Astronomy Hacks Part 6

[powerwindows1985]

Things that go Zip: This section gives a nice chart of the major meteor showers and explains how they get there name. The nice thing about meteor showers is that all you need is a lawnchair and your eyes.

Things that go Zoom and Phizz: This section deals with comets; their makeup and orbits as well as sketching them. There are many good sites that provide comet information as well as most plannetarium programs. Last years Holmes comet (which was really cool by the way) is the only one I've gotten to see so far.

Things that go Doh-dee-Doh: This sections explains how to observe and track asteroids. Sketch all the stars in your field of view and then come back at a later time and do another sketch to determine if one of the objects has moved.

Next Hack: Slow Down, You Move Too Fast, You've Got To Make The Evening Last

[powerwindows1985]

Take your time when observing. Look things over thoroughly, use averted vision, try different eyepieces, and keep a sketch book.
One interesting tip they have to improve your observing skills by looking for differences in what appears to be featureless objects (i.e. Carpet, Walls, etc). Next time you go to the doctor stare at the wall for subtle changes in the color/texture of the wall.

I have to admit that there are several times I don't take the time to actually look things over. I find them, make a note, and move on to the next object. Some nights I am more into the hunt than the actual observing.

Next Hack: Learn Urban Observing Skills

[powerwindows1985]

Observing Targets: In an urban setting the moon, planets, and double stars are going to be your best bets. They recomend against buying broadband light pollution filters such as the Orion Skyglow since they don't really improve the view that much (I have a Skyglow and very rarely use it).
Observing Tips: Know what and when to look for things, observe early in the morning after most businesses have turned off there lights, view things near zenith, and reduce the effects of local lights by screening the lights (I position my scope so that two trees block out the two corner street lights).
I work with the mayor of the small town I live in and keep trying to bribe him to turn off the street lights from midnight to 5:00 during the new moon; so far all attempts have failed.

Next Hack: Sweep Constellations

[Michael Steen]

This has been one of my favorite hacks! Though, like you, I often find myself scanning from spot to spot without taking time to REALLY LOOK, it's still a great piece of advice. The other day I was with my wife at Kohl's, and, as is my custom, I was sitting on one of the chairs in the entrance with the other husbands stuck in limbo. I glanced down at the chair next to me and noted that there was a very subtle texture to the cushion. I happily spent many minutes looking for patterns (constellations) in the texture and noting unique and memorable "asterisms." It really works!
Thanks for sharing.

[powerwindows1985]

This is excellent advice. Sweep a constellation for DSO's then move on to the next constellation. When I first started observing I would make a list of things I wanted to see, regardless of where they were located. I spent an awefull lot of time bouncing around the sky looking for things. I find it much eassier to make a list of things I want to see in a particular constellation (Cassiopea is a current favorite). This is a much more efficient and systematic approach. It is also better in that you can print out star charts for just that one area (see hacks 18 and 19) instead of constantly thumbing through your charts and atlases.

Next Hack: Maintain An Observing Notebook

[powerwindows1985]

It is highly recomended to keep some sort of observing log. These logs should include date, lunar phase, location, conditions, , object observerd, time, scope, ocular, and other notes.

I keep mine rather simple. First I have two "composition" note books. One for notes when using my telescope, one for binoculars. I also have a three ring binder with a few observing lists (Messier, Double Stars, etc). The rest of it is divided by constellation. I list DSO's and Double Stars in each constellations with a space to note the date observed as well as which eyepiece was used and a cross reference to the note book that contains the specific notes. I am not really all that great at describing the objects I see, and even worse at sketching them, but I guess that will come with practice. I would be interseted to hear how the rest of you organize your observing logs.

Next Hack: Develop an organized logging system

[powerwindows1985]

This is related to the last hack, the difference being this is concerned with transfering the information in your log sheets to a ledger or computer spreadsheet. In addition to the information from your log sheets it is also recomended that you include any Astronomical League lists you are working on. I have to admit that I do not transfer my observing logs onto computer (although I should). I keep all my stuff in a three ring binder for now.

Next Hack - Plan and Prepare For a Messier Marathon

[powerwindows1985]

This chapter contains a lot of usefull information on planning a Messier (pronounce MEZZ-ee-yay) marathon. He offers the following tips:
1) Choose a date (there is nice table showing the ideal dates for the next 7 years).
2)Choose your observing sites: you will need unobstructed horizons, no light pollution, high elevation (if you can get it). It is also recomended to visit the site during the day prior to the marathon if you are unfamiliar with the area; this is especially true if you are using back roads (living in a rural state I can attest to the importance of knowing where you are at when traveling on gravel roads in the middle of nowhere - it is not a pleasant experience to get lost on one of these roads, especially at night).
3)Develop a sequence. There are many resources for this and here is a link to one that shows the sequence as well as how difficult that object will be to find: [Registered users can see links. ]
4)Prepare: Starting a year before observe all the Messier objects, memorize as many objects as you can, secure your site, finalize your sequence, learn your equipment, prepare charts, run a practice marathon. One month prior run another practice, do one run through the coma-virgo cluster, make final prepearations, check your gear, clean your optics, put fresh batteries in flashlights etc.

I don't know that I will ever actually go through a Messier Marathon (although it does sound fun), however this spring when I spend a few days out by "The River" I might just see how many I can get in a night.

Next Hack: Run A Messier Marathon

[powerwindows1985]

This is a fun chapter in which the author shares his experience running a marathon (with two of his friends). He describes hour by hour the objects he sees and what the entire experience is like. In the end he gets 108 of the 110 (one of his friends bagged all 110).

Next Hack: Photographing the Stars With Basic Equipment

[Vinnie]

Continuing the series by powerwindows1985