biskit
super member
Reged: 09/10/03
Posts: 183
Loc: Asheville, NC
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I got my telescope just two weeks ago today. In that time, I've already had it out for 5 nights -- not bad, when you consider that the Holidays were in there, and we were out-of-town for 2 of those nights...
Anyway, while learning and observing what I can, I've observed a few things that I think I may want to keep record of.
Do you keep a log? What kinda stuff do you have in your log? Do you just jot down "Orion Nebula", or do you include details of what magnification, observing conditions, or even who you might be with?
I want to keep things relatively short, not turn it into a chore to do.
Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?
Chuck(ie)
Asheville, NC -- where the mountains block the view!
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***When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free!!***
Orion ST80
Orion SkyQuest XT8
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I keep an observing log on my web page.
Warpd
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desertstars
Deja moo
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 30019
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Could you post a link to your web page?
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Tom W.
SVP8 'She turned me into a 3-legged Newt' EQ
Ralph, the All-Purpose 102mm Refractor
Under the Desert Stars
"If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going." Professor Irwin Corey
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I tried that for awhile but I'd always forget to write details because I was too interested in the next object.
Now I just use the list I make up before going out and check it off if I saw it.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Now, where did I put that thing?
http://warpdhavoc.tripod.com/warpdsite
Warpd
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Yes, I've started keeping a log. I use Deepsky 2003 to setup my observing plans, then with my laptop at the scope, I record my notes. Normally it's just a few lines but sometimes I get wordy. I hope to publish the log on my webpage (Actually, I working on that on my laptop right now). I'd highly recommend a log if for no other reason than to force you to look closer. One nice feature of Deepsky is it comes with many other peoples logs. I often read them to see what I might have missed during my observations. I'd reccommend Deepsky to anyone interested in observation planning and logging. It's also reasonably priced.
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Echo
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/29/03
Posts: 3320
Loc: So Cal
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Hi,
When I make my viewing lists I put the magnification I'll use and then leave room for brief notes. I write enough while at the scope to jog my memory later and then beef out the final log when I come inside for the night. I also check off objects in the book I use to make my original list from so I won't keep duplicating the same things over and over. (This happens when you turn 40 and start getting senile.)
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Queen of GOTO
Life is short.... get a massage!
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ridurall
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 846
Loc: SW Oklahoma
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I'm just getting started at logging my observations and use one of those small had held tape recorders to take notes with. Once I get inside I can transcribe it onto my computer. Much easier on cold fingers then holding a pen.
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Ron D.
Brunton Epoch 8.5x43 binoculars
Canon 15X50 IS binoculars
Steiner 10X50 binoculars
Alpen Model 350 7.5X32 binoculars (double barrel headaches)
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Echo
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/29/03
Posts: 3320
Loc: So Cal
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Great idea Ron. I'll have to try that. I'll need lots of tape though because I'm liable to wax eloquent over Orion.
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Queen of GOTO
Life is short.... get a massage!
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rboe
Numbfinger
Reged: 03/16/02
Posts: 39690
Loc: Phx, AZ
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They have these solid state devices now, no tape needed.
I don't keep a log and when it comes to using the ToUcam I really should. But I hate paper work. A log would just be more paper work. I do admire the folks that can though.
When I get really old I'll forget what I saw, and where I kept a log (or my wife would have cleaned house and tossed it) so I guess it's a wash.
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Ron
NS11GPS
Pronto
16" dob
15X70 Obies
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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But Ron, that makes for another interesting evening if you've forgotten that you've already seen it.
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12565
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I’ve been keeping a log for years. I’m an information addict. Without my logs I would have no info.
Without my logs I could never write the articles I do because I would not have a record of the observations to support it. With my logs I can go back to observations from a long time in the past and use the information as if it were just yesterday, as long as I’ve recorded all the relevant data. With my logs I can refer back to observations of 2-3 years ago and see it all over again.
I always record scope and eyepiece. Other relevant info is NELM naked eye limiting magnitude and seeing conditions, time, temp.
Keeping a log has helped me learn how to see.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I started keeping a log when I started observing. Now I can read it and remember the feeling of seeing certain things, the different places I observed, and the people (and creatures) I met. It's my most prized possession by far. I think ridurall has the technique that's worked for me- talk into a recorder at the eyepiece. You'll get a much more detailed description, it'll be more accurate, and you'll have some really funny or interesting moments when something interrupts you (meteor, cat, etc.). It becomes a real story book if you include impressions of the night around you, talk about the situation, people, sounds, smells, etc. You'll be able to recall the observing session so much better than by just listing the objects you saw and a few brief notes about them (example: "M42 was spectacular again tonight", versus: "M42 has swirls that seem a bit greenish round the edges, and I noticed a peculiar little dark blob just SE of the Trapezium- looks almost suspended above the nebulosity...it was getting a little spooky and cold when an owl started hooting not 50 yards from me and I almost fell off my stool.."etc.)
I'm just not one to be able to write in the dark when I'm tired ("Where's the *&$@ pencil!"). You can transcribe the notes later at your leisure (e.g. when you have a long cloudy spell). You can also look up the stuff in your books or software and add some technical info to explain what you saw. The only thing is you have to get over the embarrassment of talking to yourself, especially if you observe with others!
With some software, you can link the observations to the objects. That way you can read your descriptions later and compare.
I used to do a lot of sketches, but prefer the recorded descriptions- for me, much more detail can be logged verbally.
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matt
Vendor (Scopemania)
Reged: 07/28/03
Posts: 10022
Loc: Chaville, France
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I'm too disorganized to keep a log. I have various notepads with notes on them, mostly because I observe from different places. I go out with a log when I plan something special, not when I go out for a couple hours and just round up old favorites.
What I usually do is check on Star Altas 2000 the new objects I've seen... provided I have it at hand.
I tend to make sketches of planets I observe, to view how the features evolve over the days and it helps me pay more attention. It's not artistic, just a sketch of the features. I don't have the patience and ability to do it for DSO's or the moon though.
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Matt
CI700 mount with various scopes on top.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I try to keep a couple of notes but I really like the idea Ziz has about recording. I'm gonna give that a try. Thanks Ziz.
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matt
Vendor (Scopemania)
Reged: 07/28/03
Posts: 10022
Loc: Chaville, France
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I won't take a recorder. Enough stuff to pack and unpack like that. That's why half the time a forget a notebook.
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Matt
CI700 mount with various scopes on top.
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imjeffp
Senior Space Cadet
Reged: 09/30/03
Posts: 4424
Loc: Cedar Park, Texas
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I've been keeping notes on my Palm using Planetarium's log feature.
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Blog
ST80 • AT80EDT/LXD650
ETX-90/DS-2000 • 10" LX200 Classic ("The Quarter-Meter Telescope at the Heritage Park Observatory")
SPC900NC • DMK21AF04 • Digital Rebel XT
  
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ridurall
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 846
Loc: SW Oklahoma
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Matt, My micro recorder is about the size of a pack of cigarettes and is in my eyepiece case. That way I always have it when I need it. They are also pretty inexpensive now. I don't know if you have Radio Shack in France but that is where I purchased mine.
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Ron D.
Brunton Epoch 8.5x43 binoculars
Canon 15X50 IS binoculars
Steiner 10X50 binoculars
Alpen Model 350 7.5X32 binoculars (double barrel headaches)
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desertstars
Deja moo
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 30019
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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I'm a writer by nature, so I take notes when I'm out, and then work them over when I go back in (or the next morning, whichever comes first). What I end up with is a recounting that reads something like a short-short story. I long ago realized that when I write something down, it sticks more firmly in my memory. So the notes and the log that comes from them are about 50% of the learning process for me.
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Tom W.
SVP8 'She turned me into a 3-legged Newt' EQ
Ralph, the All-Purpose 102mm Refractor
Under the Desert Stars
"If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going." Professor Irwin Corey
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matt
Vendor (Scopemania)
Reged: 07/28/03
Posts: 10022
Loc: Chaville, France
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We don't have Radio Shack, but we have stores like that. It's just I have enough inexpensive gadgets like that!
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Matt
CI700 mount with various scopes on top.
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 15790
Loc: Hoover, AL
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I have been keeping an excel spread sheet for writing down messiers. I plan on going back and sketching them when I finsh the list. I am currently also starting the AL double star list. I am sketching those... I live in the south so I have learned its best to use heavy paper for the dew. Index cards work pretty well for sketching.
Hope this helps
LivingNDixie
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33 (on order)
It’s not finishing something when your tank is empty that makes you a stronger person. It’s brushing yourself off and refacing the foe that defeated you with the same determination and willingness to fight that you had when you began your journey.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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LND;
Thanks for the hint about using Index cards. Easy to carry, can be punched and stored in a binder or a file box. easy to sort, all kinds of advantages.
Merry Christmas
Keith
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