New Main: Alt-Az Mount

Alt-azimuth (alt-az) mounts are a type of telescope mount that allow for movement of the telescope in two axes: altitude (up-down) and azimuth (left-right). They are commonly used in amateur telescopes and are popular due to their simplicity and ease of use.

In an alt-az mount, the telescope is attached to a horizontal base, which is mounted on a vertical axis. The horizontal base can be rotated around the vertical axis to adjust the azimuth, or left-right direction, of the telescope. The telescope is also attached to an arm that can be rotated up and down to adjust the altitude, or up-down direction.

Alt-az mounts are often equipped with slow-motion controls that allow for precise adjustments of the telescope position. These controls can be used to track moving objects, such as planets or the Moon, as they move across the sky. Some alt-az mounts also include motorized drives that automatically track celestial objects, allowing for longer observation times and more comfortable viewing.