An equatorial mount is a type of telescope mount designed to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. It consists of two main axes: the right ascension (RA) axis, which aligns with the Earth's rotation, and the declination (Dec) axis, which allows for movement north or south. This design makes it easier to follow stars and planets, as it compensates for the Earth's rotation. Using an equatorial mount requires polar alignment, where the mount is oriented towards the North Star or South Celestial Pole. Once aligned, astronomers can use slow-motion controls or motors to track objects smoothly, making it a popular choice for both amateur and professional astronomers.