equatorial mount

An equatorial mount is a type of telescope support that aligns with Earth's rotational axis, allowing it to track celestial objects smoothly across the sky. By adjusting only one axis (the right ascension), astronomers can follow stars and planets as they move due to Earth's rotation, making it easier to observe or photograph objects over long periods. This setup simplifies tracking compared to traditional mounts and is especially useful in astrophotography, providing accurate, steady views of objects in the night sky.