Astronomical logbooks

[Ric]

Hi all

Just a general question, has anyone ever come accross a bound / printed astronomical logbook.

I know that there are pages you can download and logging software that can be downloaded as well, but I've never actually seen a hardbound logging book.

It would be a nice Christmas present for our loved one to purchase for us keen observers as well as being able to build up some nice volumes of your observations over the years.

I've had a bit of a search on the net but as yet have uncovered nothing.

Cheers

[04Stefan07 (Stefan)]

I would actually love one of these.

I much prefer writing it down in a book than have a software package on my computer.

[Chif (Andrew)]

I'd love something like this too. I've never looked for one though. I'm not sure how much merchandise IIS produce (such as the eclipse specs) but that could be an idea.

[04Stefan07 (Stefan)]

That's a fantastic idea for them to produce. I had a starlog on my android tablet but I did not like it at all.

I much prefer just a book with all my logs.

Originally Posted by Chif

I'd love something like this too. I've never looked for one though. I'm not sure how much merchandise IIS produce (such as the eclipse specs) but that could be an idea.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I just have a plain A4 hard cover notebook that I record all my obs in. I also use a spreadshet that I the record the dates in which I regularl upodate and print out so I can check if I have notes from earlier obs or if I have already seen an object. System works well and my notebook is now into its second volume!
Tried using a compter logging program but decided it was a PITA and the manual system works well.

Malcolm

[pgc hunter]

I don't use a logbook instead I've made an observation form with space for a sketch, data and notes and I keep these in plastic pockets in a binder.

I'm thinking of creating a list of all DSOs I've observed though.

[andrew2008]

My logbooks are a mess with scrawling all over the place. Writing in the dark is not conducive to the level of care I'd prefer to take with such a logbook.

I use Skytools 3 to plan a session, A5 notebook while at the scope to record what I'm doing then transfer all observations back to Skytools 3. I can understand why some may prefer not to go with software for this but it makes keeping track of what I've seen so much easier.

[Ric]

At the moment I use plain hardbound A4 books as well, I use a template that has all the data that I want to record written on it. That way I don't miss anything.

I can see how it would be difficult to set up a generic type of logbook as I suppose everyone has a different idea of what data they want to record.

[michaellxv (Michael)]

I have to say I'm completely out of practice taking any notes but like others I found it impossible to be neat in the dark. I tried using SkySafari to take notes but that wrecks night vision and i'm not proficient enough typing on a touch screen. Rough notes on a piece of paper or small notebook and then transfer to your permanant record later.

[04Stefan07 (Stefan)]

I have found these templates online.

http://www.astromax.org/aa02801.htm

I might print out a bunch and bind the pages together.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by 04Stefan07

I have found these templates online.

http://www.astromax.org/aa02801.htm

I might print out a bunch and bind the pages together.

Thanks Ric for starting this thread

hey thanks Stefan i was just about to start a thread asking where i could get these templates from as i have seen a few people posting them on facebook and here they are i might print a heap of these out at work as they also have a binding machine there woohooo cheers

[04Stefan07 (Stefan)]

Here is what I did today, printed a heap, made 2 booklets and got them bound.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by 04Stefan07

Here is what I did today, printed a heap, made 2 booklets and got them bound.

i just done the same thing 2 books 30 pages

[Suzy]

Hi everyone

IceInSpace have got their own wonderful observing/sketching forms.
On the left hand blue menu bar, select "resources", then select "files", you will get this, then click on "observing log template".

At the scope I have a little spiral bound notebook, I then transfer to an A4 exercise book. On many occasions, I've just ripped the page out of the notebook & pasted it in- messy as it is, I like the raw obs of the "moment" if that makes sense & also sometimes along with my scribble, I do scribbly sketches which are priceless for the moment for me. If I put an obs report in the forum, I print it out & then glue/staple that into my book.
My log book works on a per session basis- date at the top, and the catalogue no's highlit on the left following my report, for easy perusal. I then cross reference to this (as I have trouble remembering what I've seen!) onto loose leaf pages each page with a constellation heading, giving nothing but the catalogue no & page no of my log book for quick reference- an index so to speak.
It took me many months of rattling my brain to come up with a system that worked for me, I love it!
I'm a note and paper girl, and I don't trust a computer to keep all my records, I also find it easier to just pick up a book and go flick flick.

Good on you Rick for bringing up the topic, something I've wanted to do in the past- I'm sure there's many out there in the same predicament I was in months ago.


Using the IceInSpace log sheet.

Memorable moments like a supernova deserve a pic!

Sometimes I put in a pic and do report on facing page- it helps me keep a better memory of the obs.

Here are the "raw notes" I was talking about earlier.

Catalogue no's are highlit on left for quick reference.

[Jen]

well this was hidden on this site very well wasnt it i never knew thanks Suzy now i will have to make another book at work and see if i like this layout more than the others or not

[Suzy]

I know Jen, hidden very well- I had trouble finding it to post here.

[Suzy]

The other day the hubby decided to help himself to my observing stuff when I wasn't looking. Comedian isn't he...

[Jen]

Haha that's so cute

[Ric]

Hi all, I'm enjoying seeing all these examples of your logbooks.

These examples are excellent, well done to all, I sure they will provide inspiration to other people who are thinking of setting up there own logbook.

I'll add a page from mine as soon as I get a chance.

Cheers