Star Atlas or maps to use whilst observing

[ripsnorter63]

Hello All,

Long time lurker first time poster, I started observing about a year ago, started with a 90mm refractor, saw saturn, got hooked, got frustrated with the mount, acquired an 8in dob and now spend my nights outside when it's clear, or if it is a no moon weekend, sneaking out to a darkish sky site. I'm at the stage where I can find all the bright things, planets, M42/M4/M6/TUC47, but I'm having trouble finding less obvious objects. So can anyone recommend a star atlas or set of maps that I can use whilst observing?

Thanks,
Craig

[barx1963]

Craig
There are a lot of choices when it comes to Atlases and charts. I started with a set of Astrovisual ones (see http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Books--Charts-and-Software/Star-Chart-Laminated---CD-ROM/655/productview.aspx ) which are OK for brighter objects but I found the scale a bit small to effectively star hop. Nevertheless very inexpensive and I still use as they are very good at brouad navigation and identifying brighter stars.
The next step is probably Sky Atlas 2000 (there are several versions but this is similar top the one I used for a short while http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Books--Charts-and-Software/Sky-Atlas-2000-0--Deluxe--2nd-Ed/638/productview.aspx ) Larger scale so easier to star hop. Then I mainly use Uranometria 2000 (see http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Books--Charts-and-Software/24/catmenu.aspx ) along with the Deep Sky Observers guide. If getting DSOG probably don't worry about vol 3 of U 2000. The single volume is probably the way to go now. Very detailed easy to star hop and more objects than you can see in a lifetime!!
Other to look at are the Cambridge Star Atlas (Beginners level) or the Cambridge Double Star Atlas (Slightly more advanced and lots of DSOs as well as double stars!) Collins Stars and Planets (good all round reference but charts are a bit small and dont sit flat on a table) or get the Bintel Starters kit with Planisphere and Astronomy 2013 that has a set of charts.

Malcolm

[OzEclipse]

I've been using Taki's 6.5 and 8.5 magnitude atlases. They can be downloaded from his web site. he's a Japanese amateur who produced these IMO very good online atlases. You download them as a PDF. Start with the 6.5. Each map in the 6.5 series covers a wide swathe of sky so it's easy to see recognizable objects then move on to the other later which has a much bigger scale so each map only covers a smaller area of sky.

Taki's home page : -
http://www.geocities.jp/toshimi_taki/

Mag 6.5 atlas : -
http://www.geocities.jp/toshimi_taki/atlas/atlas.htm

Mag 8.5 atlas : -
http://www.geocities.jp/toshimi_taki/atlas_85/atlas_85.htm

Joe

[Wavytone]

Hi Craig,

With an 8" dob a good start is Nortons Star Atlas, old but good. It shows where to find all the bright things a beginner should be familiar with, and isn't cluttered with faint stuff that (at your stage) you won't be interested in.

The next step is Sky Atlas 2000, this will show just about everything of interest your scope can reach (galaxies, nebulae).

Uranometria is overkill for now, too detailed and too much clutter; maybe in a few years time if you are deep into this or step up to a 12" or larger scope.

Alternatively if you have a smartphone or tablet similar maps can be stored as PDF's, I find this convenient on an iPad; Taki's for example are very good.

[barx1963]

I slightly disagree (with all due respect!) about Uranometria being overkill. Subject of course to budget constraints, I think it is great with an 8", provided you know what you are looking for.
An atlas is used for star hopping. Most star hopping is done with a finder scope. The scale of Uranometria makes it really easy to hop using the finder on most dobs. The smaller atlases (Nortons, Cambridge etc) make it quite hard. Also the faintest stars in Urano are 9.5, which is about the limit for a 9x50 finder under reasonable skies.
Obviously, it shows a lot of objects that will never be visible in an 8", but that also applies to a 12" or 16" scope and even my 20"!
Obviously it is a substantial expense, hence I mentioned cheaper alternates, but at only $100 now for an All Sky edition it is an investment worth considering.

Malcolm