Starguide - A Practical Guide to Astro-Photography

Note: This only works with modern GoTo mounts (like the iOptron iEQ45 Pro or the ZWO AM3/5)  that know the exact location coordinates and the current time (via satellite or smart-phone app).

Warning: When using the telescope according to these instructions, be sure to use a suitable solar filter; otherwise, serious damage to your eyes or the equipment may result.

• A very simple method for polar alignment can be used provided that the mount is already set to the correct altitude corresponding to the latitude of the observation site—that is, the north-south position (e.g., northern latitude = 52° 13').
• If that is the case, the next step in setting up the mount is to ensure it is as level as possible to prevent additional errors.
• Try to align the mount as best you can toward the north using a compass or an app.
• Power on the mount and synchronize the GPS location data and the time.
• Set the tracking speed to Solar tracking.
• Execute a GoTo to the Sun.
• If the telescope is not yet pointing at the Sun: 
• carefully rotate the mount horizontally by hand or using the alt-azimuth adjustment screws until the telescope is centered on the Sun. 
• Under no circumstances should you change the mount's altitude setting!
• Tighten all the screws on the mount to prevent it from rotating any further.
• That completes the day time polar alignment.

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