Tips & tricks

Use a star map

Use a good quality star chart which show the lines of RA and Dec, and that is easy to see with a red torch.

Polar align your telescope

If your mount is well polar aligned, it means that your setting circles will be more accurate.

Be aware of the markings

Familiarise yourself with the markings on your setting circles. Note the position of the indicator pointers.

Tighten the clutches

You will need to use the clutches on your mount, so make sure you can find them easily in the dark.

Use your circles to find easyto-locate galaxies

Setting circles can be used for finding all kinds of objects, especially deep sky objects and even comets. Using them can be very rewarding