Hi Fred,

well, not exactly. I want to check if there is a chance that the telescope hits the pier some time AFTER the meridian transit. Such a hit is expected with a tripod (so with three legs). For (column) piers, reseller TS Optics claim that for piers like this one:
www.teleskop-express.de/de/montierungen-...wicht-nur-8-kg-13985
that it is "ideal for astrophotography because the telescopes do not hit the tripod legs, photography is possible until well after the meridian passes." (translation of their claim). So what is "well after meridian pass"? Can I trust that the mount can track the target until dawn? I am not sure...

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