sky chart

[edelweiss]

hi guys.. i'm just wondering is it a good idea to posses a star chart or star atlas?

i read somewhere in internet stating that it's a great thing to have a star chart while star gazing.Since i have dobsonian 8", the writer suggested sky atlas 2000 (the name is something like this).. And i surveyed the price is around 50bucks at bintel which....

Normally, when i'm stargazing, i just sat beside my scope n look at the sky n sometimes just sketch any constellation that i found with my phone (which i know pretty not practical)...Or i just look inside the scope and get lost easily:lol:.

[barx1963]

Hi Eeda!!
Yes a good chart is definitely worth it. Personally I favour having a couple at different scales.
I use these http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Books--Charts-and-Software/Star-Chart-Laminated---CD-ROM/655/productview.aspx for an overall view of the skies and the brighter objects. Makes it very easy to identify constellations and large patterns when deciding where to go next.
The next step could be Sky Atlas 2000 or Uranometria 2000. Personally I like Uranometria, but it can be a bit daunting at first, and for an 8" it plots many objects that you will never see. But the scale ensures that star hopping is very easy.

Malcolm

[edelweiss]

The one that suggested can be used without telescope right?

Sky atlas n uranometria are used as guide using the telescope or for naked eyes?

But i might buy the one u suggested for this time being.I wanna enjoy the australian's sky with my naked eyes first :D

(iceonspace shop got d cheapest price compare to other websites...$24 including the postage :))

[barx1963]

The basic charts can be used for naked eye observing, eg bright stars, constellations and the brighter DSOs. The more detailed atlases are more for finding objects with a scope.
When star hopping I use the basic chart to identify bright stars then I move to the atlases to work out my star hops to the target object.

Cheers

Malcolm

[hickny]

Hi Eeda,

When I was starting out I found this website very helpful...
http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

You can print a monthly SkyChart for your location,

I also found a Planisphere helpful...
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Observing-Aids/Chandler-Large-Planisphere/1114/productview.aspx

There is a very good Sky Chart in .pdf format that you can download fro free at ...
http://www.geocities.jp/toshimi_taki/

Hope this helps.

[SkyWatch]

I find the Pocket Sky Atlas from Sky and Telescope (by Roger Sinnott) is excellent: well laid out and very convenient size. You can get an e-version as well.