1. Attach the Mask
Secure the Bahtinov mask over your telescope’s front aperture, making sure it’s centered and stable.
2. Aim at a Bright Star
Pick a bright star high in the sky—Vega or Sirius are great choices.
3. Observe the Diffraction Pattern
Look through your eyepiece or camera live view to see three diffraction spikes.
4. Adjust Focus Slowly
Turn your focuser until the central spike is perfectly centered between the other two.
5. Confirm and Remove
Once aligned, remove the mask and enjoy perfectly focused views or images.
Pro tip: Use a stable mount and repeat focus checks during your session for best results.
