How Do I: Polar align when I can't see Polaris?

"Edward Smith" wrote in message
...
OK. The obvious answer here is I don't, at least with any accuracy.

I left the telescope inside tonight. There were high level clouds to
the north and I couldn't make out Polaris. I considered taking the
telescope out anyway but left it inside and am settling for
Binoculars. That brought up the question about how to polar align
when I couldn't make out Polaris.
Worth remembering, that Polaris, is only a 'starting point' anyway. It
allows you (with a good polar scope), to get within a few fractions of a
degree. Hence the process is iterative. Normally you start from the
'Polaris' reference, and then improve the accuracy by drift alignment. All
that not being able to see Polaris does, is potentially degrade the
'starting point'

I had some thoughts. First, I could get a good polar alignment and
simply make reference marks on both the ground where the tripod was
set (probably drive some tent stakes into the earth) and on the mount.
Then I could recreate at least a rough polar alignment in my most
common viewing location (read, back yard) anytime I wanted.

I could also do it by simply using a compass, correct for the magnetic
deviation at my location, and use my lattitude.
Yes. Either method will give you a starting point, that is nearly as good as
Polaris (may even be better...). One route for instance, is where there is a
fixed site, is to drift align, then mark the tripod leg positions, and then
if there are landmarks visible on the horizon, observe the
eyepiece/viewfinder view of the horizon, with a fixed RA/Dec reading. If you
reposition, and adjust to have the same view, the starting point will be
better than Polaris offers.
With a good compass/level, allowing for magnetic deviation, it is possible
to easily get a good starting point.

Because I am just starting to explore with the telescope and have been
having "finder scope alignment issues", I decided to pass on the
telescope until I could get a good polar alignment (which I can do
most nights, I should be out tomorrow).

Any other suggestions?
Everyone in the southern hemisphere, faces this all the time. There are
quite a few articles on the web about setup in these locations.

Best Wishes