Guidescopes

In order to ensure that an astronomical mount remains precisely aligned with a selected object, the tracking must be controlled. This control can be carried out using a small telescope mounted parallel to the main telescope. This telescope is called a guidescope.

In contrast to a normal finderscope, guidescopes allow the connection of a camera to enable the auto-guiding method of tracking control. Guidescopes can also be used as finderscopes, however, the eyepiece required for this is not usually included in the scope of delivery.