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autoguider

autoguider

8.2
A device that automatically keeps a telescope pointed at a star or object by making small moves
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : autoguía
  • Without an autoguider, the stars in the image would appear as streaks instead of points.
  • SBIG autoguider
  • CCD autoguider
  • autoguider and camera

Examples

  • With the latest model, the autoguider automatically compensates for any shifts in alignment.

  • The autoguider made it possible to photograph faint galaxies with long exposures.

  • She set up the autoguider to keep the telescope perfectly aligned with the moving comet.

  • The autoguider helps astronomers track stars accurately.

  • Have you seen the new autoguider at the observatory?

  • The astronomer adjusted the telescope to follow the moving comet using the autoguider.

  • An autoguider helps astrophotographers keep their targets in focus during long exposures.

Synonyms

guider
vsautoguider
  • Specialized
8.8

A device that keeps a camera or telescope pointed at a moving star

automatically makes small adjustments to maintain precise aim at a target

How Automatic

autoguider
  • Specialized
8.2
guider
  • Specialized
8.8

Surface Forms

autoguider singular
autoguiders plural

Morphology

autoguider = autoguide (transparent) = auto + guide + er

Adding -er to autoguide yields a thing that performs automatic guiding.

Etymology

Autoguider begins with auto- meaning 'self', as in automatic, and ends with guide meaning 'to lead'. So an autoguider is a device that 'leads' on its own—exactly why it keeps a telescope pointed at a target by making small adjustments.