![]() We present here a calculation of the precession of the perihelion of Mercury due to the perturbations from the outer planets. Thus this procedure must be used with caution in analyzing complex periodic data in astronomy. Higher frequency effects are apparent from the data, but not from the elementary Fourier approach. Alternating lunar and solar eclipses are separated by the beat period. The beat period of 3293 days is half the saros eclipse cycle period of 6585.3 days. Since the lunar phases occur because of the relative orientation of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, an annual period might also be anticipated. The 366-day period is about a year or the time it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun. The 411-day period arises since this is the time it takes the Sun to return to a similar orientation along the line of apsides (the major axis) of the lunar orbit. Fourier analysis suggests the periods of the beating frequencies to be 411 and 366 days. Such a Fourier approach is quite appropriate for undergraduate students of physics and astronomy, but, of course, is no substitute for more rigorous lunar theory. A Fourier analysis can provide some insight into the causes of the oscillation without the complexity of rigorous lunar theories. The synodic period of the Moon (the period of the phases or the time from, say, full moon to full moon) exhibits oscillations about its mean value of 29.530 59 days which immediately suggest a ``beating'' between at least two frequencies. Through this document, enthusiasts of the amateur astronomy get access to a solution designed in accordance with the main concepts of mechanical engineering design and systems integration, developed in academic environment under the supervision of technical specialists and professors. The solution proposed can be built for manual and motorized operation, with automatic pointing when connected to a computer (GoTo function), inclusive with the capability of moving automatically between targets on opposite sides of the meridian. ![]() ![]() The designed mount is robust and functional it has load capacity for telescopes weighing up to 16 kg (35 lb) and can be operated in latitudes ranging from 0° to 80°, covering the national territory entirely. The project was executed and tests with a telescope were made to verify the operation of the mount, which successfully met the initial expectations. As result, the work offers the design of mechanical components, the technical drawings for manufacturing and assembling, the sizing and wiring diagrams of electronic components, and the equatorial mount’s firmware, written in C/C++ for Arduino development boards, the selected platform for automation. Under the circumstances, an equatorial mount was designed giving preference to popular manufacturing processes, to materials and components that are easy to find on the market, and to a simple and functional German equatorial mount. Due to the scarcity of this type of equipment in national territory and the high costs to import, many enthusiasts opt to handcraft their own equipment, motivated by the support found in the many communities and internet forums dedicated to the subject. The work has a multidisciplinary nature and provides the complete technical detailing necessary to build the designed machine. This monograph documents the design, project execution and testing of a computerized German equatorial mount for telescopes. The system was built and submitted to qualitative tests with a Newtonian telescope to ascertain its general usability, the performance of the GoTo function, and the performance of the tracking speeds for stars, planets and the Moon. The equatorial mount’s firmware, written in C/C++, is embedded in an Arduino Mega R3 that controls the equipment. It can be built for manual or motorized operation, and it is able to point automatically (GoTo function) when connected to a computer, even when the target is on the opposite side of the meridian. The designed mount has load capacity for up to 16 kg telescopes and can be operated in latitudes ranging from 0° to 80°, covering the entire national territory. Under the circumstances, a computerized German equatorial mount whose production involves popular manufacturing processes, materials and components that are easily found on the market was designed, simplifying execution and favouring enthusiasts interested in replicating the project. Brazilian amateur astronomers face restrictions on the acquisition of equipment due to high costs and high custom taxes, which leads many of them to hand craft their own equipment attracted by lower costs, though some amateur astronomers also do so motivated by enthusiasm.
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