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09-13-2008, 07:48 PM | #1 |
Avalon Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 162
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Viewing the Sky basics
We should all become familiar with the night sky, so that when something extraordinary does appear, we will know it to be unusual and not confuse it with other things natural and man made that regularly appear.
Basic list; 1) downloads Stellarium, from Stellarium.org, before Microsoft's worldwide telescope, this was the only free home planetarium program, it is easier to use than WWT. World Wide Telescope, from Microsoft Satellite Transit Tracker, use this on the Sky & Telescope magazine website. 2) Equipment All you need is a pair of 7X50 Binoculars and an accurate watch or clock. A copy of this year's Nautical Almanac is a bonus if you have access to one. Generally, I use Stellarium to plan my skyscans in advance, that way I know which areas of the sky will be of most interest, and which body's to observe. Happy Hunting M |
09-13-2008, 11:15 PM | #2 |
Avalon Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 27
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Re: Viewing the Sky basics
Thank you Mizar!
I had just wondered a day or two ago about how to approach the very info you posted! Sharing the knowledge is so wonderfully grand, yes? |
09-14-2008, 12:53 AM | #3 |
Avalon Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 162
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Re: Viewing the Sky basics
Undooz, you are lucky you are in a desert climate where the stars and planets are visible most nights, up here in the Pacific Northwest careful planning and full use of clear nights is necessary.
Enjoy M |
09-14-2008, 03:50 AM | #4 |
Avalon Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 21
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Re: Viewing the Sky basics
Mizar,
I love using Stellarium! But I really get upset when the chemspray gets in the way.... Miss the desert SW too, at nite time anyway. Lots colder up north where I am now. Still can't figure out if we're heading for another ice age scenerio or ? Oh well, what the hey, People Plan God Laughs According to St Clair, and I agree....silly people aren't we? Peace |
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