Starman1
Vendor (EyepiecesEtc.com)
Reged: 06/24/03
Posts: 17639
Loc: Los Angeles
|
|
Here's a link to the Sight Saver brand of red laptop screens:
http://yhst-1469288697390.stores.yahoo.net/sisalascsh.html
--------------------
Don Pensack
www.EyepiecesEtc.com
12.5" Teeter/Zambuto, 5" Maksutov
Sustaining Lifetime IDA member
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 11940
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
Quote:
Quote:
I don't see the DSO count as being a negative on the MSA. It's primary purpose was to be a star atlas, not a DSO atlas
True, but if you take that reasoning to its logical conclusion, the MSA shouldn't have any DSOs at all. Or it might follow the AAVSO atlas and include only the Messier objects.
Obviously, more DSOs wouldn't hurt the MSA -- heaven knows there's plenty of room on the pages to put them there. But at the time it was being prepared, there simply weren't any reliable DSO databases to draw on. Even as things stand, proofreading the MSA nearly brought Sky Publishing to its knees. We found vast numbers of errors in our databases -- and still were far from catching them all.
Astronomical data is an unbelievable can of worms.
True. I wasn't disparaging the MSA, I think it's a wonderful accomplishment. And, I can only imagine the herculean effort you guys went through to bring it to market. The amateur community is indebted to SkyPub for this, especially now with the lower-cost softcover version being so much more affordable.
- Rick
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200
Cactus Patch Observatory
"The four points of the compass be logic, knowledge, wisdom, and the unknown. Some do bow in that final direction. Others advance upon it. To bow before the one is to lose sight of the three."
|
BobinKy
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 3089
|
|
Rick Woods:
Thank you again for recommending Richard Dibon-Smith's StarList 2000: A Quick Reference Catalog for Astronomers (New York: Wiley, 1992, 400 pp).
My order through the used books market arrived yesterday. Last night I was able to quickly identify key information about the stars I was sketching in my observer's log.
This book is a nice companion for my PSA, as both are about the same size and easy to pack with my pencil box.
|
Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 11940
Loc: Inner Solar System
|
|
It is a handy little devil, isn't it?
Glad to help!
--------------------
- Rick
14" LX200
Cactus Patch Observatory
"The four points of the compass be logic, knowledge, wisdom, and the unknown. Some do bow in that final direction. Others advance upon it. To bow before the one is to lose sight of the three."
|
Arbacia
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/18/07
Posts: 1057
Loc: Madrid, Spain
|
|
For the laptop I'm using red gel sheets from cinema and TV illumination. The manufacturer is Rosco and has offices in USA.
www.rosco.com
Check Products -> Color Filters
I am using #106: Primary Red (Transmission = 9%) but can find others.
--------------------
LightBridge 12", LB16", 70´s C8, C11. CGE.
Set of Takahashi LE EPs; Ethos; DMK 31AF03.AS
CN image gallery
http://www.astrohenares.org
http://www.asociacionhubble.org
Tres Juncos Observatory
|
SkyGX
Vendor - SkyGX
Reged: 05/24/07
Posts: 32
Loc: San Diego, CA, USA
|
|
Quote:
Astronomical data is an unbelievable can of worms.
Tell me about it Tony! I've talked at length with Roger about what everyone went through on MSA. How about those galaxy PAs, eh? I spent months working with the LEDA folk ironing out THEIR OWN issues before I felt comfortable using that database as the basis for the galaxies in SkyGX. I really don't think there was even one data source that I used that didn't require some sort of correction. And the other side of that is, once you've communicated your findings of error to the "professionals" that created them, they don't really want to hear from you. There IS one notable exception, however. Nina Kharchenko, head of the team responsible for the "All-sky Compiled Catalog of 2.5 million stars" (ASCC-2.5). She was very grateful that I found thousands of spurious stars in that catalog, which she quickly had updated and resent to the data centers. Now I get a Happy New Year card from her every year.
-Christopher
|
SkyGX
Vendor - SkyGX
Reged: 05/24/07
Posts: 32
Loc: San Diego, CA, USA
|
|
Quote:
Plus I ended up with lousy, computer-placed labels instead of lovingly hand-placed, which is all the difference in the world.
Bingo. That's the one thing that those who suggest printing from software never bring up. True celestial cartography is an art form that software hasn't caught up to yet. Nothing can beat the pure aesthetic of a chart that is painstakingly hand-edited for ultimate clarity.
|
David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 13646
Loc: southeastern Nebraska
|
|
Quote:
Rick Woods:
Thank you again for recommending Richard Dibon-Smith's StarList 2000: A Quick Reference Catalog for Astronomers (New York: Wiley, 1992, 400 pp).
My order through the used books market arrived yesterday. Last night I was able to quickly identify key information about the stars I was sketching in my observer's log.
This book is a nice companion for my PSA, as both are about the same size and easy to pack with my pencil box.
Well, I might add in a little dissent here. The data in Starlist 2000 may not be extremely accurate, so while it can be used as a resource, it is not exactly a catalog source, which should be kept in mind when citing it. The data on colorful doubles is also a little questionable, as a few of the cited doubles have little or no color contrast. Clear skies to you.
--------------------
David W. Knisely . . . . . . "If you aren't having fun in this hobby, you aren't doing it right."
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
|
BobinKy
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 3089
|
|
David:
I also ordered MegaStar 5.0--due to arrive next week. MegaStar will be my main catalog source, as well as the research atlas at my desk and in the field. I still have this urge to identify ALL of the stars in my binocular eyecups.
Thank you for your recommendations--both in the threads and through e-mail.
Edit (May 31): I also am ordering the SkyTools 2 and Sky-PC bundle from Skyhound. I will return whichever software does not not meet my needs. Thanks again.
Edited by BobinKy (05/31/07 10:23 AM)
|
gubbenimanen
sage
Reged: 08/09/05
Posts: 283
Loc: Sweden
|
|
IMO a big atlas such as Uranometria, Millennium Star Atlas or SkyGX should be ergonomically designed for use at the telescope!
Here is what I would like: cheap, lightweight volumes, water-resistant softcover, A4 size, color, thin pages.
I find the (Swedish) telephone numbers catalogue ideal. For example A4 size, softcover and 700 pages weight only 780 grams (27.5 ounces). With thin pages (compare with e.g. the Bible, S&T magazine) and softcover it forms nicely over my lap and I can easily turn pages. A hardcover atlas with thick pages is heavy, easily slips from my lap and I may accidentally cut my fingers on the pages. Color-coded deepsky objects to make the atlas as nice-looking as SkyAtlas 2000 and S&T Pocket Sky Atlas. The water-resistant cover could be e.g. the synthetic leather cover on SkyAtlas 2000, deluxe (fold out charts). Considering that the telephone company every year distributes a new catalogue I think they're cheap to produce. Ok, I realize they're mass-produced.
The hardcover atlases require a table. I find it cumbersome to bring out a table, move the table (and the chair) every time the telescope swings around to a new position.
Uranometria: I found the coordinate grid distractive. Instead make it more widely spaced or light-gray.
SkyGX: One chart could cover two pages (left and right page) to get a large and readable scale.
Just my opinion on how a big atlas may get usable in the field.
Roger
|
Michael_Feiler
journeyman
Reged: 07/06/06
Posts: 5
|
|
Dear all,
I am the author of the German "Deep Sky Reiseatlas" and would like to give you an overview.
The translated title is:
"Deep Sky Travel Atlas - Quickly find Star Clusters, Nebulae and Galaxies"
A sample-pdf of some maps you can find here.
(Note: milky way is brighter in the pdf than in the printed version)
Description:
The Deep Sky Travel Atlas is a new tool for amateur astronomers and has been designed to fit the needs of modern observers most conventiently. Unique features include:
- imprinted telrad reticles to quickly locate objects (Telrad Finder Charts)
- charts completely laminated
- map arranged comprehensively and easy-to-use like in a road atlas
- unique side register system with declination, right anscension and constellation labels
- spiral-bound
38 A4 format maps show the complete sky to magnitude 7.5 at a scale of 2° per centimeter. They include over 20000 stars and 666 deep sky objects. Each map is accompanied by a detailed data sheet containing notes on brightness, size, and distance on each featured object, including a short description. An asterisk classification system can be used for selecting objects quickly.
The pool of objects is identical with the »Deep Sky Travel Guide«. Cross refeneces allow the use of both volumes side-by-side, which complement each other perfectly: The »dream-team« for deep sky observers!
80 pages, 21cm × 30cm, ISBN 978-3-938469-05-7, November 2005 (1. edition)
I hope this information will help you to understand the features of this atlas.
Clear skies!
Michael
|
Joe Bergeron
Vendor - Space Art
Reged: 11/10/03
Posts: 1446
Loc: Upstate NY
|
|
I'm very fond of the PSA. Nevertheless, the comment about adding all the Flamsteed numbers cluttering up the charts too much strikes me as odd considering the proliferation of proper star names on the charts. These names are romantic and colorful, but most of them are quite obscure, hardly ever used, and sometimes they do indeed create needless clutter while contributing nothing to the utility of the atlas for finding deep sky objects.
Furud? Nusakan? Cebalrai? I can only conclude that Roger Sinnott is deeply attached to these names, and wishes to see them propagated through time. I can sympathize with that, while also being bemused by their presence. I would have kept only the top 30-60 names, the ones people tend to actually use.
--------------------
Eight telescopes of a highly diverse nature.
At home beneath the night sky.
My Web Site
English Lessons for Amateur Astronomers
|
davidpitre
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/10/05
Posts: 3183
Loc: Central Texas
|
|
Michael,
Will this be ,or is it currently , available in English?
--------------------
David
|
BobinKy
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 3089
|
|
Michael:
Thank you for sharing this information. The pdf file of the Deep Sky Travel Atlas has several nice features.
1. Can you give us some information on the Deep Sky Travel Guide?
2. Are there plans to publish either the Atlas or Guide in English?
|
Michael_Feiler
journeyman
Reged: 07/06/06
Posts: 5
|
|
Hi all,
Quote:
1. Can you give us some information on the Deep Sky Travel Guide?
Yes, I can.
The translated title of the guide is:
"Deep Sky Travel Guide - Discover Star Clusters, Nebulae and Galaxies with your own Eyes"
You can find German sample-pdf here and some pictures here.
Description:
This unique deep sky observing guide features 666 double stars, star clusters, globular clusters, galactic and planetary nebulae, and galaxies. About 300 objects are described in detail. For each object, there is an in depth discussion on what it will look like in typical amateur instruments. Extra notes on how to find each object will help beginners greatly.
More than 300 illustrations show the deep sky objects as they actually appear in small telescopes. The largest selection of eyepiece drawings so far published helps with the identification. Additionally, the 100 best showpiece objects are shown in astrophotographs made under identical instrumental conditions. Other features include:
- side register allowing quick search by constellation
- atlas section of 16 pages including overview and finder maps
- coloured milky way panorama map on 8 pages
- detailed finder maps for small objects
- graphs show the paths for more than 25 famous double stars
- photos give identification labels for all major constellations
- an in depth introduction to deep sky observing and drawing
This book is unique among deep sky observing guides and has been received so well by German language amateurs that the third printing appeared only three years after the first release.
The pool of objects is identical with the »Deep Sky Travel Atlas«. Cross refeneces in the atlas allow the use of both volumes side-by-side, which complement each other perfectly.
308 pages, 28cm × 21cm, ISBN 978-3-9807540-7-1, December 2004 (3. edition)
Quote:
2. Are there plans to publish either the Atlas or Guide in English?
We need a foreign distributor to do this. Do you know anyone in the USA?
clear skies!
Michael
|
BobinKy
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 3089
|
|
Michael:
Thank you for those links on the Deep Sky Travel Guide. The unique combination of drawings and photographs are good. Especially those photographs. And I can say--if the Atlas and Guide were available in English--I would purchase both.
Quote:
We need a foreign distributor to do this. Do you know anyone in the USA?
Unfortunately, I cannot help you as I have retired and no longer travel in product distribution circles (and when I did, those circles had little interest in astronomy publications).
Here are a couple of suggestions--but please do not take any of these "to the bank," as they are only spontaneous ideas.
1. The Atlas and Guide appear to have the Euro design. You might look at distributors who have publications with similar designs in other subject areas. Some of the academic publications have a similar design.
2. You might approach publishers/distributors outside of the amateur astronomy circuit, such as those handling travel or nature publications.
You certainly have a good product. I wish you the best.
|
SkyGX
Vendor - SkyGX
Reged: 05/24/07
Posts: 32
Loc: San Diego, CA, USA
|
|
I think the Deep Sky Travel Atlas is really quite well designed (looks like it's taken a cue from U2K), and I would definitely purchase one if I could find it in English. Thanks for sharing!
Christopher Watson
Principal Architect
The AAVSO International Variable Star Index (VSX)
http://vsx.aavso.org
|
BobinKy
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 3089
|
|
Christopher:
Please bear with me--I am learning as I go.
Can you please post a brief description of The AAVSO International Variable Star Index (VSX).
|
SkyGX
Vendor - SkyGX
Reged: 05/24/07
Posts: 32
Loc: San Diego, CA, USA
|
|
Quote:
Can you please post a brief description of The AAVSO International Variable Star Index (VSX).
I think the best and easiest read is probably here:
http://www.aavso.org/vsx/index.php?view=about.top
But no more...lest this thread get moved to Vendor and Group Announcements.  I've got absolutely nothing to vend, but there you go.
-Christopher
|
Michael_Feiler
journeyman
Reged: 07/06/06
Posts: 5
|
|
Hi Bob, hi Christopher,
Quote:
I think the Deep Sky Travel Atlas is really quite well designed (looks like it's taken a cue from U2K), and I would definitely purchase one if I could find it in English. Thanks for sharing!
Quote:
And I can say--if the Atlas and Guide were available in English--I would purchase both.
Thanks for your feedback. I am afraid there is no English version available. Many people asked us already from not German speaking countries in Europe (Portugal, Czech...). Both the Guide and Atlas are available at Amazon.de and even at Amazon.fr (France) and Amazon.jp (Japan). We got already several recension even in France although it is not a French atlas, but I don’t know why it is not available in the US at Amazon.com.
By the way, what did you mean with U2K and Euro design? Did you mean it looks like more scientific design?
clear skies,
Michael
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
[Re: 
Edit
Reply
Quote
