[mark3d]

So I am going to setup some manual setting circles on my dobsonian for getting close to the target, and then use a right-angled finderscope to get right on top of it. Can't wait!

The problem is I would rather keep it simple and not have to rely on an electronic device in the field for looking up the current Alt-Az location of objects. I realise it would be so much easier with Stellarium on the laptop (or perhaps my Android phone), but I don't want to have to use it if I can avoid it.

Maps and planispheres seem to use equitorial coordinates not Alt-Az.

I was thinking I could plan my session in advance to view certain objects at certain times, and then I will know their precise coordinates. This would seem to constrain my viewing sessions a bit though (maybe that's the cost of not using the laptop). Alternatively, I thought I could write down how to find things relative to easy-to-find landmarks, e.g. Star X is 3 degrees below and 25 degrees to the left of Jupiter. This would allow me to view anything on the list at any time.

Has anyone else pondered this at some stage?