Abstract: A technique for polar aligning the mount of a telescope or other astronomical instrument includes acquiring star images from an electronic polar scope and determining a location of a celestial pole relative to the star images based on computerized matching of the star images to information in a database. The mount has a right-ascension (RA) axis, and the technique directs an adjustment to the mount so as to align a location of the RA axis with the determined location of the celestial pole.

Abstract: A technique for equatorially mounting a telescope includes a right ascension support having a first end coupled to a counterweight assembly and a second end coupled to a declination support. The right ascension support is coupled to a base and extends downwardly and backwardly from the first end to the second end. The resulting arrangement causes the act of balancing the telescope about its right ascension axis also substantially to balance the telescope about its base.

Abstract: A technique for equatorially mounting a telescope includes a right ascension support having a first end coupled to a counterweight assembly and a second end coupled to a declination support. The right ascension support is coupled to a base and extends downwardly and backwardly from the first end to the second end. The resulting arrangement causes the act of balancing the telescope about its right ascension axis also substantially to balance the telescope about its base.

Abstract: A technique for equatorially mounting a telescope includes a right ascension support having a first end coupled to a counterweight assembly and a second end coupled to a declination support. The right ascension support is coupled to a base and extends downwardly and backwardly from the first end to the second end. The resulting arrangement causes the act of balancing the telescope about its right ascension axis also substantially to balance the telescope about its base.

Abstract: An improved technique balances a telescope from the viewpoint of the motors that drive the telescope's axes. A motor that controls movement along an axis of the telescope drives the telescope in one direction and then in the opposite direction. Motor current is measured while the motor is driving the telescope in each direction, and a difference in motor current is computed. The difference in motor current indicates the degree of imbalance of the telescope, which may be communicated to an operator to allow adjustments to the telescope to improve its balance.