Thread: Finder apps...
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Old 21-04-2016, 01:11 PM
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janoskiss (Steve H)
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sale, VIC
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Sky charts and star atlases printed on paper can still be more effective than computer/tablet/phone based systems.

I recommend a red head torch, the Night Sky Planisphere by David Chandler, the Southern Sky Guide (SSG) by Ellyard & Tirion, and a pair of 7-10x, 40-50mm binoculars.

You can locate dimmer/deeper objects in your planetarium program or on more detailed charts. Then mark it in pencil in your SSG and star-hop your way to it using naked eye and binoculars.

I find the star-hopping way more intimate (i.e., me and the cosmos) and exciting.

If you just want to point your scope at a chosen target ASAP then digital setting circles are what you need. I tried the smartphone method but the magnetic field sensor always gets it wrong or gets confused. (Maybe with a more expensive phone it's not so bad???)
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