Re: (meteorobs) RA & Dec

To: Meteor Observing Mailing List <meteorobs@latrade.com>
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) RA & Dec
From: Lew Gramer <dedalus>
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 98 17:13:32 -0400
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Mon, 17 Aug 98 15:39:25 EDT." <35D886ED.75A31F0A@pdesigndot net>
Reply-To: meteorobs@latrade.com
Sender: owner-meteorobs


Howdy, Earl (both Earls) - and thanks for the post!

If you're wanting to figure out RA and Dec in the naked-eye sky - in other 
words, for meteor observing - I suggest you get ahold of some of the meteor 
plotting charts that are made available: among these are the IMO plotting 
charts, AMS charts, and the old charts put out by IAU for the International 
Geophysical Year waaaay back in the 1950s.

Now in a pinch of course, you can learn RA and Dec in the naked-eye sky from 
any star charts - but it's a heck of a lot easier to identify a particular spot 
if you use very wide-field charts: the meteor plotting charts are plenty wide 
enough, but you might also use Tirion's Bright Star Atlas, or the seasonal 
charts in the old Field Guide to the Stars and Planets, etc...


Note those interested in actually PLOTTING meteors on charts should DEFINITELY 
use IMO's charts for the purpose - these are acceptable to the most major 
meteor organizations now, and using them ensures that your work will have the 
maximum value to researchers in the future...

Clear skies and HAVE FUN!
Lew Gramer

References:

Re: (meteorobs) RA & Dec

From: "Earl W. Phillips, Jr." <earl@pdesigndot net>