Has anyone read "Deep Sky Observing: The Astronomical Tourist?"

[Suzy]

Hi everyone,
I'm interested in the book, "Deep Sky Observing: The Astronomical Tourist", by Steve Coe. It is part of Patrick Moore's "Practical Astronomy" Series. As it is an American book, I wonder how much of this book applies to our Southern Skies. Has anyone read this? If you have, could you please give me a review and tell me how applicable it is to our skies. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.booktopia.com.au/deep-sky-observing-the-astronomical-tourist/prod9781852336271.html

[Suzy]

Or the "Year Round Messier Marathon Field Guide", by HC Pennington?

[MikeyB]

Hi, Suzy.

Did you know you can look these and any other books up on Amazon and usually find reviews by a range of readers (which in my experience often give useful pointers as to content, coverage, useability, etc)? For example:

Year Round Messier Marathon Field Guide (http://www.amazon.com/Year-Round-Messier-Marathon-Field-Guide/product-reviews/0943396549/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

Prices (especially used), are usually better than local sources too, even with postage added.

Incidentally, as the Messier objects were named by a wholly Northern Hemisphere astronomer, there will certainly be some that are restricted/impossible from Australia. You're quite northerly where you are though, so you'll do better than those of us who live further South!

[astroron]

Suzy, I have stayed with and observed with Steve Coe in Arazona quite a while back, with the 8" scope that is in my observatory:D
Steve has been to Queensland a few times in the past so maybe he would have included some Southern objects in his book:)
I have observed 103 Messier objects from Cambroon and four from Undara North Queensland, the other three M81 M82,and M40 will have to wait till I can get up to Darwin environs again.
There are quite a few books by southern based observers on the market, if the Southern Hemisphere is your focus:thumbsup:

[Suzy]

Thankyou for that Michael. I have previewed and read what few reviews I could find, but they are all American sources. They are expensive books $70 -$100, so wanted a bit more input before I jumped in.

I'm basically after a book that will give me as many objects as possible applicable for our skies, and that will help to guide me to find things, explain interesting info on each object, a picture for each one, and some tips in deep sky observing in general.

[Suzy]

Small world Ron! I have been looking and the only two books I've come across are these.

[astroron]

Suzy, You have been Googled already:D:thumbsup:

[ChrisM]

Hi Suzy,

I doubt whether you could find a better (value for money) book on the Messier objects than the "Atlas of the Messier Objects - Highlights of the Deep Sky" by Ronald Stoyan - published by Cambridge. I picked up a copy last year from Bintel (I think) for $80. It is a superb production with, for each object, typically a page or two of text covering the history, astrophysics and observation details. And then there is at least one large colour and/or B&W picture of each one. The book runs to over 350 pages and also includes a generous account of Messier himself, and a copy of his own oberservations. Plus there is more on his telescopes, what latitudes the objects are visible from, and suggested photographic techniques for each one.

So, after reading up on each one prior to (or even after) observing it, you "connect" with it quite differently to just ticking it off a list.

Chris

[Suzy]

Thankyou Chris. That book did certainly get my attention when I was looking at it on line. It's on my wish list. I agree with the "connect" factor - I w/pedia pics and stats of the objects I observe. And now am at the stage of wanted an easier reference point, like a book.

You said it covers photographic techniques on each one - does it cover much in the way of visual observing techniques for each one?

[astroron]

Suzy, Try this site, the Books are much cheaper:D
http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=Deep+sky+observer&search=search

[astroron]

Suzy, this is one book that is a great buy:thumbsup:
http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780521781909/Turn-Left-at-Orion

[Suzy]

Thanks Ron, having a look at that site now. Looks good! If I now remember correctly, you & Liz get stuff from there? How long do they take to deliver? What's there service like?

Woah! Free shipping?! I'm getting hooked. Back to read some more.

[astroron]

Suzy, I got the Messier Atlas in about Two and a half weeks , but that was because of the Ash Cloud had closed all the UK airports, it is usually a lot quicker than that.
AU$52.00 to my Door, you can't beat that:thumbsup:

[Liz]

Yes, its a bit too good Suzy, I looove buying books. I bought that Astronimca book from there, and dont know how they did free shipping as was so heavy!! My latest book arrived 2 days ago "The Brightest Stars' by Fred Schaaf, andf looks very nice.
doesnt seem to take too long, but maybe 1-2 weeks??
Damn, now I'm looking at that book by Steve Coe too. :shrug:

[Suzy]

Ron, that was a really good preview, nice and lengthy. I like this book very much but am concerned with what I will be able to see here, as it is an American book :question:. There is a section for Sth/Hemisphere though I would think it would be fairly small.

Within this book I'm searching for, I'm also after information about finding objects, i.e. 2 deg n.e of blah blah. Followed by an explanation as to what to look for in fine details, i.e. look into Orion Neb and 3 deg to the right you will see wisps of dark blah blah (I made that bit up as an example). Followed by a history of the object and a picture. I enjoy looking for detail in objects and want to see as much as my eyes and telescope will allow.
I guess I'm not after a beginners book, I want some complexities to challenge me, but yet not be too difficult either. I'm wandering if the Turn Left at Orion book (as much as I am interested, and perhaps I may still get it) is a bit on the simple side.

[sjastro]

Suzy,

You should consider this http://www.willbell.com/handbook/nitesky.htm,
in particular Volume 3.

I'm suppose I'm biased as some of my images appear in the book.;)

Regards

Steven

[renormalised]

Suzy, go here... fishpond (http://www.fishpond.com.au/advanced_search_result.php?rid=1448 275758&cPath=&keywords=Deep+Sky+Observing%3A+The+ Astronomical+Tourist)

You could also try getting a copy of "Atlas of the Southern Night Sky (http://www.fishpond.com.au/advanced_search_result.php?rid=5711 787&cPath=&keywords=Atlas+of+the+Southern+Nigh t+Sky)" by Steve Massey and Steve Quirk. It's also at Fishpond.

Or for something more "portable", try "Stars and Planets" by Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion. It's just under the other book I mentioned, at Fishpond. I'd recommend it (considering I also have a copy of it:)). It's very comprehensive and I think would suit your wish in wanting to have a challenge:)

[Suzy]

Thanks guys, looking into those books now.

[astroron]

Suzy, that is a good suggestion by Steven :thumbsup:AU$41:00 to your door for the Southern Hemisphere virsion through the Book Depositary,Grab it:)

[Suzy]

I found what looks to be exactly what I'm looking for! "Deep Sky Companions: The Messier Objects", by Stephen James O'Meara. I was able to get a lengthy preview of it as well which was helpful. This book teaches you what to look for in the detail, info on the object, pic and sketch, what to expect to see from the eye piece, map for each one, how to sketch etc. And best of all he did all these obs using only a 4 " refractor! Which suits me perfectly as my scope is 6".

Here is a preview of it http://books.google.com.au/books?id=jis4evHuuzUC&dq=deep+sky+observing+books&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=EokETOqtBcGXcaqznfQE&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13&ved=0CFsQ6AEwDA#v=onepage&q=deep sky observing books&f=false (http://books.google.com.au/books?id=jis4evHuuzUC&dq=deep+sky+observing+books&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=EokETOqtBcGXcaqznfQE&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13&ved=0CFsQ6AEwDA#v=onepage&q=deep%20sky%20observing%20books&f=false)


Also got "Atlas of the Messier Objects", by Ronald Stoyan. Thankyou Chris for your most helpful review on it for me.

Thankyou everyone for your help.

Also a big thankyou to Ron & Liz for putting me onto Book Depository! I joined up and bought the books from them - couldn't believe how cheap they are - it's ridiculous!! And no delivery fee - it's insane!! I saved $40 off the Messier Atlas book and $20 off the Deep Sky book.
And just to round things off to balance my life :D I got "Stori Telling" by Tori Spelling :P ($12.87 compared to $30 I would pay here). Can't wait to read all her goss, and should I admit that I watched all three seasons of her reality show? & 10yrs worth of 90210. I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't be admitting all of that :screwy: :lol:

[astroron]

Great Stuff Suzy:thumbsup:
Lots of reading to do there:):):)

[ChrisM]

Suzy, thanks for the feedback and I will be interested in your assessment once you have it. I'll definitely have to try the same source!

Happy observing,
Chris

[sjastro]

Hello Suzy,

You are missing out on a large chunk of sky. The Messier catalogue doesn't extend beyond -35 declination.

Regards

Steven

[Suzy]

Hi Steven,
Yes, there is a whole lot out there. I do tackle the NGC's as well. Wanted the Messiers in particular though as they are supposedly easy.

[M54]

Hi Suzy,

renormalised mentioned the book Stars and Planets by Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion.
I have a copy of this which I picked up in a second hand book shop (:D) for $10.
Here is a sample page...

[Suzy]

Thankyou Molly for taking the time and trouble to do that pic for me. It looks an interesting read. I'll have a look for it on line.

[Suzy]

Hi again Molly. Uh oh, I just realised out of the 2 that Carl gave, i didn't look up that one (only the first one), woops. I'm very glad you went to the trouble of bringing that book to my attention.

[M54]

No worries Suzy.
It has the constellations in alphabetical order and is quite easy to use when you want a ready reference for a quick observing session.

[Suzy]

Molly, I take it it has both the Messier and NGC catalogues?

Never mind, I already ordered a book with the Messiers in it anway, was just curious. I have just ordered it from Book Depository. Only $20.87. Phew, that's 4 books in one day. That will do me for quite some time.

Thankyou Carl and Molly!

[M54]

The Messier numbers 1 - 105 are listed in the index and about 200 ngc numbers are also listed in the index.
There's no proper catalogue as such though.
It has northern and southern hemisphere sky maps for each month of the year and moon maps as well.

I find it most useful in identifing the constellations and what each has to offer.

[astroron]

Suzy, the Galactic center is getting Higher every night, so by the time you get your books I would Have a look at my Planetarium program, see what Messier objects are there, make an observing plan,and in that plan include a few other objects that are in the area:astron:
Some of the Books that you have ordered I would not take outside observing unless I was in an observatory, as it wont take to long under dewy conditions for them to be ruined:( so that's where the observing program comes in:)
There are a lot more bright NGC objects than Messier objects, which by the way most Messier objects have NGC numbers.
Enjoy your books when you get them,and look forward to the observing reports of your efforts:thumbsup:

[Suzy]

Thanks for that Ron. No, absolutely wouldn't dream of taking them outside. I've come across the dreaded dew. I make a plan for the night by printing off one map for one area only, I then highlight in different colours the categories of the objects, with arrows etc on the maps to help me star hop. I find the use of different colours very helpful, I highlight say globs in yellow, clusters in pink etc, so I can focus without confusion in the dark. I then write on the map some notes i.e. best height for viewing times and a brief description of the objects. I only concentrate on small areas- there are many constellations I've yet to explore. I then put them in a plastic sleeve, which goes in my observing folder (a nice firm solid one that balances well on my lap and light enough for me fling off (not a lever arch- they are too cumbersome, but a 2 ring A4 binder). If I feel like getting adventerous, I have other maps in my folder ready to go. My maps are then kept as a permanent record for future reference. Prior to that, I have wickepiedia'd info and printed out so I have the stats with my map, which adds to the awe factor of what I'm seeing. I then log my observations into my log book.

If I do need to take the books out with me, I have a covered plastic box by my side on a card table, that I put all my stuff into to protect, and I would pop the book in there and make sure I don't take longer than 10mts with it out of the box if there is dew around.

My problem so far has been with the Starry Nights software combined with the only two books I have with maps in them, I find objects that are in one book or software, but not in another. And so often, I have to carefully, mark it into my software map after printing. So hopefully these books I have just ordered will add to my sources of objects to look up, and if they wind up with more info than what I've been using so far, I will photocopy the maps from my new book and put inside the plastic sleeve, instead of using the computer programme. I also like the fact that with these books that I have ordered, all the stats and pics are in them as one reference point, instead of me having to google and print out each time.

I'm a stickler for anything stationery, pens and organisation. So doing this stuff is right up my alley. I really enjoy planning my sessions, as much as the sessions themselves. :D
If you have any further tips that can help me, I would welcome it. :thumbsup:

As for viewing, there has been none of that for weeks (a good 3, I'd say) because of this horrible weather! We're lucky to get one good night a month (2 if lucky) in the last few months, and I don't think I'm exaggerating :sadeyes:

Thankyou again, for all your help Ron.

[renormalised]

Suzy, if you want a really great piece of software for planning and logging your observations, goto this site and download Astroplanner. (http://www.ilangainc.com/astroplanner/) It's an excellent piece of software and any amateur shouldn't be without it.