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Originally Posted by Smokey
When everyone goes out observing, do they have a plan of what they intend on looking at or do you find yourself playing it by ear?
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I usually have a plan before I set up for the night - but then I'm a planner by occupation!
I take a list of objects that I want to observe and try to work through the list. I also record my observations in a logbook even if it is something as lame as "I observed object xxx..". This may seem like a pain (and it can be) but it's very enlightening to read your log book 20 years later!
As for what objects to observe, I now have the Ice In Space monthly challenge to bag each month! I also use Starry Night Pro to have a look at what objects will be up during the night, plus there are always plenty of good suggestions in magazines (like Australian Sky & Telescope) and books.
Having said all that, there are objects that I will always observe if they are up - the Orion Nebula, eta Carina, omega Centauri, 47 Tuc, any of the larger planets etc, etc. Sometimes I'll even just sit in my chair and look up at the stars with a MkI eyeball!
I think everyone slips into a routine they are comforatble with - I'm sure it won't take you long to find yours.
Clear Skies!