Recording a nights viewing

[MintSauce (Gordon)]

I've got a nice notebook to record my viewings but I was wondering what people record in theirs.

I put the date/time and what I'm aiming to look at (double stars for example, or messier objects) and why I stopped (clouded over) Also what I saw and at what magnification. The first page has details of my scope and eyepiece/magnification table.

I'm wondering if anyone has anything to add as a usefull piece of info to record on a nights viewing.

G

[Dave47tuc (David)]

G.
Do record what you see. I do look back on my records and enjoy reading them.
What you are logging is fine. Write what suits you. Don't make it to complex.

I had a friend(who has sadly passed away) who recorded his observations on a note book. Like those spiral bound small ones you buy in safeway!!
He had over 100 of them

At times I'm a bit lazy and don't record. I do regret that when it happens. As I try to see something new each time i observe.

Good luck with you observations.

Best.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Mintsauce

Have a look at this site http://mainbyte.com/astrobyte/ and download the freeware program. Once you install it have a look at some of the catagories they use for recording. Then as Dave says use a notebook to put in the ones you think you would like to use. Then uninstall the program, unless you want to keep using it that is .

It has a few limitations (eg you have to scroll through to get to the catalogue number you want) but its not bad if your prepared to lug a laptop out with you everytime you want to record your viewing. Alternatively use both the notebook for your fieldwork and then input to the program when you come back in. Means double handling the info but I've found that it helps me learn the various DSO etc by doing it that way, plus I'm getting better in estimating sky conditions..

Good luck however you decide to go

Paul

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

I like the idea of keeping a record...

Here is something I stumbled across and was considering using...

It is "cheating a bit but looks pretty neat to me...

http://www.e-odonnell.com/myweb6/messierindex.htm

(a live link sorry)

He has set up the whole Messier List in PDF format using the Telrad finder format...ie the circles are on the sky map to show what you should see in the sky to see the object...there is also a bit of information about the object as well as a place to record your information make a sketch and comments...