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Re: (IAAC) Creating a detailed deep-sky log... (LONG)
Hi Kim,
That doesn't stop you from making some very fine observations...where
there's a will, there's a way. ;^)
Best regards,
Bill
Kim Gowney wrote:
>
> Me too!!!! My scope, books, seat, and the kitchen sink too!! soaked!
> Kim Gowney.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Owen Brazell <owen@mail.red.net>
> To: <netastrocatalog-announce@jovian.com>
> Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2001 9:23 PM
> Subject: Re: (IAAC) Creating a detailed deep-sky log... (LONG)
>
> > I would be interested to know which part of the UK you observe from where
> > there is no dewing problem ! Most nights I finish and the telescope is
> > running with water or covered in ice if it is cold enough.
> >
> > At 16:51 31/05/2001 +0100, you wrote:
> > >Lew,
> > >
> > >Yes, very good questions. I'm sure there as many answers as there are
> > >deep-sky observers! Each observer develops his or her own preferred
> > >technique over the years, so the only all-encompassing answer to the
> > >question of how to make observing notes is "whatever works for you".
> Whilst
> > >this is true, it is pretty unhelpful to the poser of the question. This
> is
> > >the method I have developed over 25 years of deep-sky observing: Firstly
> > >dew. As I live and usually observe from the United Kingdom, dewing is not
> > >generally a problem, so I'm afraid I have evolved no defences against it
> > >that I can pass on, though use of a hand-held dictaphone (wrapped in a
> > >plastic bag if necessary) has served me well for other purposes in the
> rain.
> > >I have a clipboard to which I attach sheets of A4 paper pre-printed with
> > >three circles each about 3" - 4" in diameter. When I have located the
> > >target, I spend a few minutes just looking at it. I find this very
> > >important, because it's amazing how much detail can become visible if you
> > >just take the time to *look*. Once I am content with my detail gathering,
> I
> > >draw what I see on the paper, generally using a fine tipped felt pen
> (you'll
> > >see why in a minute). Where detail is too fine to show to scale, I will
> draw
> > >the relevant section of the object outside the circle on the blank paper.
> > >Like you, I have evolved a shorthand, based on NGC code, so for example
> "bM"
> > >means "bright middle", "gbM" means "gradually brightening towards the
> > >middle" etc. In addition to raw NGC code, I have my own abbreviations and
> > >squiggles. They make sense to me, my suggestion to new observers is to
> > >experiment with your own code, and see what makes sense to you. Once the
> > >star field and the main target have been drawn, I search carefully for
> any
> > >other faint objects that might lie within the field. As my main targets
> are
> > >faint galaxies, it's always worth searching for fainter companions or
> field
> > >galaxies.
> > >
> > >Once the observing session is over, I write up my observations as soon as
> > >possible (preferably the morning after). That way, the image of the
> object
> > >is still fresh in my mind, the sketch and notes serving as memory-joggers
> as
> > >I produce the finished drawing. A written description is added to the
> > >drawing, and is basically a distillation of the shorthand notes. I
> compare
> > >my sketch with the same field on GUIDE, to make sure I have the
> orientation
> > >correct for the final drawing, and also to identify any other objects
> seen
> > >in the field.
> > >
> > >One final point: the observer should always be totally honest about what
> > >s/he has seen. Sometimes "very faint smudge" really *is* the best
> > >description you can make!
> > >
> > >Clear Skies All!
> > >
> > >Patrick.
> > >
> > >
> > >----- Original Message -----
> > >From: Lew Gramer <dedalus@latrade.com>
> > >To: Internet Amateur Astronomers Catalog - Discussion
> > ><netastrocatalog-announce@jovian.com>; Pro-Am Astronomy List
> > ><amastro@yahoogroups.com>
> > >Cc: Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston <atmob-discuss@jovian.com>; North
> > >Shore Amateur Astronomy Club <nsaac@jovian.com>; NHAS Chat List
> > ><nhas@yahoogroups.com>; <SoNewEnglandAstro@yahoogroups.com>
> > >Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 11:17 PM
> > >Subject: (IAAC) Creating a detailed deep-sky log... (LONG)
> > >
> > >
> > >>
> > >> A fellow deep-sky observer and IAAC reader asked the following
> questions,
> > >> which seemed like they were worth addressing before a wider audience...
> > >>
> > >
> > >...etc.
> > >
> > >To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'netastrocatalog' lists, use the Web form at:
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> > >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'netastrocatalog' lists, use the Web form at:
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> >
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