Polaris always visible?

Rookie question here:

Isn't Polaris supposed to always be visible here in North America? According to my Starry Night Backyard computer program Polaris isn't even visible right now.

How do you polar align a telescope without Polaris being up?

Thanks

Mike

Polaris is always visible from any location on the northern hemisphere (almost, some practical and theoretical issues apply for locations near the equator).

Hi Mike --

If Starry Night shows Polaris below the horizon it's likely that you have an incorrect latitude set in the program. I remember having some difficulty getting the program to remember my latitude from start up to start up. Once you get the hang of it though it will be a very good program for you.

Bob Polcyn

Originally Posted by Mike Van Buskirk

Rookie question here:<br><br>Isn't Polaris supposed to always be visible here in North America? According to my Starry Night Backyard computer program Polaris isn't even visible right now.<br><br>How do you polar align a telescope without Polaris being up?<br><br>Thanks<br><br>Mike

 Polaris is always above the horizon in North America.

How far above the horizon depends on your latitude. The further north your position on the earth, the higher it will be above the horizon.
As you go further south, it will be lower on the horizon.

My problem is that Polaris is frequently obscured by trees. I'm near the Gulf area of Tampa Bay, at latitude 28N, and there are lots of big trees here which prevent me from seeing Polaris.

So I need to know how to do a decent polar alignment if I can't see Polaris?

Originally Posted by Mike Van Buskirk

Rookie question here:<br><br>Isn't Polaris supposed to always be visible here in North America? According to my Starry Night Backyard computer program Polaris isn't even visible right now.<br><br>How do you polar align a telescope without Polaris being up?<br><br>Thanks<br><br>Mike

Something definitely not right in Starry Night......it as has been stated is always visible assuming you dont have trees, buildings or a mountain blocking your view from pretty much everywhere in the CONUS.