Star charts vs hemisphere

[Raj]

Hi all,

I've tried not to ask many questions for want of embarrassment but I know people will say 'ask away', 'supportive community' (which it absolutely is) etc...but this is going to be a really big dumb question (I just know it).

I've just been given a copy of The Cambridge Photographic Star Atlas as a present. My first one, I'm still struggling to find/enjoy anything but Planets/moon (and Saturn is about is really). Starting to learn the key starts etc...slowly and so the story goes.

Anyway, it looks really good, especially as it shows images of the relevant start map, perhaps making it easier to use, BUT, it opens with a map of the whole sky, in the NORTHERN hemisphere.

To cut to the chase, should I return and exchange for a SOUTHERN hemisphere centric book? Is trying rouse this atlas going to be difficult, confuse the hell out of me, and ultimately make things worse? Or is it easily useable with some 'inverse' type rule?

Thanks in advance

Raj

[Steffen]

If the pages are removable just stack them in reverse order. That's what I do, it saves you from having to flip though a whole bunch of northern-only stuff to get to the things we can see from down-under.

Cheers
Steffen.

[SteveInNZ]

You may as well get used to it as nearly everything is northern hemisphere-centric. Even the "Atlas of the Southern Night Sky" has the charts upside down from our perspective. I just turn the book upside down (or whatever) to match what I see. You'd still have to turn a south-centric book on its side when things are rising/setting.

Steve.

[barx1963]

Raj
I got these charts http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Books--Charts-and-Software/Star-Chart-Laminated---CD-ROM/655/productview.aspx when I started and they are southern hemisphere oriented.

Cheers

Malcolm

[seeker372011]

Hey Raj
I am not sure what the problem is.i have a copy of the Cambridge photographic star atlas and it covers the whole sky?

I think the photographers spent a lot of time in Namibia to image the southern sky..it really is a whole sky atlas..through a 50mm lens. It's a quality production though perhaps not the most useful for someone trying to starhop.

If it is a bit overwhelming get hold of a free star chart from the Internet ..there are many. A great starting point is http://www.skymaps.com/

But it may be an idea to start with a good beginners book...I love Turn left at Orion myself even though it was northern hemisphere centric

[Raj]

Ok thanks everyone, yes I think a more learner book is the go, will look into that, and thanks for the links to the charts and other references.

I have been looking through previous posts on the forum so am getting a lot (too much?) information!

Cheers,

Clear skies

Raj

[jamespierce]

Agreed - Get used to turning your charts around to match what you're seeing... I am particularly fond of my Sky Atlas 2000 laminated charts which look like this... easy to turn, flip and work out what's where.

I will admit I use my Argo Navis more than anything these days, but good charts will always have a place.

http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/data/25/65779-1313540952Sky_Atlas_2-large.jpg

[barx1963]

Collins "Stars and Planets" is a great starter book. Has charts, individual chapters on all 88 constellations and lots of info.

Bintel sell it also I believe.

Malcolm

PS It is Suzy's favourite book I believe so it must be good!