Article: Highlights of the Winter Sky

[iceman]

Suzy has been kind enough to write an article for beginners who are looking for something to observe during Winter. It's called Highlights of the Winter Sky and is available from the IceInSpace Projects (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/projects.html) page, or directly by clicking the link below:

Highlights of the Winter Sky (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-691-0-0-1-0.html)

Thanks to Suzy for her contribution! We'd love more, of any type of article or review. Get in touch via Write for IceInSpace (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/write-for-iceinspace.html).

[iceman]

Suzy's first article has been uploaded :)

[jjjnettie]

Well done Suzy :)
I'll print the list out and if the rain ever clears, I'll work my way though it.

[astroron]

Well Done Suzy,:)
I will use this list to add to my pretty picture gallery when I get visitors to Cambroon;)
Cheers :thumbsup:

[Colin_Fraser]

Thanks very much Suzy.
It's perfect. Exactly what us beginners need :2thumbs:

[Wookie]

Thanks Suzy,

Having just acquired my first telescope I'll be sure to work my way through this list and enjoy the Highlights of the Winter Sky!!!
:)

[technofetishism]

Great list, made a quick EQTour file attatched for those ASCOM inclined. (rename to .lst)

[Suzy]

Thank you so much everyone.
It's been a rewarding experience doing this list knowing it's going to help so many of you. I'm so glad you like it! :thanks:

I would love to hear everyones observations- please post them here if you get a chance? I can't wait to hear how you all go with them and what you'll think. :D Some might call me nosey :P
But you'll also find that reading observing reports are a great way to learn and if people post some here, there might be more to learn.:thumbsup:

If you've never posted on this forum before- pleeeease join in. ;)

Happy scoping everyone & clear skies. :astron:
Now go get 'em!

P.S. Just saying... If I was to pick first off the rank on that list to observe, it would be Ruby Crucis (& ridiculously easy to find to boot!). Get ready to pick your jaw off the ground though. :lol:

[Suzy]

Have a read of this (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=58377) thread- it's filled with loads of helpful advice in helping to find galaxies. Posts #36 % give a fantastic star hop tip to finding M104 (The Sombrero galaxy).

Remember... galaxies are best viewed when the moon isn't around and the object is nice and high in the sky. Avoid Zenith if you have a dob- it can be difficult. :rolleyes:

I have a great little app. on my android phone that tells me when the moon is going to buzz off, take a look here. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.daylightmap.moon.pro .android&hl=en)
Even when the moon is in its waning and waxing crescent phases, there are times when it'll rise later in the night allowing you a few hours to observe those galaxies without it. ;)

[skysurfer]

Well, winter constellations are still visible by this time of the year when it is just dark.

Ar lat 34 S (NSW, VIC, ACT, SA, southern WA) the most well known winter constellation Orion is still low in the West, Canis Major above it, Canis Minor, Gemini, etc. Canopus is also a 'winter star', but in most of AU it is visible nearly all year round and in Melbourne and TAS even circumpolar. But for some winter highlights such as the Pleiades, M42 you are too late, they are gone now. They are 'winter constellations' because they are best visible in the winter months Dec and Jan.

Here in Holland (52 N) Orion is gone since mid April and Canopus never rises.

[astroron]

Skysurfer, I don't know what you are really trying to say :question:
This article is for the coming "Winter Months" up to about August here "In Australia and New Zealand", and is just a presentation of some easy and interesting objects to see in Binoculars and telescopes.
Cheers :thumbsup:

[stardust steve]

Well done compiling and submitting this helpful and informative list of Winter delights:thumbsup:
I will be hunting hunting these gems down with great eagerness.....:astron:
as soon as the :family2: is asleep :lol: