle of getting the tripod level is amazing and by the time you manage it, you are likely to have thrown off the north alignment. When you "re-north" the setup, the level is off! That was part of the misery I went through Friday night. --best wishes, Joe