It would also be advisable to download the
Deep Sky Star Explorer Atlas pdf 13.1Mb and the
Reference Manual pdf 1.0 Mb. This contains much of the information of bright and easy southern deep-sky objects for the beginners or small telescopes.
Auke Slotegraaf has been slowly working on these projects for years, and seems to know how to target observational techniques and observing southern objects for all.
Interestingly, the star charts do not have any labels for the objects. This has been done deliberately, as you can learn the techniques in finding objects, then write down the one that you find during your observation sessions - encouraging you to learn the capabilities as an observer are experience. (I've used the charts for various observational programmes, marking observations as you go.) Great if you have a go-to telescope with slewing to Right Ascension and Declination places.
Also the Reference Manual contains a deep-sky list of 1067 objects in RA order, and also the best ones for each chart.
Highly recommended.
He also has a Star Wheel that can be downloaded and printed on card or transparencies. This is set for latitude -35 degrees South (about Sydney and Adelaide, but useable from Melbourne to Brisbane), and is good especially if you don't wish to spend the twenty bucks on one! However, like the atlas, you can check off the constellations or the bright stars you see and learn. (There are also ones that do have the constellations names as well - that is if you can't be bothered.
See
Sky Wheel (in pdf) pdf 1.7 Mb
I took the image to Officewords, and printed the images on A3 and A4 Card and transparencies. Most useful device, and a bit of fun along the way!)
Pity none of the astronomical societies are doing such things in Australia or New Zealand - especially during the Year of Astronomy 2009).
Note: The Deep Sky Companion was mention in IIS last year on 24th January 2008.
Atlas, Atlas Manual and Planisphere
