Hartungs vs Sky Safari

[Bendy]

Hi everyone,

I've heard of venerable 'Hartungs' and was considering purchasing it, however, I wonder if it is worth it in view of the functionality of modern planetarium apps such as Sky Safari which contain thousands of objects, descriptions, pics, the ability to sort by various characteristics etc.

Any advice from those that've trodden the path?

Regards

Ben

[Merlin66]

Ben,
I have and regularly use Carte du Ciel and other mapping programs, but Hartung is always in the background.
Nothing to beat the selection of objects, double stars etc.

[tempestwizz]

Horses for courses I guess, but I've nothing but praise for SkySafari. I like how you can have instances on iPhone, iPad and other pcs. It iseems to be convenient to use at any time.. not just at night when viewing but at any spare moment when considering celestial events or objects, it is very convenient and does not occupy much physical space.
It is also expandable in its application. I have plans to use it either via iPad or iPhone (maybe both) to control the pointing hardware via wifi. SkySafari provides warning of upcoming events, from eclipses to iridium flares. With SkySafari you can preview what you can see from any location on earth and vary your reticle to show what field of view you will get with what equipment.
The hard copy maps are very nice, but starting to get like the Encyclopaedia Britannia. While the EBs were a wonderful resource, they were cumbersome to use and often downright inconvenient. Also out of date from the day of purchase.
While I have several hard copy starmaps, my first choice these days is SkySafari.
Just my 2cents worth!

[Kunama]

I use SkySafari on the iPad outside but very much enjoy my Hartung's when relaxing at home with some of Penfolds offerings.....

[Allan]

Not many days pass when I don't hop onto Sky Safari. It's one of my most valued astro tools, and I have over one thousand objects sitting on there in personal lists. Hartungs and the Night Sky Observers Guides have been invaluable in compiling those lists, as they have been the source of many objects I have overlooked over the years. They are certainly complementary to Sky Safari and I wouldn't get by without them.

[raymo]

Hartungs is like a faithful dog laying by my chair in the evenings.
The data list is invaluable, but the book is also an entertaining read.
Whilst The various software packages are very good, and most certainly
have their place, I find them somehow cold and uninvolving, just tools.
raymo

[Bendy]

Thanks gents.

Ive been an avid user of Sky Safari for sometime now. For me, it serves as a convenient and accurate star map and observing planner, companion and log. However, you've extolled the virtues Hartungs so I'll look to pick up a copy of it as well, plus you've given me some great arguments to put to the Minister of Domestic Affairs!

[raymo]

I suggest that you try and find a hard back copy of the 1995 version,
but at least there is a cheaper version available now if you can't find one,
or don't want to pay the asking price for one.
raymo

[astro744]

Hartung's is more of a celestial handbook like Burnham's. It would complement a star atlas and not replace one. It is an invaluable resource also available electronically as is Burnham's. Note epoch when using either. Hartung's was written for the southern hemisphere astronomer in mind.

[tempestwizz]

One further thought.......in a hundred years time, the hard copy items most likely will still be around still being used. Much of the soft copy material seems to have a limited lifetime and may well be forgotten.

[ferozious]

Just in case anyone is interested, I have a copy of the 1995 edition for sale in excellent condition.
Dunno what to put on it, anyone wanna give me an idea what it's going for these days?
Haven't put it in the classified section as yet, not quite sure where to list it as there is no section for books and publications for sale.
Cheers
Steve

[raymo]

There hasn't been enough sales of the 1995 hardback version made
public since the new softback came out, for a market price to emerge.
It used to sell around $175-200. Mine was $80 new in 1995. I reckon a full hardback version published today would have to be at least $150.
How long is a piece of string?
raymo

[Robert9]

As a matter of interest check this out :eyepop:
https://booko.com.au/9780521554916/Hartung-s-Astronomical-Objects-for-Southern-Telescopes-A-Handbook-for-Amateur-Observers
Robert

[Wavytone]

Mmm... had a signed copy of the hardback edition, sold it some years ago as I'd ceased using it.

I'm reliant on electronic media now.