Star Disc/Chart(s)

[OzStarGazer]

Hello,

I am going to buy my telescope later today or tomorrow and wanted to add a star disc too because I am a newbie of course and will need something like that. Is this a good one? http://www.ozhut.com.au/star-disc-planisphere.html (I can buy something better later on of course).
Unfortunately they say "ships in 4-6 business days" though, while the telescope is supposed to be shipped within 24 hours, so if they delay the telescope because of the star disc it is a bit annoying.
Or is this better? http://www.ozhut.com.au/star-charts.html
(This would ship within 24 hours too.)
Or is there anything else you would recommend (for beginners of course)?

Thanks!

[mental4astro]

The Ice In Space shop sells both of the items you mention:

http://shop.iceinspace.com.au/

Mental.

[OzStarGazer]

Cool. The second one is even cheaper, but the reason why I was looking at OzHut is that they said they will combine postage (so basically they will put it in the same parcel as the telescope). However I have just checked postage and $2 flat rate postage still makes the second one cheaper than at OzHut. :)
PS: Some interesting stuff in the Ice-In-Space shop!

[Shark Bait]

I have the A4 Star Charts that you show in your 2nd link and they are a good set of maps to get started with. In the past I have owned the planisphere that you show in your first link but gave it away as I prefer to use this one:

http://www.quasarastronomy.com.au/planispheres.html

The white background makes it easier to read under red light but that is a matter of personal preference.

When you want more detail these charts are free to download. It is up to you to print them out. http://www.geocities.jp/toshimi_taki/

[OzStarGazer]

Thank you! They look great.

[mental4astro]

Taki's 8.5mag charts are the ones I use. He also has a less detailed set of charts that are great to start out with - also good for use in light polluted areas as they show fewer stars , more like as seen in urban areas.

[Shark Bait]

These Sky Maps are good as well, giving you the astronomical highlights for the upcoming month. Just scroll down the page to find the *.pdf you need:

http://www.sas.org.au/index.html

[barx1963]

I used the charts you mentioned in your first post for quite a while before moving on to Uranometria 2000.
They are a good basic chart, scale I think is a little small to really star hop successfully, but will enable you to start finding your way around.

What scope are you getting BTW?

Malcolm

[OzStarGazer]

Thanks for the new advice and links. :)
I am getting the SkyWatcher Heritage 130p. It is the best option for me because I am a beginner and I would also like something portable because I really want to go to the beach sometimes. It is not far from where I live (its a 10-minute walk) and the view is spectacular when the conditions are favourable.
I am going to buy it this morning. :)
By the way, I do have Starry Night Pro so I can always check there, but I wanted a chart too, particularly for when I am not home and for quick reference.

[barx1963]

Just be careful at the beach! Sand and saltwater are not good for optics, and sand in a focuser is no fun!

Malcolm

[OzStarGazer]

Oh, there is also grass in front of the beach, as well as an elevated promenade (I mean not at sea level). They both also have tables. The promenade is better I think because where there is grass there are also trees! (Unfortunately there are also trees on the right side of my balcony :(, but they are not mine, so I can't do anything...)

[OzStarGazer]

I printed out Stu's star charts and they look great. I had to print them out in A4 rather than A3 format for the moment, but they are still very clear. :)