Undergrad Right ascension and Declination calculations

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The discussion focuses on calculating right ascension (RA) and declination (Dec) for locating deep-sky objects (DSOs) using a telescope. The user seeks guidance on how to perform these calculations based on their position and telescope angle. Recommendations for a tracking motor are requested to enhance their setup, with emphasis on the importance of having an equatorial mount for easier tracking of celestial objects. Using the RA of a known star can simplify the tracking process, eliminating the need for precise time calculations. Resources like "Astronomical Algorithms" by Jean Meeus are suggested for further assistance.
mathisrad
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TL;DR
How to find Right ascension and Declination in the night sky from my position.
I've been doing astronomy for Science Olympiad for a few years now and know all the basics about DSOs, HR diagrams, etc. However, I've only recently acquired a telescope since I thought it would be nice to locate some DSOs independently. I understand how RA and D are calculated, but I am not able to do so with respect to my position and telescope angle. Could anybody please tell me how to do this? I would appreciate it.
 
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What type of mount does your telescope have ?
Does it have a tracking motor ?
 
I was thinking about getting a tracking motor, and upgrading my setup in general, would you have any recommendations about a tracking motor?
 
mathisrad said:
I was thinking about getting a tracking motor, and upgrading my setup in general, would you have any recommendations about a tracking motor?
I have no recommendations. It will depend on what make, model, and size of telescope you have. Let us know.
There are others on this site who can help you with that.

If you had an equatorial mount, with a tracking motor, you could set the clock by using the RA of a known star.
You could then move to, and track a DSO, without needing to calculate the azimuth and elevation for your location, from the RA and Dec.
That would also avoid the need to know the exact time, or compute the sidereal time for your observation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidereal_time

There is a free download of "Astronomical Algorithms" by Jean Meeus.
https://archive.org/details/astronomicalalgorithmsjeanmeeus1991
 
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Thanks!
 

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