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Date: 21 Jul 2007 11:01:53
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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For the last few years working on the Messier list has been the
center piece of my observing agenda (whenever possible).
I finally finished the list, and while I plan to go back and look
at various objects again, I am wondering what to tackle next.
I am hoping that I will have time and good observing conditions
where I'm moving to for the next year (waaaay up-state NY, Canton
to be precise), so I'm looking for suggestions.
Thanks,
Esmail
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Date: 27 Jul 2007 09:22:09
From: AstroApp
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:01:53 GMT, Esmail Bonakdarian
<ebonak-a-@t-hotmail.com > wrote:
>For the last few years working on the Messier list has been the
>center piece of my observing agenda (whenever possible).
>
>I finally finished the list, and while I plan to go back and look
>at various objects again, I am wondering what to tackle next.
>
>I am hoping that I will have time and good observing conditions
>where I'm moving to for the next year (waaaay up-state NY, Canton
>to be precise), so I'm looking for suggestions.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Esmail
I have many different lists on my website. Some of them are not much
more difficult than the Messier objects, and some are more challenging
and obscure.
First:
Try the lists of objects from my computer program "Eyepiece", which I
have converted into web pages. There are lists of more than a hundred
each of: open and globular clusters; galaxies; emission and reflection
nebulae; and more than 600 double and multiple stars. See the page
for "Celestial Objects Included in 'Eyepiece'" at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~8-h-haggis/eyepiece-objects.htm
Each category is broken down into a web page that contains the objects
mentioned in the program, with some basic observing info, link to the
relevant Deep Sky Browser page, and small pictures. Also included are
printable lists.
Second:
My "Faint Fuzzies -- Near City Lights" observing articles, covering
now more than a hundred objects of all types from clusters to faint
Abell planetary nebulae. Some of these objects are not particularly
difficult but are very obscure; others are EXTREMELY difficult!
I have observed them all from a location about 10 miles (straight
shot) from the valley floor of San Jose, California, at a private
property observing site in the mountains south of San Jose and north
of Santa Cruz (using 10 and 11 inch aperture scopes.) Very often the
naked eye limiting magnitude is not exceptionally good, but sometimes
ground fog and clouds cut out almost all the light pollution. I
explain how to deal with this in a preliminary article:
http://home.earthlink.net/~astro-app/essays/faint-fuzzies.htm
...and then cover the objects in a series of webpages with more than
ten objects on average per page, starting here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~astro-app/essays/fuzzy-objects.htm
The master list of Fuzzies that I've written up is found here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~astro-app/essays/master-fuzzy.htm
Third:
Years ago a Dallas amateur named Donald Ferguson wrote an interesting
article about all the planetary nebulae he could see from his house
with a 3.5" aperture Questar. I revisited these objects in the late
1980s and have written up my own experiences with them using an 8"
scope, with a few recent updates with my newer, larger scopes:
http://home.earthlink.net/~astro-app/essays/Ferguson-planetaries.htm
Two more specific items, M45 and the Horsehead Nebula:
The various details -- including nebulae -- associated with M45 are
discussed by me here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~haggisizing/astro/observing-pleiades.htm
M45 is rising now before morning twilight, and I've been checking it
out for the last few weeks to try to get a sighting of the Merope
nebula and IC-349. It will be easier later in the autumn and fall...
The Horsehead is an object I've specialized in. I have developed a
large website about it, and the third of my short articles includes a
section on observing it with small aperture instruments (from
binoculars to telescopes from 4 inches to 8 inches aperture, with some
recent experiences of mine with my 10 and 11 inch scopes.)
See the main menu of the Horsehead Project Website, here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~astro-app/horsehead/index.html
That should be enough stuff to keep you busy!!
Best,
SRW - Astro App
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Date: 27 Jul 2007 09:24:55
From: AstroApp
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:22:09 GMT, AstroApp <AstroApp@blocked.net >
wrote:
>On Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:01:53 GMT, Esmail Bonakdarian
><ebonak-a-@t-hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>For the last few years working on the Messier list has been the
>>center piece of my observing agenda (whenever possible).
>>...I'm looking for suggestions.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Esmail
I could add one more thing: my recent blog of observing notes, which I
just began this past week. It's raw material that has not yet been
completely researched and fact-checked for a "formal" Faint Fuzzies
article; but there might be a few things in it that would interest
you, even if the entries aren't very polished:
http://faintfuzzies.blogspot.com/
Best,
SRW/Astro App
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Date: 28 Jul 2007 14:52:48
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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AstroApp wrote:
>
>
> I could add one more thing: my recent blog of observing notes, which I
> just began this past week. It's raw material that has not yet been
> completely researched and fact-checked for a "formal" Faint Fuzzies
> article; but there might be a few things in it that would interest
> you, even if the entries aren't very polished:
>
> http://faintfuzzies.blogspot.com/
>
> Best,
> SRW/Astro App
Hi!
Thanks for all the links, bookmarked for later perusal,
Cheers.
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Date: 25 Jul 2007 04:01:28
From:
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Jul 21, 8:51 am, mov...@webtv.net (Marty) wrote:
> The SAA 100 is a pretty good list...http://www.astronomyboy.com/saa
I just took a look at this to refresh my memory. It is indeed a great
list,
with huge variety, lots of imagination, hitting many high points. But
a word
of caution. People often complain (with some justice) that the
Caldwell list
is inconsistent, including objects that are too easy (like the Hyades)
and
too hard (like Sharpless whatever-it-is). In some ways, that's even
truer of
this list. It includes things that can't really be considered
"objects" in a
traditional sense, like the Fornax Galaxy Cluster. Would you list the
Virgo
Cluster as a single object? How about the Milky Way?
Also, it includes a smattering of medium-south objects like Centaurus
A
and Omega Centauri that can't be viewed decently from the northern
U.S.
plus a few far-southern objects that can't be well viewed north of the
equator.
A more traditional list, selected specifically for people at
relatively northerly
latitudes, is Alan Dyer's 110 best NGC/IC, published in the RASC
handbook
and online at http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/xtra/similar/rasc-ngc.html
I've found it to be quite rewarding.
- Tony Flanders
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Date: 25 Jul 2007 16:13:25
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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tony_flanders@yahoo.com wrote:
>
> A more traditional list, selected specifically for people at
> relatively northerly
> latitudes, is Alan Dyer's 110 best NGC/IC, published in the RASC
> handbook
> and online at http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/xtra/similar/rasc-ngc.html
> I've found it to be quite rewarding.
Hi Tony,
as I will be less than 20 miles from the Candian border this list
might be quite suitable, thanks!
Esmail
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Date: 25 Jul 2007 12:51:31
From: Marty
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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>tony_flanders@yahoo.com wrote:
>A more traditional list, selected
> specifically for people at relatively
> northerly
>latitudes, is Alan Dyer's 110 best
> NGC/IC, published in the RASC
> handbook
>and online at
>http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/xtra/si
>milar/rasc-ngc.html I've found it to be
> quite rewarding.
I saved that one too...
Marty
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Date: 23 Jul 2007 14:01:54
From: Michael McCulloch
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:01:53 GMT, Esmail Bonakdarian
<ebonak-a-@t-hotmail.com > wrote:
>I am hoping that I will have time and good observing conditions
>where I'm moving to for the next year (waaaay up-state NY, Canton
>to be precise), so I'm looking for suggestions.
My usual approach is to take one or two constellations at a time and
research the interesting objects in each and then observe.
My preferred handbook is the Night Sky Observer's Guide (NSOG):
http://www.willbell.com/HANDBOOK/nitesky.htm
These volumes are ok for 8" scopes, but really shine for 12" and
larger with dark sky access (but some objects, such as dark nebulae,
are still best with binoculars). I usually observe all the double
stars listed at the start of each constellation chapter, and then
visit all of the 3-star and higher rated objects in each
constellation.
I find this approach results in a better long-term memory of the
objects I've observed (and how to find them again) since each
constellation is studied and observed in detail. This tends to burn
the constellation shape into my mind. Scattered lists of objects don't
provide context in my mind to remember them for very long --
especially if you rely on goto.
Here's an example of such for the constellation Gemini that I
presented to my local astro club a couple of years ago:
http://www.gamesforone.com/stars/gemini/frame.htm
I've also posted Perseus and Cygnus here:
http://www.gamesforone.com/stars/
Some other constellations I've approached this way have been
Andromeda/Pegasus, Cetus/Aquarius, Canis Major/Puppis,
Cepheus/Cassiopeia, Aquila/Scutum, and Sagittarius.
An exception is that I also did a spring galaxy survey for my club
where I started in Canes Venatici and worked down through Coma to
Virgo and Corvus. That was about a four constellation project. I think
I observed 100+ galaxies over several outings and came up with my own
ratings. ;-)
---
Michael McCulloch
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Date: 24 Jul 2007 03:04:10
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Hi,
The one constellation at a time approach is a good one, I had totally
forgotten about it. When I lived in Georgia, I only had a small swatch
of sky I could see, so I would always just study the constellation that
was visible at that time. Somewhat limiting, but it does give a great
opportunity to study something in depth.
> My preferred handbook is the Night Sky Observer's Guide (NSOG):
>
> http://www.willbell.com/HANDBOOK/nitesky.htm
>
> These volumes are ok for 8" scopes, but really shine for 12" and
> larger with dark sky access (but some objects, such as dark nebulae,
> are still best with binoculars).
I have been meaning to take a look at that set of books, maybe now I
will take the opportunity to do so. While I only have an 8" dob, I think
I can still get some useful information from them once I get them from
the library.
> Here's an example of such for the constellation Gemini that I
> presented to my local astro club a couple of years ago:
>
> http://www.gamesforone.com/stars/gemini/frame.htm
Very impressive presentation, thanks for sharing it,
Esmail
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Date: 24 Jul 2007 01:19:39
From: Michael McCulloch
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:04:10 GMT, Esmail Bonakdarian
<ebonak-a-@t-hotmail.com > wrote:
>> My preferred handbook is the Night Sky Observer's Guide (NSOG):
>>
>> http://www.willbell.com/HANDBOOK/nitesky.htm
>>
>> These volumes are ok for 8" scopes, but really shine for 12" and
>> larger with dark sky access (but some objects, such as dark nebulae,
>> are still best with binoculars).
>
>I have been meaning to take a look at that set of books, maybe now I
>will take the opportunity to do so. While I only have an 8" dob, I think
>I can still get some useful information from them once I get them from
>the library.
I forgot to add that as much as I like the NSOG as a planning
reference, I don't use it much as a start chart for the field. I use
SkyMap Pro to produce full constellation charts with the objects of
interest labeled via custom lists, or just take my laptop with me.
Of late I also like the Pocket Sky Atlas for field use:
http://www.shopatsky.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1159
This is a new'ish field guide produced by SkyPubs and can be found in
many bookstores. The more I use it, the more I like it. It seems to
contain 95% of all the deep sky objects I observe, plus other cool
things like a collection of carbon stars.
---
Michael McCulloch
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Date: 24 Jul 2007 22:05:48
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Hi,
I too use computer generated charts for my observing session
once I have a set of targets.
Michael McCulloch wrote:
>
> Of late I also like the Pocket Sky Atlas for field use:
>
> http://www.shopatsky.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1159
>
> This is a new'ish field guide produced by SkyPubs and can be found in
> many bookstores. The more I use it, the more I like it. It seems to
> contain 95% of all the deep sky objects I observe, plus other cool
> things like a collection of carbon stars.
Thanks for the pointer to this book, I put it on my list and will
look for it next time I hit a bookstore.
Esmail
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Date: 22 Jul 2007 11:42:22
From: Kickin' Ass and Takin' Names
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Jul 21, 7:01 am, Esmail Bonakdarian <ebonak...@t-hotmail.com >
wrote:
> For the last few years working on the Messier list has been the
> center piece of my observing agenda (whenever possible).
>
> I finally finished the list, and while I plan to go back and look
> at various objects again, I am wondering what to tackle next.
>
> I am hoping that I will have time and good observing conditions
> where I'm moving to for the next year (waaaay up-state NY, Canton
> to be precise), so I'm looking for suggestions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Esmail
Try this -- Astronomical League observing certificates. Check out the
requirements for each certificate.
http://www.astroleague.org/observing.html
One guy in our club has all of the AL certificates -- took him
something like seven years and he worked on them damn near every night
(or, every clear night).
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Date: 22 Jul 2007 20:33:17
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Kickin' Ass and Takin' Names wrote:
>
>
> Try this -- Astronomical League observing certificates. Check out the
> requirements for each certificate.
> http://www.astroleague.org/observing.html
Ah yes, thanks for reminding me about the Astronomical League and
their lists. In fact I was a member for a year :-)
I'll check them out, thanks!
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Date: 21 Jul 2007 14:55:55
From: canopus56
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Jul 21, 5:01 am, Esmail Bonakdarian <ebonak...@t-hotmail.com >
wrote:
> For the last few years working on the Messier list has been the
> center piece of my observing agenda (whenever possible).
> I finally finished the list, and while I plan to go back and look
> at various objects again, I am wondering what to tackle next.
My evolution was to buy O'Meara's _Deep Sky Companion: The Caldwell
Objects_ and work through that list of another 109. Then progress
either to the remaining Herschel 400 not previously covered - about
another about 200. Alternatively, go directly to Clark's 60.
Duplications between the Messier, Caldwell and the Herschel 400 leave
only an additional 100 or so objects to complete Clark's list.
- Canopus56
O'Meara's book
http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Sky-Companions-Caldwell-Objects/dp/0521827965/ref=sr_1_1/103-2258824-1003050?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185054298&sr=1-1
Clark's list
http://www.clarkvision.com/visastro/appendix-e.html
My websites with consolidated non-duplicative Messier, Caldwell, Clark
and Barnard lists:
http://members.csolutions.net/fisherka/astronote/Clarkxref/ClarkXrefProject.html
http://members.csolutions.net/fisherka/astronote/plan/ObSpdht/ObSpdhtProject.html
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Date: 22 Jul 2007 12:19:15
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Thanks Canopus56,
Great suggestions. I think I'll take a look at the s.a.a.100
as suggested and the Cladwell & Herschel 400 and see what's
what :-)
I had no idea that Patrick Moore is the one who put the Caldwell
list together .. his proper name being Patrick Caldwell-Moore, right?
Esmail
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Date: 22 Jul 2007 14:36:13
From: David Knisely
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Esmail posted:
> I had no idea that Patrick Moore is the one who put the Caldwell
> list together .. his proper name being Patrick Caldwell-Moore, right?
Yes, his middle name is Caldwell. However, the Caldwell list is just
another list (it is sometimes mistakenly called a "catalog"). These are
not "Caldwell Objects", but are just well-known DSOs which Moore
selected and put on a list for Sky and Telescope. After seeing some of
the entries, one wonders if Moore even observed even most of them rather
than just picking them at random. Some are ridiculously easy (Coal
Sack, Hyades) while some others are major challenge objects for large
apertures under pristinely dark conditions (the "Cave" Nebula Sh2-155,
the Cetus Dwarf galaxy IC 1613). The list has some interesting targets
on it, but as a total work, it is a bit uneven, and leaves out a few
good targets which really should have replaced the "too easy" and "too
hard" objects which found their way onto the Caldwell list. Clear skies
to you.
--
David W. Knisely KA0CZC@navix.net
Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/
**********************************************
* Attend the 14th Annual NEBRASKA STAR PARTY *
* July 15th-20th, 2007, Merritt Reservoir *
* http://www.NebraskaStarParty.org *
**********************************************
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Date: 22 Jul 2007 20:32:00
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Hi David,
Good to see you are still here.
Thanks for the background on the Caldwell list, good to know.
What would you recommend I use as my next project? Currently
I'm thinking saa100 and/or Herschel 400?
Esmail
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Date: 22 Jul 2007 19:22:13
From: David Knisely
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Esmail posted:
> Thanks for the background on the Caldwell list, good to know.
>
> What would you recommend I use as my next project? Currently
> I'm thinking saa100 and/or Herschel 400?
After I completed the Messier project, I went to the Herschel 400. That
was somewhat more difficult than the Messiers, but not impossible with
my old 8 inch which I used to get certificate number 12. However, there
is nothing wrong with playing with any of the common observing lists, as
their goal is to get you out observing rather than just competing to get
a piece of paper. Clear skies to you.
--
David W. Knisely KA0CZC@navix.net
Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/
**********************************************
* Attend the 14th Annual NEBRASKA STAR PARTY *
* July 15th-20th, 2007, Merritt Reservoir *
* http://www.NebraskaStarParty.org *
**********************************************
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Date: 21 Jul 2007 07:14:12
From: RMOLLISE
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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On Jul 21, 6:01 am, Esmail Bonakdarian <ebonak...@t-hotmail.com >
wrote:
> For the last few years working on the Messier list has been the
> center piece of my observing agenda (whenever possible).
>
> I finally finished the list, and while I plan to go back and look
> at various objects again, I am wondering what to tackle next.
>
> I am hoping that I will have time and good observing conditions
> where I'm moving to for the next year (waaaay up-state NY, Canton
> to be precise), so I'm looking for suggestions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Esmail
I like easy questions. What you do "next" is the s.a.a. 100...
http://astronomyboy.com/saa/
;-)
Unk Rod
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Date: 21 Jul 2007 14:16:30
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Hi Rod,
Good to see you still around :-) If you and Marty endorse the
saa100 I can't go wrong with it!
Esmail
ps: are you still publishing your newsletter?
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Date: 21 Jul 2007 07:51:42
From: Marty
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
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Howdy Esmail!
The SAA 100 is a pretty good list...
http://www.astronomyboy.com/saa
Also, a lot of guys go after the Herschel 400.
Myself, I've never really tackled either list, although I could
probably benefit from the organization of doing it that way. I just
look at a chart and see if there are any DSO's I might not have seen,
then check to see if I've checked it off in Lugenbuhl and Skiff's
"Observing Handbook and Catalog of Deep Sky Objects," and then go after
it. Usually, I like to try and line up at least one new object when I
go out, which often amounts "detecting" something, and then spend more
time enjoying stuff I've seen before.
Marty
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Date: 21 Jul 2007 13:15:19
From: Esmail Bonakdarian
Subject: Re: Messiers done. Now what ... ?
|
Hi Marty,
Marty wrote:
> Howdy Esmail!
> The SAA 100 is a pretty good list...
> http://www.astronomyboy.com/saa
> Also, a lot of guys go after the Herschel 400.
Ah .. good suggestions, thanks. I think I printed off the SAA100 at
some point, and I am pretty sure I have the H400 somewhere in my books.
I hope to get some good observing time in the next month or two (esp
the first) before it starts to get too cold where I'm moving .. (I'm
guessing about the temps).
> Usually, I like to try and line up at least one new object when I
> go out, which often amounts "detecting" something, and then spend more
> time enjoying stuff I've seen before.
Sounds like a great approach to me.
Well, if I can manage to get some time in under the stars I'll be back
here for sure :-)
Esmail
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