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Late_Cretaceous
super member
Reged: 07/23/04
Posts: 170
Loc: Edmonton, Alberta
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Does anybody have good tips on entering lunar observations in a log book?
It seems quite a challenge compared to deep sky observing, where you have 1 or maybe 2 objects in a field of view - and a couple of descriptive comments along with calalog number are sufficient. Lunar observing, however, is different because one field of view can offer dozens of named features to observe. Simply ticking off a check list, or scribbling down a list of features does not seem to do it justice. Besides that, it's hard not to ramble around in a fashion that makes it too easy to get sidetracked by one set of features and neglect another.
One tactic I have found is to concentrate on a certain region, like Mare Crisium, but I would still be interested to know what other lunar observers' logbooks look like.
Edited by Late_Cretaceous (11/11/05 07:06 PM)
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Michael Morris
Member
Reged: 01/05/05
Posts: 1518
Loc: Worcestershire, UK
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Why not draw one feature during each observing session. (Picture tells and thousands words and all that).
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Michael Morris
8" LX200 classic with piggy-backed Orion 80ED and Revelation 66mm Apo
Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro (portable mount for Orion 80ED and Revelation 66mm Apo)
Observatory Almira Observatory Website
Co-author of NightCal Astronomical Observing Calendar Software http://www.nightcal.co.uk
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Erix
Toad Lily
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 24022
Loc: Texas, USA
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I concentrate on only one to a handful of features during a session. Like you said, there's so much that it's easy to get sidetracked.
I start by taking a tour of the Virtual Moon Atlas to see what's out there and familiarize myself with key features for that night. Then I scan the whole moon at the scope, especially around the terminator. See if anything catches my eye.
Sometimes I use the Lunar 100 list, or AL list...sometimes I make a list of key features by reading other member's observations...set goals for myself.
But more often than not, by scanning at the EP, something will catch my eye. Then I can spend a few hours on just that one feature and it's surroundings...usually creating a sketch while I'm at it. Talk about a way to really soak in the details! 
If I'm not too tired, I will then move on to the next area of interest at another section of the moon...again concentrating on just one feature.
When I'm done, I look up information on the few features that I really observed. Virtual Moon Atlas, Rukl, and C. Wood's Modern Moon are my three favorite references. Afterwards, by using this information, my sketch and the little notes I jot down in my journal, I can then type up a proper report in a Word Document to save on my computer.
Copying that document and scanning the sketch then will allow me to share it will all of you.
If you don't have it, I really recommend downloading the Virtual Moon Atlas ...it gives a wealth of information and also gives you other sources for references. Plus it's a great planning tool. And it's a free download. 
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Erika
Automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi. 
Zhumell 16", 10" LX200 Classic,Celestron 102 XLT, ETX70-AT, DS Maxscope 60mm, AT6RC
PCW Memorial Observatory
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Late_Cretaceous
super member
Reged: 07/23/04
Posts: 170
Loc: Edmonton, Alberta
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Thanks for that advice, I even managed to apply some of it tonight.
Tonight I observed copernicus, and surrounding area (139x), for some time. Studying it intently, commenting to myself on certain features (how some craters were terraced like copernicus, while others appeared just as a rim sticking out of the mare), took note of some ridges and mountains. Then I called up the Virtual Moon atlas, which depicts the terminater just as seen in the eyepiece. At this point, in the comfort of my den, I could attach names to the different features.
SO far one of the most productive sessions yet - considering I was not even outside for all that long
Thank you .
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Erix
Toad Lily
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 24022
Loc: Texas, USA
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Good deal!
Now, if you want to take it step further, you can read more about the formation of craters, ridges, and maria. The book I really like is C Wood's Modern Moon. He explains in great detail the different formations of craters and then I was able to really appreciate the craters after reading it.
For example, Copernicus is a "complex" crater. In this book Wood explains the crater formation from excavation to modification and then to final structure stages. It shows how the central peak is formed along with the melt layer, marginal collapse zones and the ejecta layer. Very interesting stuff.
It certainly gives more meaning behind what you're observing!
Congratulations on such a productive night.
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Erika
Automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi.
Zhumell 16", 10" LX200 Classic,Celestron 102 XLT, ETX70-AT, DS Maxscope 60mm, AT6RC
PCW Memorial Observatory
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Tim2723
The Moon Guy
Reged: 02/19/04
Posts: 5762
Loc: Northern New Jersey
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Oh boy, Erika didn't leave too many stones unturned with her excellent advice! I can only echo all she's said and add just a little. As you observe the Moon, it's also fun to consider some of the challenges that await the visual observer. There are nearly countless features that take special planning and foresight to see. The VMA is an invaluable tool for this. Just as many deep space observers test themselves to the limit to view difficult objects, so do lunar observers. Besides the education one gains from researching the featuers seen, there is also the thrill of accomplishment when finally glimpsing a difficult feature.
Finally, it can be very rewarding to view the same feature over several nights. As light angles and libration change, new details are presented. It has been said that, given the constantly changing light, the Moon does not present the same face to the observer more than once or twice in a lifetime. This is something often unappreciated by many. Check it out for yourself and enjoy your time with our nearest neighbor!
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Intes MK-66 Deluxe (6" f/12 Maksutov)
Celestron C-102HD (4" f/10 achromat)
Celestron C-102AZ (4" f/5 achromat)
Orion 6LT (6" f/8 classic Newtonian)
Orion Apex 90 (90mm Mak spotter/grab-n-go/little fun scope)
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Erix
Toad Lily
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 24022
Loc: Texas, USA
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Man, I just can't stop visiting this thread! A perfect example of visiting the same spot more than once is by these two sketches.
Granted, different scopes and magnifications...but only about a quarter to a half a day lunation difference. Boy the difference a day can make!
Tonight's Bullialdus
May Bullialdus
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Erika
Automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi.
Zhumell 16", 10" LX200 Classic,Celestron 102 XLT, ETX70-AT, DS Maxscope 60mm, AT6RC
PCW Memorial Observatory
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photonovore
Moonatic
Reged: 12/24/04
Posts: 2792
Loc: tacoma wa
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There is another VMA feature that hasn't been mentioned yet that relates directly to "logging lunar observations".
VMA has a "Notes" tab on the main screen. The cool thing about this feature is that it functions *per feature* and not as a catchall. For example when "Copernicus" is selected on the map the notes function is keyed to this feature and only this feature allowing one to make all one's notations on a feature specific basis! The entire database of feature notes so created is also accessable (and manipulatable) within VMA's "database" folder as one excell file titled "notes.csv".
The way I have used this feature (thusfar) is to simply select the feature i wish to make a note about and select the notes tab, make a dated entry about the feature and go on to the next feature of interest. Over time you will accumulate a record of all your observations feature by feature. Just click the tab and your entire observing history of that feature will be there for reference! Very useful IMO.
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Mardi
4" achromat, ETX-70, 8"cat.
Whitepeak Lunar Observatory Website
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