How do you plan your observing sessions?

[barees63]

I thought I'd try a poll, I'm interested to know how - or if- you typically plan your observing sessions..

[Rodstar]

I voted, "Other". I assemble my lists to observe, bearing in mind the following:

1. Consideration of when particular constellations will be at culmination, month by month, and focusing on those constellations in selecting objects to observe

2. Studying lists of objects, whether they be Messier, Caldwell, Herschell, NGC, IC, Washington Double Star Catalogue etc, to identify objects which will be of interest, for the constellations at culmination at that time of year.

3. Identifying objects in Sky Atlas 2000 that capture my interest.

4. Revisiting objects which I have enjoyed observing in the past.

I keep a journal of my observing sessions. I use a chunky 1 page to a day Collins diary. That way, from year to year, I can look back at objects the previous year(s) at that time that I liked, and revisit them. It also means that I am constantly searching for new objects, rather than boring myself to sobs just looking at the same things all of the time.

In a typical observing session, I also try to spend some time naked eye observing. This has the benefit of improving my visual knowledge of the night sky, as well as enjoying seeing larger scale objects than I see through the narrow window of my telescope, esp the Milky Way itself, which never ceases to blow me away! It also allows my observing eye a chance to relax!

Happy observing

[gaa_ian]

I voted for the objects from recent articles, as this for me would include IIS, Universe today, the Mags etc.
I dont like reinventing the wheel so i like to go for objects that others have done the research to decide that they are favourably placed for viewing at that time.
Usually I will follow this up with a printed chart from Cartes Du Ceil, to help find these objects & perhaps identify a few bright others in the same region.

[barees63]

I haven't been at this long enough to fall into a particular habit, I started off pretty much random, the only DSO I knew was M42 I found other objects by chance but never really knew what they were..

Once I got the Argo Navis it all changed, using Tour and Identify modes I was able to find specific objects with ease but it was still pretty random and they were still just "numbers" in a catalog.

I then purchased AstroPlanner and made some user catalogs (eg. I made a "globby" catalog and downloaded it to AN and was able to view many globular clusters of various magnitudes), this gave my observing a little more purpose.

Now, having subscribed to AS&T, listening regularly to Slacker Astronomy and Universe Today and reading various other articles (including CosMos excellent contributions here) I am more interested in creating user catalogs (still via AstroPlanner) featuring objects about which I now have some background knowledge, I find a little knowledge adds greatly to the "Awe" factor..

[Starkler]

I used to use RTGUI (http://www.rtgui.com) freeware to generate lists of objects of interest visible for that time. IMO its the handiest astronomy freeware program available for the visual observer :)

Now that I have my argonavis I have become lazy and I let it find objects for me.

[asimov]

I voted for the random approach. Quite often I'd just pick an area of sky & do the slow hand nudge back & forth until something interesting popped into view. Then I'd try to identify the object on a star atlas/map.

[jjjnettie]

When I first got a telescope the Southern Skies Binocular list and the Messier list were what I started with. If there is an interesting article in the mags or in IIS, I'll try to chase it down.
I need to make use of my star atlas more though. Studying what is in or near each constellation would help me truely learn the night sky. There is more to it than just the bright DSO's.

[stinky]

Other - for me. I look out the window and depending on the weather conditions decide what area I want to look in. But if planets are in the "right" spot I'm liable to step out and amuse myself whilst waiting for a break in cloud.

[lost_in_space]

Up until recently my observing sessions where haphazard. Thanks to this forum I "discovered" the RTGUI and Skychart combination and I now plan my sessions using these tools.
I was able to assemble a serviceable P133 notebook out of 3 salvaged duds, loaded Win 95, RTGUI and Skychart and I take it with me on my observing sessions. Using RTGUI to ID the best of the night, Skychart to produce a chart of the area of interest, a compass and an angle finder on my dob get me in the general direction. It is nudge from there until I find the object of my desires.

[ving]

you know, i havent had a proper observing session for months.
bout time i got stuck into it again :)

generally i mix it up, hunt down objects on my atlas or palm planetarium, attack a doubles list, if someone sugests an interesting or hard to find target....
some times i'll have a goal for the night and visit faves after my goal is finished, other times i'll just star hop around...

[matt]

I'm pretty much the same as Ving. Bit of planning, bit random chaos.

It's all good:thumbsup:

By the way, what's RTGUI, and where do I get it?

[mickoking]

G,day Cobbers,

I voted other, and this is my ritual. During the day I normally make a small list of new objects, or objects I had previously observed with another 'scope. When It is dark and my equipment is set up the first part of my sesh I re observe objects who's locations I can remember with out an atlas. I do this for many reasons but it really increases your familiarity of the sky and it is good starting a nite out viewing speccy objects and old friends. The second part of my sesh is working off my small list and recording my observations.

[edosaurus_rex]

I have a home made list of DSO's and Double/Multiple stars, about 800 total. I've started using a tape recorder to log my observations then write them in a book when I'm more awake the next day or so. The obs list is getting bigger because I'm adding subjects in the -35 to -45 deg dec range (not covered by the Messier or Herschel I lists). I had to add the Helix Nebula and Collinder 399(Coathanger).

[sheeny]

I voted other... although random may be close.

I really don't do too much planning ahead of time - I don't plan to view the moon next Tuesday night for example - but if something really unique is happening (say an eclipse, etc) I would.

I generally work to the weather. If it is clear - I go observing. Then what's visible and the conditions dictate whether I just observe or try imaging. I have a combined list of Messier, Caldwell, Bennett and Levy Catalogues that I work with. If I'm doing a show and tell for friends, I often resort to the Guided sky tour on the scope.

Al.

[GrampianStars]

Plan mostly from the zenith Nth, Nth Est, Est, Sth East, Sth
Use a Sky chart then either "Argo Navis"(8"cat) or "SS2K Goto"(1xED80, 1xZS80)
I dont like going back and forth across the sky

[cjmarsh81]

I just stick my head outside and see if I can see any stars. If I can then I set up the scope and start looking. I am 100% random at the moment.

[acropolite]

I voted Random cos that's mostly what I have done, however I'm starting more and more to use monthly magazine lists. I have, on a few occasions, specifically targetted objects mention in this forum, e.g. C20006/A1
Apart from the planets, I have a set of favourites that I always visit, SMC LMC, Orion, 47Tuc, Pleades, Jewelbox, Omega Cent (summer) and for my final alignment star, I usually select Rigel Kent as it's a very nice double to start with. Then I usually select objects from the autostar database and let the LX do the work.

[iceman]

Great thread..

I'm slack at the moment.. I spend most of my scope time at home doing imaging, and do purely visual stuff when I go to our dark sky site at least once a month. But even then, I'm usually socialising and looking at the favourites..
I keep telling myself "I must make a list of thigns to observe", but I keep forgetting or couldn't be bothered.

I'll definitely be having a plan for SPSP this year.

[fringe_dweller]

I'm a cherry picker, and mostly only do 'events' these days - i do follow 'brighter than normal' comets more than anything - which isnt that often.
When i first started nearly 12 years ago - the first two years I was flushed with enthuisiasm and was underemployed/unemployed at the time and i did a massive amount of observing, it wasnt unusual for me to do as many as 5 nights (some allnighters) a week when conditions were good, while I learning the night sky and starhopping with dobs.
Then as I went to dark sky sites more and more I came to dislike and be dissappointed with deepsky observing from the city and virtually gave it up.
Its like those guys who say they will never go back to visual astronomy once they have a webcam, I feel the same about city vs darksky astronomy (except for planets of course)
now i am a pacer, and I like it that way - its easy for me to burn out if I do to much, and that would be a shame.

[ving]

aaah kearn me matey... from a light polluted back yard it become all about the challenge. tonight i will do galaxies.... :)

[Miaplacidus]

I use three A3 size charts that I made myself (1. 256 of the brighter Hartung Objects, 2. 300 challenge objects, and 3. 700 double stars). They are extreme Mercator projections, with Dec on the Y axis (<40 deg north) and RA on Y.

They are only useful to people with GOTO or PUSH TO scopes, and the main advantage is that they tell you instantly what objects/stars are closest to the last object you just looked at. It means you can perform a SYNC on one object, and be guaranteed of getting the next one right in the middle of the eyepiece, even if your mount isn't all that flash. It's basically a bit like doing an Autostar tour, but you can see every object that's on the list, rather than having to scroll through the database. It also means you see a lot more objects on a given night, and it helps with learning the night sky. The layout is a bit different to a planisphere, and takes a bit of getting used to (it helps if you imagine you're ABOVE the stars, facing north and looking down). The doubles star chart lists the SAO number and the separation in arcseconds of each star right on the chart. The reverse of each chart gives the relevant information.

Confused yet?

[RAJAH235]

Well, after a quick naked eye view & then grabbing my planishere, I retrieve the good old Herald Bobroff, select the applicable chart/s, n go from there...
Also have a quick squiz at the Astro 2006 to check on Jupiter events early in the night & keep checking during the session. Like to watch the 'moon/s dance'. :D L.
ps. Also like to keep an eye on the favourites too, like Eta Carina, 5128, M42 etc...
btw & fwiw, I tried for the 'spikes' in/on the 'Homunculus' last viewing night, but was unable the resolve due to conditions. Will try again. (next time, you beast).L.

[Adrian-H]

Astronomy is a Ritual for me, Just like any Other.

[Orion]

Astroplanner.

[Mikezoom]

Well been busy with work & life in general but still have managed to get the scope out a few nights and I have started planning my nights with the help of a diary of sorts.

First I study my charts and the web for objects to find and note them in my little "black book" ;) with a small description then later that night once Im at the EP I make my entries. I find im much more organised doing my observing this way and its fun to read the next day. I can still feel the excitment from reading my first entry after finding the Ghost of Joop, awsome. :)

Anyone else out there keep a diary of sorts? I am going to start scetching soon too so you have been warned. :lol:

Mike.B.
<!-- / message --> <!-- sig -->

[space lover]

I usually just observe at Random, you know, get a feel of the sky.

[barees63]

I've kept a diary of every session since I started.. I've just bought a voice-recorder attachment for my ipod and intend to use this from now on, since, especially when using AN tour mode, I often want to record an NGC number and some comments so I can remember which ones were interesting and maybe research them a bit on the Net..

I'm also interested in learning to sketch but haven't tried it yet..

[mickoking]

Yeah, I keep a record of most of my observations. Dunno about voice recording, I can't stand the sound of my voice :P

[Stu]

I just ask Dave47tuc. Then get him to push my scope for me. :)

[Dave47tuc]

Very funny Stu :rolleyes:

I have not read this whole thread. But a good way is to look at the Mags around and do those objects they write about. Most are bright and easy in a small scope 6" or 8" Dob :D
With a lot of Go To or Push To type scopes you can miss on finding that object by accident.:)

Get a Star Atlas out ( do you have one!) and this time of year look at the open clusters in the Argo Navis region. Near Carina etc. Great fun in Binocs.:eyepop: Which ones can you see?

[OneOfOne]

With the weather in Melbourne lately, my observing procedure consists of:

procedure ObservingSession;
begin
StickHeadOutside;
CloudCover := GetPercentageCloudCover;
If CloudCover > 50 then
goto Bed
else
begin
WaitHours(1);
CloudCover := GetPercentageCloudCover;
if CloudCover > 50 then
goto Bed
else
begin
CrossFingers;
GetOutScope;//this function is rarely used!
end;
end;
end;

BTW, I am a computer programmer...

[Saab]

Here's how I do it. This is based on Melbourne's climate.

AN EVENING SESSSION
1. go outside and check for clouds

2. if <50% cloud cover, cautiously take scope outside,
incase of sudden cloudiness and rain.

3. If 100% clear, have a plan of attack ready, so should
it rain an hour later, get the scope in quick smart.

4. If overcast, just a simple gesture " Oh how typical" will do.
Followed by swearing.

MORNING SESSION
1. Go to bed, angrily if cloudy.

2. Wake up at 2am, followed by a cup of cocoa
and a thorough walk around of the sky. Make sure there
are no clouds within 200 miles. In Melbourne, clouds will
hunt you down. So you want to keep the distance.

3. If cloud cover is >50%, get very angry and start swearing.

4. If cloud cover <50%, be damn thankful.

[Stu]

classic!:rofl:
guess you had to be there.

I think there is also that suprise local astronomers get together that can get you off your ass at the last minute. Beside that, quite often I set my scope up then the clouds come! So all planning goes to waste.

[higginsdj]

I use Astroplanner as well. All my 'observational' work is undertaken via CCD and Astroplanner does a great job letting me build my observing plans for the automation software to run over.

Cheers

David Higgins
Hunters Hill Observatory
Canberra, Australia
http://www.david-higgins.com

[ving]

currently i observe less than i used to and my sessions are dictated my my current project :)

[wavelandscott]

I voted other...I usually work from a list (generated a variety of ways) and after exhausting that got to tour mode on AN...

[gaa_ian]

Well, I have voted previously that I use CDC to make charts to find the brightest objects at the best altitude.
However what usually happens is there is a crowd of newbies, so I go into "Showman" mode & show off the best & brightest things in the sky.
U Know, all the pretty sparkely clusters & bright nebulas.

[JimmyH155]

I would be grateful if someone would explain to me what an Argo Narvis is. Is it some gismo you strap onto your scope and it beeps or something when you get close?
I have a Meade LX 100 which is great. I sometimes use the setting circles and RA knob to point to something in the charts, but it is all rather hit and miss and often I get frustrated and swing to something I know. I must admit I found 47 Tuc using the circles. Would this Argo Narvis help? I also have a Lightbridge. Would it work on that????

[Starkler]

The argo navis is a small computer which by virtue of electronic encoders attached to the mounts axis, directs you to objects of your choosing by telling you which way to push your scope. It can also work in reverse, by identifying an object that your scope is pointed at.

Yes it can be fitted to a lightbridge and IMO, is the best investment a dso observer can make on a non-goto scope.

http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/

[ballaratdragons]

After nearly 22 years of regular observing you would think I'd know a thing or two about the sky and have a plan of attack.

Wrong!!!! - I am a pure Random observer!

In truth, I do not know many constellations, so reading maps is out. I try to use Cartes du Ciel but I rarely find in the sky what I looked at on the screen.

In reality I cannot find many objects. I scan the sky thru the EP. I know where the Virgo and Fornax clusters are fortunately, and I can spend a whole night searching around in each one for Galaxies.

I can't even find objects by knowing star names coz I don't know many stars names and the ones I can remember, I don't know where they are.

But I search on regardless. That's the way I have always been doing it. Until the day get a GoTo I will remain 'Lost In Space'.

[Jupiter]

Now I have a little experience I generally plan for at least one new object and hunt it down, tonights was Eagle Neb, still not sure if I found it, also found Dumbbell neb, then I try and find others that I have already succesfully hunted down before, Eta Carinae, Lagoon, Alpha Cent, Centaurus A, also have some star maps with a heap of DSO on them, but I need a laptop.

[Geoff]

I set my 10 inch DOB up with a home made inclinometer and have a 360 deg graduated disk for Az. I have "Starry Night" on the laptop with a red screen in front of the normal screen. I pick an area on Starry Night and use my push to if conditions are poor ( near a City) I then star hop to the target. A big advantage is I can zoom in on the lappy to suite what I see, I can also reverse the lappy view to suit the eyepiece. It works great, I can find anything within the conditions and scopes ability.
I voted random, but i will start planning, using RTGUI.
I keep a diary of observations. I use a cheap small tape recorder to record my observations and enter them later. Its interesring to listen to coments.
Geoff :)

[Geoff]

Lovely sky's down there at Penola, I stay with friends at Nangwarry about twice per year. Much better than Adelaide viewing. Only prob is you have to watch over your shoulder. Clear one min, cloudy or raining the next.
Geoff

[ngcles]

Hi All,

FWIW, I have two observing modes. One is pretty random -- I just look up and pick things I want to look at out of the rats-maze I keep in my head. Most are favorites. This presently occupies about 50% of my observing time and practically all my "home" observing. Sometimes I record these observations, sometimes not.

The rest is structured. As Rod said (above) I like to look at new things all the time so I plan using two tools -- A piece of database software known as Deepsky and the planetarium software Megastar.

Back a few years ago constructing lists of things to look at probably took twice as much time as actually observing -- it was all done manually.

Deepsky holds my entire logbook now (took a while to transcribe it from paper hard-copy I can tell you).

I have a simple A4 folder with plastic sleeves and I print my lists out hard-copy onto paper -- I have a printed list of things to do for every constellation visible from Sydney. Every year I update those 60-odd lists and it takes about 90 mins to generate them for the whole sky.

Using Deepsky I ask it to generate a list of, for example galaxies brighter than mag 15.5 (or of unknown magnitude) and larger than 20 arc-seconds (that aren't already recorded as "observed" in my log) within a particular constellation. It instantly generates a list of "fresh prey" and I print it and tuck it in the folder filed alphabetically by constellation. I presently have lists with 1500-odd objects in the to-do pile consisting of several dozen planetaries, a handful of globs, some pairs and 100s of galaxies.

In the field I turn on the laptop, bring up Megastar, get out the folder and pick a constallation. Take the first off the list, dial it up on the Argo, bring a map up on Megastar, observe it, record the notes on a solid-state dictaphone, and cross it off the list. Back home I type the notes from the recording into the log on the laptop using Deepsky.

I am phobic about loosing my log due to a computer crash. It is backed up on the home PC, the laptop, on a CD which I keep in a safe at the office at work and on a CD kept at a friends home (I update the CDs every other month). So, unless there are two computer crashes plus two simultaneous fires, I'm safe (I think).

Very occasionally, I construct a special list of things to re-observe as resource notes for something I'm writing.

Best,

Les D
Contributing Editor
AS&T

[space oddity]

Since buying a decent scope, I have become more organised.The new scope hoodoo continues to follow me longer than usual, probably BECAUSE of the non random method:doh:. For the given month that I can create the opportunity to head for dark skies, I consult the trusty old planesphere for which constellations will be nicely placed at various times of the evening.For those constellations, I will make a list of objects that books , star atlas or magazines suggest might be interesting to observe. I will then have in ruled columns the NGC or Messier number(for the goto), the type of object(oc, gc, neb,gal etc),magnitude and occasionally a brief description. Eventually, I should be able to obtain info on suggested eyepiece. If I ever get my act fully together:whistle:, I intend keeping objects of the same angle of view together in their constellation groupings. Obviously, planets and other noteworthy items are on the list. The great thing is that the list can be used from one year to the next- strange how the ancients stuck those celestial objects on fixed spheres!:lol: I also find the need for my observing eye to have time out and gawk up at the milky way and look out for meteors.

[goober]

Good thread - lots of hints here.

I used to be pretty ad. hoc., but in the past twelve months I've tried to add a bit of structure to my planning.

- I keep a running list of objects I want to hunt down.
- The list contains stuff like object type, atlas references, RA/Dec, magnitude, notes, and space for me to take notes/sketches at the eyepiece.
- I'm always adding to this list, via reading observing books, observing reports, star atlases, magazines, etc.
- If an object is likely to cause me trouble, I'll print out a finderchart from Carte du Ciel.
- I write up my notes in a log book, and check them off my list, as I bag them.

[§AB]

Usually I just go out, set up my "observatory" - consisting of my telescope, rug, eyepiece case and star atlases, and just hunt random objects.

If the seeing is good, I go for globulars and planetaries, if its bad I just do some low-power widefield in the milkyway.

[Paddy]

I like to plan a bit before I get my scope out - I check through my "atlas of the southern night sky" which lists/maps interesting and attainable objects in each constellation and I also look for objects discussed in the latest AS&T or Sky & Space. I love finding constellations that are new to me and star hopping to find DSOs. After I find a few new things (which could take quite some time, but who cares), I go back to some old favourites and just gaze.

[Lyra]

My vote went for 'other' because I don't have one specific way of doing things. Sometimes I wander, sometimes I plan.

[Domol]

I'm a sticker for organization! I use the book Hartungs's Astronomical objects for southern Telescopes. It has 1000's of object by constellation, so i pick a constellation near median so start reading. i has lots of interesting details about each object and special things to look for. I used to star jump, but now just type in the designation into the goto. I've had the book 7 years and i'm still try to get thur it all! It definely worth getting:thumbsup:.

[goober]

I picked up Sue French's "Celestial Sampler" a couple of days ago. I was reading her introduction, and really like how she organises her list of targets. She maintains her running list, grouped by hours of right ascension. No matter what time of day/time of year it is, she has her list ready to go. I think I'll adapt my "to do" list this way.

[Karlsson]

I converted the SAC 7.70 database into a very crude MS Access database in which I can mark objects for observation and also report the observations afterwards.

I am an inveterate star-hopper (no GoTo for me...:D) so I print CdC maps of whatever objects I have on my list, with horizon limitations marked in (there is a humungous tree in my East), so I appear at the crease fully prepared...

When night falls I set myself up on the roof, finely tweak the scope's collimation and then look at whatever is visible through the tiny holes in the clouds, plan or no plan....

[caleb]

i just go out when those clouds go out, no moon or and only when i fell like it.

[abellhunter]

Hey Astro Heads!:hi:

i've been working on the NGC/IC for 30 yrs.... today i'm at 3,535.*
The total is 13,000 and change!:sadeyes: Started before digital setting
circles... yea i actual know the sky and can HIT 100's of deep
Sky Objects from memory with any 10" or better scope.

So, when i'm in the hunting mode, i open the Atlas to the hour
that's just before the meridian, along with the NGC catalog and
just go down the list.:thumbsup:

Also have Mega Star installed and thats a kick! You can zoom
down to stuff that is even beyond the 28 incher!:eyepop:


Get Cosmic! Lance aka "abellhunter"

http://www.anzaobservatory.com

;)Looking to move the above observatory to
the Southern Hemisphere. Any comments,
ideas or suggestions?

eMail me at: humphreys@greencafe.com

*Footnote: [have baged over 5,000 deep sky objects total
when you count MCG, ESO, UGC, CR, MEL, etc etc....
(non ngc objects):hi:

[hector]

I look for objects of the beaten path, Terzan Globulars, Faint Supernova remnants, obscure Planetaries etc etc. To do this I have an observing schedule arranged in RA and Dec. Finder charts from programmes like Megastar or the Guide with an image from the DSS are essential. I keep notes on all objects observed and will re-observe faint objects again and again to confirm what I have seen.

[ausastronomer]

I just get Andrew to push "Hector" around and observe what he's observing:D

Well I suppose I can find a few things for myself from memory.;)

Cheers,
John B

[asterisk]

I use SkyTools (http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html) and version 3 is almost due for release (http://www.skyhound.com/st3.html).

I use its log feature to keep track of what I have observed, and the nightly observing list function to find what is available on nights when I observe.

This is an excellent program. It can either be a stand-alone program from which you get the settings for moving your telescope, or it can be connected to a variety of goto/pushto telescopes.

The new version has many more features than version 2.2h. You can either use the base features only for nightly observing, or make use of as many of the other planning features as you wish.

[programmer]

Hey Geoff Skytools looks great, but is there no demo version to download?

[asterisk]

Yes, it is great. Greg Crinklaw doesn't have a download trial because of the size of the file. However, if you purchase a copy and don't like it, he has a 30 day refund option - I have not had to use this option.

However, I would advise against ordering the present version as v3 is due for release soon. While generally similar to 2.2, 3 has many more features which make planning much easier.

Cheers

[programmer]

Thanks for the info. Size of file isn't really an issue these days with high speed broadband. How big is it anyway? I've downloaded game demo's of around 2Gb in about 1/2 an hour. Unless it's served from a slow server. :(

[cahullian]

No planning here just point and look.

Gazz

[asterisk]

Greg has been having issues with his server lately and has changed recently - perhaps he may now be able to offer a trial - I don't know.

Cheers

[ausastronomer]

Geoff,

I am currently alternating between Megastar 5 and an older version of Starry Night Pro.

I was about to order Sky Tools because of its inbuilt observing log capability, but don't want to buy a boat anchor, if it's about to be upgraded.

When is version 3 likely to be available. I know you get the 6 months cheap upgrade thingy, but I don't need to go there.

Cheers,
John B

[asterisk]

Good question John. A number of people are beta testing ST3 - it is currently up to "u" as testers find bugs and they are corrected. As well, Greg has been making a number of changes to accommodate argo navis users. The other thing slowing down finalisation was Windows releasing Vista in the middle - while Greg had already attempted to make ST3 backwards compatible from Vista, it was not until a number of testers installed under Vista that the final checks could be made and changes made to the program.

I have been one of the beta testers for the Real Time implementation. I must admit, I prefer ST3 to ST2 and can understand your reluctance to start with ST2 and then upgrade to ST3 later.

Once released though, I can recommend it for its ease of use, adaptability and accuracy. Greg is being very thorough to ensure that the demands of users are satisfied.

Cheers

[programmer]

Now you've got my attention :D

About the v2/v3 thing, it's not uncommon to offer free upgrade if the new version's release is imminent, for those who buy the older version. That would be good if he offers it.

Other than that, there's normally a nominal upgrade fee for major release (i.e. 2.x to 3.x) versions as opposed to a point release. Not sure his policy on this either.

[Sentinel]

I am beta testing ST3 as well and can suggest that the Argo Navis functionality is worth waiting for.

However, I currently use Astroplanner for Argo Navis list uploading. It's pretty cost effective, and every Argo Navis owner should have a copy, just that it has much more functionality than the Argonaut program.

You cannot go wrong if you invest in Astroplanner, then when Skytools 3 comes out, get that then.

Then you will have two programs with full native Argo Navis support.

All the very best and feel free to email me off list.

[programmer]

Thanks Paul. I have given AP (free version) a bit of a test run. I only realised last night that the Argo Navis support is native, which is great. I'm
going to start going through the manual and see if I can sort through what seems to be a ton of functionality. I will have a look in on ST when v3 comes out.

[AstralTraveller]

I'm another 'mixed bag' observer. Some favorites, some tour mode, too little planning, some pan around with the binos, some 'suit myself time', some 'entertain the newbies time'. So I voted random. I used to record obs but I'm not that good at it so I gave up. These days the better half keeps the records. "What was that we just looked at dear? What eyepiece were we using?" :scared3: Shh. I didn't say that.:whistle:

[AlexN]

I voted other.

I have a big fat book of the universe, which has alot of fine images of over 1000 objects. Since buying my scope I've made a list of which ones should be visible from my location, and have started systematically checking them off as I find them....

Some nights however I go out with the intention of observing a few favorites and solar system objects.

[Lismore Bloke]

I voted other. I usually examine 1 or 2 constellations well above the horizon. I make a small list of objects, usually DSO's and have a chart of the constellation from CDC and much closer charts of specific objects. These are in plastic sleeves so dew won't wreck them. If I get frustrated I observe some old favourites and scan the milky way with the 32 TV rather than come inside cranky at not finding things.

[GrampianStars]

G'day Y'all
I use http://tonightssky.com/MainPage.php :thumbsup:
and print off the list details for the night by RA

[Outbackmanyep]

I observe comets and Variable stars....so if it's clear i'm out there making obs....
I also do Occultations and these take planning.....so it all depends on what Asteroid Occn's OccultWatcher is showing me and what Lunar Occn's Occult 4.0 is showing me.......

So basically....if it's clear then observe!

[Robert9]

I voted planning, but once I'm out there I like to visit other favourites as well. It does depend too on the condition of the sky. No point trying to see stars if there's a bank of cloud over the top. Many a good plan can go astray.

[Darth Wader]

Grab scope, plonk it on the grass, turn out the porch light and enjoy. I enjoy spontaneity in my stargazing and don't plan anything so I can't be disappointed if I miss something. I must admit that when I do find an object I make a mental note of its position and then check it out on stellarium when I go back in the house.

[michaellxv]

I voted tour mode as that's what I have mostly done for the last year. I have good intentions of being more methodical. Ask again next year.

[pgc hunter]

My sessions are planned. I pick out some DSOs from Cartes De Ciel / MSA, if Im viewing galaxy clusters i'll print off DSS images to get my bearings at the eyepeice.

[RobF]

If its just me and the weather looks good, then I use Astroplanner + Notepad to write up a planned list of Messier (or Glen C Messier-like) objects to image or view that will be visible, starting with most northerly and then westerly visible objects for time of year (then moving back through RA to the E as objects rise during the night).

Notepad is great for jotting down a roughly planned list for different times which you can tweak or put down detailed notes as you go if need be. I usually take at least some images, so the notepad file gets thrown in that directory as a diary record. I also try and put some detail into Astroplanner if time allows, but at the very least make note of having seen something so I don't keep revisiting the same objects. Use defined columns in Astroplanner are a big help in noting which objects I've decided to have a go at and at what time for a particular planned session (or just for noting something I'd like to try for at the next dark sky site).

Once I've "done" Glen Couzen's All Sky Messier catalogue, I think I'll move on to a list of the brighter NGC objects. Mind you the more you learn about imaging, the longer you want to spend on each decent object, slowing the rate you "discover" new things. :)
I suspect lots of people will have changed how they explore and plan over the long period this thread has been running!

p.s. If friends or family with me, I'll often fire up EQTour part of EQMOD and use that to find objects once I've exhausted those I know myself.

[spacezebra]

Hi there

I am currently working on a Globular Cluster list and look forward to one day exploring the Northern Hemisphere GC's

Cheers Petra d.

[DiamondDust]

As a newbie I'm still amazed by everything I point my scope at, especially globular clusters. So I guess when there's a cloudless, windfree night I immediately plan to get the scope outside!

[cherie]

I love going back to the favourites since I'm not out there regularly observing. Also the light pollution is bad in my area so not much can be seen.

Once I finally get my telescope I suspect I might plan more and try for some more difficult objects.

[Liz]

I pick about 5 prominent constellations at the time - head to my Astronomy books/charts, and make a list of goodies to track down.
I usually start the night by having a lood at planets, and comets, which I can NEVER find unless brighter than mag ~ 6.

[gaa_ian]

Given that I am usually doing an Astronomy "Tour" and often for people who have not seen a lot of the night sky. I will pick out the bright and impressive for that time of the year. Usually those objects that are easily found by star hopping with a Dob. In the rare times where I have the pleasure of hunting for Faint Fuzzies , I will seek out Galaxy Clusters, Obscure Nebula & Interesting Planetary Nebulas.

[Marcus10]

I'm amazed at how many people plan their observing sessions - for me, its always been fairly random or, perhaps, I've just had an idea in my head (i.e. hunt down some globs).

You've inspired me to take a look at Astroplanner or be a bit more methodical in my time behind the scope.

[FlashDrive]

Pretty much random....I revisit some of my favourites when they are visible....M42, M45, Coal Sack, Jewel Box, Omega Centauri, 47tuc....Planets also.
Nothing planned....just star hop...and go looking.

Flash......:D

[phobos27]

Usually i have a look around the internet for some cool nebular, globular clusters or galaxies and go from there. They are usually unplanned as it is much more fun to make it up on the spot.

[mental4astro]

Having been involved with astronomy as a hobby for over thirty years, and with my interest in sketching at the eyepiece, these days I sit down & work out which four or five targets to sketch. What I select comes from a variety of sources, some outright spectacular, others obscure. Some spanning several degrees of the sky, others a few arc minutes.

A sketch can take anywhere from 1/2hr to three hours, so I also consider the time of year, & the rotation of the sky to distribute the night's labour. For this i use the humble planisphere to give me the sky at any time of year & then suss out potential targets in the various references I have. Even the scope I use is determined this way. My 4" refractori can get upto a full 5degrees true field of view. For a faint galaxy, like Proxima Australis, then the 17.5".

It's no longer a race to tick off targets for me. It's also low tech. I there to relax and unwind & leave the rush behind me. "Ahhh, the serenity..."

My enjoyment also lies in this planning process. I learn a lot from the reading. This also then inspires what I select to sketch. I can indulge this hobby even when it's blowing a gale outside.

So, for this poll, I'm ticking "other".

Mental.

[AG Hybrid]

Mostly. I don't even bother planning what to look at most of the time because I have SkySafari hooked up to DSC. I no longer waste time searching and planning. I just look for interesting targets in the constellations I can see.

There are some exceptions. Galaxy clusters and any notable targets during an astronomical event like a SN or conjunction/shadow transit. Maybe if there is an interesting object in a magazine article I might try and chase it down.

But, generally speaking. If its in SkySafari, in my FOV and in range of my scope. I'll have it.

[Amaranthus]

I make consistent use of the observer lists in SkySafari Pro, and use this to guide my GOTO scope over the course of the evening. Incredibly convenient, and allows me to read up about the objects I'm using, cross check the starfield (it goes down to mag 15 stars) to make sure I've located my object, etc.

I also regularly do constellation tours. I typically pick a mix of bright, double and variable stars and DSOs from a high transiting constellation, and then work my way through them over the course of 1-3 nights (depending on the constellation). One fun way to do this is to work through EVERY object mentioned in Ridpath & Tirion's 'Stars and Planets'. Lots there to keep the visual observer busy!

I leave moonlit nights for my planetary observations, and some stellar/point source work (doubles, minor planets, etc.).

[Gem]

Usually start with the page of Sky Atlas 2000 that is in a good observing position. Sometime I will get out my hard copy edition of NGC 2000 and look up the NGC objects on that page of the atlas. Occasionally, I will get out Hartungs or use a list (e.g. print out the top 100 globular clusters or some other object type and check if there are any left I haven't seen).
Mostly it's just me in the dark with a red torch and an atlas making it up as I go. I do have a good memory though, so if others are there I will usually do 30-40 objects for memory with the dob (by which time they are cold and had enough). :)

[speach]

I use Stellarium to have a look around at the constellations, then Cartes du ceil to print out the one I've chosen Then Astroplanner to print out an object list for that constellation.

[PeterHA]

As a starting point I use the Bambo 600, have it sorted by month and RA and only the objects I have not yet observed.
Apart from that I have the Deep Sky Travel Atlas (Oculum publishing), it is quite water proof and list most objects within reach of my scopes. I look up the maps showing the areas of sky I can see well in a given night and go by the objects there. I also use it fo start hopping.

In future, once I have grown out of the Deep Sky Travel Atlas, I have now the Deep Sky Atlas (Oculum) it list the objects coded by visibility for 4", 8" and 12" and the visibility is derived from a software called Eye & Telescope which has quite unique algorythms for that.