Solar Observing w/ RV-6

Is there a trick to polar aligning an older style GEM during the daytime? Trying to do some solar with my RV-6.

Method 1) Set it up the scope at night and mark the spot for the tripod feet so you can set up in the daytime the same way. If you get it well polar aligned you can also look at Venus, Jupiter,Mars, Saturn and bright stars during the day.
Method 2) Use a compass and look up the magnetic correction for your area to get the RA axis pointed North.
Method 3) Look up the RA and DEC of the Sun and determine your local sidereal time. Put a level across the DEC axis and when it is level, set the RA circle to local Sidereal time. Now move the mount so the RA and DEC circles read the RA and DEC of the Sun. Move the scope only in Alt and Az until the Sun is centered in the eyepiece (with proper filtering of course !). You should be pretty close to polar aligned.
Method 4) Setup a cool looking Sundial in your yard since every classic scope owner should have one, once you get the Sundial well aligned, set up your scope south of it and use it to point your scope at the pole.
Method 5) Just guess were the pole is based on land marks in your yard.
In reality your scope will track pretty well if you get with in a few degrees of the pole and depending on which way the Sun is drifting in the eyepiece you can determine if your North, South, East or West of the pole and adjust the position of the mount.

- Dave

Great tips Dave.

Ken, I keep in the astronomy tools an engineering compass for solar viewing. These are pretty inexpensive and are available at most camping outlets. If you reside in the midwest (Indiana) your declination (true north vs. magnetic north) is darn near 0 degrees.
Yesterday had a great deal of sunspot activity on that near star. I hope your viewing is great as well!

Today is just as nice!!

Bill

Thank you Dave and Bill! Going to toggle this one into the favorites.

Just point the polar axis north. Even if ur off a few degrees the drift will be slow.