Polar alignment

Hi Brian, you should also post up what your equipment is as that will be a factor in whatever advice is given. Also, do a search on youtube, there are videos out there that can explain a whole lot better than text, how to achieve good alignment. Also the website Astronomy Shed Tutorials has some good videos too.

Hi Brian,   If your EQ5 is fitted with a polar alignment scope then that is probably the easiest way to polar align it. The versions of that mount that I can see on the internet all seem to have one but there maybe versions without. 

Alternatively the star drift method is accurate but it is a bit time consuming. You'll also need an eyepiece with cross hairs, preferably illuminated. If you Google 'polar alignment star drift method' you'll find plenty of instructions but let me know if you have any questions as the instructions often assume a certain amount of prior knowledge which may or may already have.

For wide field imaging I find I can get away with using the latitude scale on the mount and a compass to point it to the north. This allows 1-2 minute exposures without visible trailing.  However, with your larger telescope that probably won't be sufficient, but you could give it a try. 

en_download_caty01461887945. Thats the download link to the EQ5/6 Instruction manual on the Skywatcher support website where there is a comprehensive guide to polar alignment