Thread: Mapping my view
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Old 18-02-2016, 10:16 PM
Wavytone
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Killara, Sydney
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You might find it easier to use handheld devices (smartphone or tablet) while outside looking at the sky. For iOS (iPhone/iPad) there are many apps in the App store to choose from,

You could start with a digital planisphere e.g. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plan...331897327?mt=8 or
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id517591777

Then there are more serious digital sky maps, many to choose from of which Sky Safari is the best and which many here have and use, there are others.

One key thing to note is that the better apps like Sky Safari can make use of the compass and accelerometers in the device to align the map with the direction you are looking, this is a huge help to beginners. Adjustments for the date and time are automatic.

Some (like Sky Safari) have a "night mode" where the display is dimmed and displayed in red so that your night vision isn't utterly wrecked.

You can also find PDF starcharts to store on the device, for example http://www.geocities.jp/toshimi_taki/

Then there are digital orreries, for example Emerald Chronometer's "Observatory" app for iPads (not iPhones) may be of interest.

Spoiled for choice, I suggest.
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