Quote:
Originally Posted by 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 
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  |
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.
If you have any further tips that can help me, I would welcome it.
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
Thankyou again, for all your help Ron.