Sky Atlas 2000 -mistakes??

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Earlier this year I bought a new field copy of Sky Atlas 2000 (second edition) to replace the dog eared original edition I had. There are some real improvements and additions, but last night I finally turned to map 23, and noticed something odd. Small oblongs appear next to many of the 3rd to 6th magnitude stars. These oblongs, according to the key are bright nebula. This oblong symbol is only used on chart 23, on other charts small bright nebula are squares. I am convinced these nebula do not exist. Their position is too co-incidental with star positions. Additionally chart 23 has NGC numbers in upright Roman font, whereas all other charts are sloped.
Has anyone else noticed these faults, are they mentioned elsewhere??
Have I got a dud copy of Sky Atlas?

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Hans, thanks for the response.
My atlas is the laminated white on black background so no colours.
The small oblongs appearing next to stars are a similar size to the squares indicated on the other charts for nebula less than 10'
I take it you have the coloured edition, and it does not have these peculiarities on map 23?
The upright font used for NGC numbers, runs the digits so close together in some cases that it is hard to read the number.
I bought this atlas at the Bintel stand at the SPSP, so will call them if nothing else turns up on the forum.

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Still looking for someone to check their field edition of Sky Atlas and see if they have the same faults as mine.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Hi John
I have a 1987 revised field edition, and it doesn't have what you are describing. In fact chart 23 has no nebulae indicated by a square or rectangle, that I can see.
My 1985 Deluxe edition does not show any either

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Originally Posted by Hans Tucker

Look at the left hand corner of Map 23 and you will find the only small square on this map.

The companion guide indicates Map 23 as a galaxy rich region which explains the numerous small red elliptical points scattered all over Map 23.

I take it you mean the one with a variable star in it-my old eyes missed it at first look.. I know what the galaxies are-there are heaps of them, but that's not what John is talking about.

[Jon (Jonathan)]

Originally Posted by Larryp

I take it you mean the one with a variable star in it-my old eyes missed it at first look.. I know what the galaxies are-there are heaps of them, but that's not what John is talking about.

Yep, R Aqr is the only bright nebula in Map 23 in mine (1985 Deluxe edition). I have just looked it up - a fascinating bit of nebulosity, the spectrum of which varies with the magnitude of the variable. I must have a look when the moon goes.

None of which helps John much. Sounds like an error to me.

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

Thanks Laurie, Jon,

Just did a rough count and there are 74 stars with the accompanying oblong alongside. Looks like a phone call to Bintel tomorrow.