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Re: (meteorobs) Plotting: Three Stooges Method
Thanks to all who gave up so many good ideas as to improving my raw
plotting skills. I have tons to think about....No, I don't think I'll build a
pexiglass shield yet, but everyone pretty much seemed to agree on the
string/cord concept, so I'm thinking about going that route, and I definately
plan on finding a talking clock. Actually, my flashlight is very tiny and
rubber coated, so it won't be much trouble for the time being until I can find a
headlamp.
What was most interesting was seeing how differently each of you tackle the
same problem. You've all provided me with a supermarket of solutions that will
take some time to digest -- I think I'll print out each of your approaches,
mull over them then cull out what fits my own personality best.
By the way, , there was no outburst or -7 fireball, but after a couple of
minutes of fumbling I'm always afraid I will miss something good. Maybe now I
CAN get rid of a couple of the stooges. But I think I'll keep Curly, --nyuk,
nyuk.
Outburts, Kim Youmans
Mark Davis wrote:
> Kim>>>I turn on the red light, and in order to free up my hands for
> plotting,
> hold the light in my mouth. I get stung on the tongue by an ant. I
> spit the ant and several grains of sand out, then return to the chart.<<<
>
> Hi Kim,
>
> Been there, done that. Now I dip my flashlight in Amdro, or diesel fuel and
> lindane works pretty well too! ;) No, I still hold my light in my
> mouth...or under the chin...old habits are hard to break.
>
> Kim>>>just as the cat jumps on my lap and all my tools get scattered.<<<
>
> I have used several methods to prevent this. Currently I have a 48 quart
> cooler with a hinged lid. Inside, it has one of those plastic "shelves"
> used to keep your Vienna Sausages off the ice. I use that shelf as a storage
> area for various items. For the most part it works pretty good. The main
> part of the cooler has gloves, Deep Woods Off, Moon Pies, spare batteries,
> etc.
>
> Kim>>>A magnitude -7 fireball appears while I am looking down to gather up
> my pencil, chart, ruler and recorder.<<<
>
> This never happens to me while plotting. But when I am standing by the bush,
> looking at my feet and drawing pictures in the sand, fireballs bright enough
> to cause sunburn always happen directly behind me. All I ever see of these
> fireballs are the blinded owls hitting the side of my truck.
>
> Kim>>>...not being able to accurately predict the radiant drift for various
> minor shower radiants due to the inadequacies of my charts.<<<
>
> Is Petersons the only charts you have? There are general star charts
> available that should do the trick if needed. To change RA and Dec to
> degrees, or degrees to RA and Dec, all you need is N. Howard's book "The
> Telescope Handbook and Star Atlas" which has an excellent conversion chart.
> I have a copy of the table if you need me to mail you one.
>
> Kim>>>Also, do I need to join a guild or a lodge to get the secret
> information contained within those plotting charts?<<<
>
> You need a copy of the IMO handbook as others have mentioned. I have heard
> IMO hopes to put together a third edition, but don't have any idea when. You
> might keep an eye out for used copies at the various online used bookstores.
> I am always searching them for stuff I don't have, so I will keep an eye out
> for a copy and let you know if I find one.
>
> Mark
>
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