Telescope Reviews: Re: 3Atlas (PDF) project:: 9, 11 and 13 mag sky at

Hi Don,

The true core of the project is the C section. The A and B sections are good atlases by themselves (especially the B one), but what I originally wanted is the big 13 mag. Section (C). I have already printed (and stored in a plastic sheet folder) the A and B sections so that I can use them as my new main atlas, and I hope to print the C section in two weeks to have it bound as book before summer holidays. Fortunately, most of the hard work (in programming terms) is already done; my last problem is to check the databases to finally use and perhaps compile a common mixed database.

There is a small problem with the quality of PDF with regard to the direct CNebulaX printouts. What is printed from the PDF is slightly smaller and has a slightly less quality than direct printouts, but quite good nevertheless.

I know the SkyGX charts, but honestly, I want to have a more compact atlas. The SkyGX prototype charts leave too empty space and this means more charts (=more heavy and expensive): each map occupies less than 40% of the paper, leaving empty space and duplicating unnecessarily symbols and extra-growing the size of the atlas. I want to have as much power (stars, deep sky objects and map scale) as possible, but not a too heavy/bulky atlas, so that it be useful in the observing sessions.

Are you sure you prefer less chart area to put the neighboring labels out of the map? I wanted to have the labels of the charts of the next zoom level in the middle of the charts so that be easy to move to the next set. The side labels can be printed out of the map; that is no problem. I can check the look of the maps. Or I can print empty areas surrounding the numbers to make them easier to read. I can prepare sample charts to show and decide.

There is a quite good (=generous) overlapping area between charts, I think that there is no problem in that sense. Is very easy to navigate between charts and sections. I have prepared three new one-chart indexes, easier to use than the current ones; I will link them tomorrow.

I have not printed –still- all objects I want in the final charts; I have set some restrictions that I still have to revise. For instance, Pease 1 is not printed in the sample C chart within M15 because I set to reject all planetary nebulae with less than 1 arcsec and this nebula has no size data in the current database. But my intention is to be comprehensive (except in the case of galaxies).

To me, the main problem is the minor fonts, and overlaps. The usual Arial Narrow font is good to me, but threshold objects are labelled one point smaller and thus become too small. Well, this is a first proof,as I mentioned: time to discuss and improve…

Edited by jr_ (05/15/07 04:23 PM)

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