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Poll: How do you typically plan your observing session?
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How do you typically plan your observing session?

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  #21  
Old 06-03-2006, 03:43 PM
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Miaplacidus (Brian)
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I use three A3 size charts that I made myself (1. 256 of the brighter Hartung Objects, 2. 300 challenge objects, and 3. 700 double stars). They are extreme Mercator projections, with Dec on the Y axis (<40 deg north) and RA on Y.

They are only useful to people with GOTO or PUSH TO scopes, and the main advantage is that they tell you instantly what objects/stars are closest to the last object you just looked at. It means you can perform a SYNC on one object, and be guaranteed of getting the next one right in the middle of the eyepiece, even if your mount isn't all that flash. It's basically a bit like doing an Autostar tour, but you can see every object that's on the list, rather than having to scroll through the database. It also means you see a lot more objects on a given night, and it helps with learning the night sky. The layout is a bit different to a planisphere, and takes a bit of getting used to (it helps if you imagine you're ABOVE the stars, facing north and looking down). The doubles star chart lists the SAO number and the separation in arcseconds of each star right on the chart. The reverse of each chart gives the relevant information.

Confused yet?
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  #22  
Old 10-03-2006, 09:08 PM
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Well, after a quick naked eye view & then grabbing my planishere, I retrieve the good old Herald Bobroff, select the applicable chart/s, n go from there...
Also have a quick squiz at the Astro 2006 to check on Jupiter events early in the night & keep checking during the session. Like to watch the 'moon/s dance'. L.
ps. Also like to keep an eye on the favourites too, like Eta Carina, 5128, M42 etc...
btw & fwiw, I tried for the 'spikes' in/on the 'Homunculus' last viewing night, but was unable the resolve due to conditions. Will try again. (next time, you beast).L.
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  #23  
Old 10-03-2006, 11:55 PM
Adrian-H
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Astronomy is a Ritual for me, Just like any Other.
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  #24  
Old 11-03-2006, 07:37 AM
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Astroplanner.
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  #25  
Old 12-03-2006, 06:04 PM
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Well been busy with work & life in general but still have managed to get the scope out a few nights and I have started planning my nights with the help of a diary of sorts.

First I study my charts and the web for objects to find and note them in my little "black book" with a small description then later that night once Im at the EP I make my entries. I find im much more organised doing my observing this way and its fun to read the next day. I can still feel the excitment from reading my first entry after finding the Ghost of Joop, awsome.

Anyone else out there keep a diary of sorts? I am going to start scetching soon too so you have been warned.

Mike.B.
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  #26  
Old 12-03-2006, 07:35 PM
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I usually just observe at Random, you know, get a feel of the sky.
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  #27  
Old 14-03-2006, 12:29 PM
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Quote:
Anyone else out there keep a diary of sorts?
I've kept a diary of every session since I started.. I've just bought a voice-recorder attachment for my ipod and intend to use this from now on, since, especially when using AN tour mode, I often want to record an NGC number and some comments so I can remember which ones were interesting and maybe research them a bit on the Net..

I'm also interested in learning to sketch but haven't tried it yet..
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  #28  
Old 14-03-2006, 08:43 PM
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mickoking
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Quote:
Originally Posted by barees63
I've kept a diary of every session since I started.. I've just bought a voice-recorder attachment for my ipod and intend to use this from now on, since, especially when using AN tour mode, I often want to record an NGC number and some comments so I can remember which ones were interesting and maybe research them a bit on the Net..

I'm also interested in learning to sketch but haven't tried it yet..
Yeah, I keep a record of most of my observations. Dunno about voice recording, I can't stand the sound of my voice
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  #29  
Old 14-03-2006, 10:28 PM
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I just ask Dave47tuc. Then get him to push my scope for me.
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  #30  
Old 16-03-2006, 05:42 PM
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Dave47tuc (David)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stu
I just ask Dave47tuc. Then get him to push my scope for me.
Very funny Stu

I have not read this whole thread. But a good way is to look at the Mags around and do those objects they write about. Most are bright and easy in a small scope 6" or 8" Dob
With a lot of Go To or Push To type scopes you can miss on finding that object by accident.

Get a Star Atlas out ( do you have one!) and this time of year look at the open clusters in the Argo Navis region. Near Carina etc. Great fun in Binocs. Which ones can you see?
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  #31  
Old 17-03-2006, 07:10 AM
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OneOfOne (Trevor)
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With the weather in Melbourne lately, my observing procedure consists of:

procedure ObservingSession;
begin
StickHeadOutside;
CloudCover := GetPercentageCloudCover;
If CloudCover > 50 then
goto Bed
else
begin
WaitHours(1);
CloudCover := GetPercentageCloudCover;
if CloudCover > 50 then
goto Bed
else
begin
CrossFingers;
GetOutScope;//this function is rarely used!
end;
end;
end;

BTW, I am a computer programmer...
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  #32  
Old 18-03-2006, 04:17 PM
Saab
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Here's how I do it. This is based on Melbourne's climate.

AN EVENING SESSSION
1. go outside and check for clouds

2. if <50% cloud cover, cautiously take scope outside,
incase of sudden cloudiness and rain.

3. If 100% clear, have a plan of attack ready, so should
it rain an hour later, get the scope in quick smart.

4. If overcast, just a simple gesture " Oh how typical" will do.
Followed by swearing.

MORNING SESSION
1. Go to bed, angrily if cloudy.

2. Wake up at 2am, followed by a cup of cocoa
and a thorough walk around of the sky. Make sure there
are no clouds within 200 miles. In Melbourne, clouds will
hunt you down. So you want to keep the distance.

3. If cloud cover is >50%, get very angry and start swearing.

4. If cloud cover <50%, be damn thankful.
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  #33  
Old 19-03-2006, 02:30 PM
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Stu
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OneOfOne
With the weather in Melbourne lately, my observing procedure consists of:

procedure ObservingSession;
begin
StickHeadOutside;
CloudCover := GetPercentageCloudCover;
If CloudCover > 50 then
goto Bed
else
begin
WaitHours(1);
CloudCover := GetPercentageCloudCover;
if CloudCover > 50 then
goto Bed
else
begin
CrossFingers;
GetOutScope;//this function is rarely used!
end;
end;
end;

BTW, I am a computer programmer...
classic!
guess you had to be there.

I think there is also that suprise local astronomers get together that can get you off your ass at the last minute. Beside that, quite often I set my scope up then the clouds come! So all planning goes to waste.
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  #34  
Old 19-03-2006, 04:11 PM
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higginsdj
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I use Astroplanner as well. All my 'observational' work is undertaken via CCD and Astroplanner does a great job letting me build my observing plans for the automation software to run over.

Cheers

David Higgins
Hunters Hill Observatory
Canberra, Australia
http://www.david-higgins.com
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  #35  
Old 13-05-2006, 10:31 AM
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ving (David)
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currently i observe less than i used to and my sessions are dictated my my current project
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  #36  
Old 13-05-2006, 11:00 AM
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wavelandscott (Scott)
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I voted other...I usually work from a list (generated a variety of ways) and after exhausting that got to tour mode on AN...
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  #37  
Old 01-06-2006, 06:51 AM
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gaa_ian (Ian)
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Well, I have voted previously that I use CDC to make charts to find the brightest objects at the best altitude.
However what usually happens is there is a crowd of newbies, so I go into "Showman" mode & show off the best & brightest things in the sky.
U Know, all the pretty sparkely clusters & bright nebulas.
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  #38  
Old 07-06-2006, 10:20 AM
JimmyH155
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argo narvis

I would be grateful if someone would explain to me what an Argo Narvis is. Is it some gismo you strap onto your scope and it beeps or something when you get close?
I have a Meade LX 100 which is great. I sometimes use the setting circles and RA knob to point to something in the charts, but it is all rather hit and miss and often I get frustrated and swing to something I know. I must admit I found 47 Tuc using the circles. Would this Argo Narvis help? I also have a Lightbridge. Would it work on that????
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  #39  
Old 06-07-2006, 09:03 PM
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Starkler (Geoff)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyH155
I would be grateful if someone would explain to me what an Argo Narvis is.
The argo navis is a small computer which by virtue of electronic encoders attached to the mounts axis, directs you to objects of your choosing by telling you which way to push your scope. It can also work in reverse, by identifying an object that your scope is pointed at.

Yes it can be fitted to a lightbridge and IMO, is the best investment a dso observer can make on a non-goto scope.

http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/
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  #40  
Old 06-07-2006, 09:16 PM
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ballaratdragons (Ken)
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After nearly 22 years of regular observing you would think I'd know a thing or two about the sky and have a plan of attack.

Wrong!!!! - I am a pure Random observer!

In truth, I do not know many constellations, so reading maps is out. I try to use Cartes du Ciel but I rarely find in the sky what I looked at on the screen.

In reality I cannot find many objects. I scan the sky thru the EP. I know where the Virgo and Fornax clusters are fortunately, and I can spend a whole night searching around in each one for Galaxies.

I can't even find objects by knowing star names coz I don't know many stars names and the ones I can remember, I don't know where they are.

But I search on regardless. That's the way I have always been doing it. Until the day get a GoTo I will remain 'Lost In Space'.
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