Astro Chart Reading Manual

Discover the deepsky for yourself
Discover!
An observing project of the ASSA Deepsky Section
Workbook 1:
Naked eye and binoculars
Deepsky Observing Checklist
Discover!
An2.0,
observing
project
of the Deepsky Observing Section of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa v.2.0 http://www.psychohistorian.org auke@psychohistorian.org
Version
August
2008
Discover the deepsky

Discover!
How to use this workbook
presented by the ASSA Deepsky Observing Section

[auke@psychohistorian.org] [http://www.psychohistorian.org
Which charts to use
Month
Charts that can be used (mid-month at 21:00)
This workbook is ideal for learning all the constellations visible from the southern
hemisphere, and for discovering the brighter deepsky objects on your own.
Jan
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 25
Feb
1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 25
Chart 1 shows the constellations around the south pole. Use the brightest
Mar
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
stars Pointers, Crux, Canopus and Achernar to orient the chart properly.
Apr
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Charts 2 to 6 show the regions immediately surrounding Chart 1. Chart 7 shows
May
1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21
the brighter stars around Orion, a prominent summer constellation. Charts 8 to
Jun
1, 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21
13 show the regions surrounding Orion. The remainder of the charts covers
Jul
1, 2, 3, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Aug
1, 2, 3, 6, 20, 21, 22, 23
the rest of the sky, with generous overlap between charts for easy use. Along
Sep
1, 2, 3, 6, 20, 21, 22, 23
the borders of each chart appears the map number of neighbouring charts.
Oct
1, 5, 6, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
For each constellation, a pronounciation guide is given, as well as the English
Nov
1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 23, 24, 25
name, genitive and abbreviation. You may want to make photocopies of the
Dec
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25
star charts, as you will be writing on them, plotting in any objects you discover
as you go along. A bonus chart at the end of the workbook illustrates a few San
(Bushman) star tales, unique to our African skies.
Use the tables to help plan your observing. The top
table lists the charts visible at 21:00 for mid-month,
for each month of the year. The next table lists the
Chart Visibility (21:00)
Constellations
constellations depicted on each chart, as well as the
01
Jan Dec
Apus, Carina, Chamaeleon, Crux, Dorado, Hydrus,
months during which the charts can be used. The
Mensa, Musca, Octans, Pavo, Reticulum,
Triangulum Australe, Tucana, Volans
third table lists those constellations that are directly
02
Feb Sep
Centaurus, Circinus, Crux, Musca, Triangulum Australe
overhead at 21:00 and 02:00 at the beginning of each
03
Mar Sep
Ara, Circinus, Lupus, Norma, Triangulum Australe
month.
04
Nov May
Antlia, Carina, Pictor, Puppis, Pyxis, Vela, Volans
To use this workbook, you will also need a clipboard,
05
Oct Apr
Caelum, Dorado, Horologium, Pictor, Reticulum
pencil, eraser and a very dim, red-shielded torch you
06
Jul Jan
Grus, Indus, Microscopium, Pavo, Phoenix, Piscis
Austrinus, Tucana
dont want to compromise your night vision. Observe
07
Dec Mah
Auriga, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Columba, Gemini, Lepus,
from the darkest skies you can safely reach, avoiding
Orion, Perseus, Taurus
bright lights at all costs. Give your eyes sufcient time
08
Nov Apr
Orion
to dark adapt (about 30 minutes) before starting to
09
Nov Apr
Canis Major, Columba, Lepus
observe.
10
Nov Feb
Taurus
Naked-eye observers can use these charts
11
Dec Jan
Auriga, Perseus
12
Nov Mar
Eridanus
to learn the constellations. From a dark (rural)
13
Jan Apr
Canis Minor, Gemini, Monoceros
observing site, several deepsky objects can be seen
14
Jan Apr
Cancer, Lynx
with the naked eye. From brighter (sub-urban) skies,
15
Mar Jun
Coma Berenices, Leo, Leo Minor
many are visible in binoculars. While working with a
16
Feb May
Hydra, Sextans
particular chart, study the sky carefully and mark
17
Feb Jul
Corvus, Crater, Hydra
18
Apl Jul
Virgo
any non-stellar object you come across on the
19
May Jul
Botes, Corona Borealis
chart. Make a note of your discovery, describing
20
Jul Sep
Hercules, Ophiuchus, Serpens
each object in as much detail as necessary (see
21
May Oct
Corona Australis, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpius, Scutum,
below for guidelines; an advanced format is given
Telescopium
in the appendix). Sample observing log sheets are
22
Aug Oct
Aquila, Cygnus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Lyra, Sagitta,
Scutum, Vulpecula
given at the end of this workbook.
23
Aug Nov
Aquarius, Capricornus, Piscis Austrinus
Binocular observers already familiar with the
24
Oct Dec
Andromeda, Aries, Pegasus, Pisces, Triangulum
constellations can use these maps to seek out any
25
Oct Feb
Cetus, Fornax, Sculptor
non-stellar objects hidden amongst the stars
on the maps. Plot all discoveries, number them,
and provide descriptions and sketches. A separate
record sheet is provided to note the colours of the
brighter stars. Once a map has been thoroughly
Month Overhead at 21:00
Overhead at 02:00
examined, send your annotated star chart and
Jan
Cae, Eri, For, Hor, Phe, Ret, Scl
Ant, Car, CMa, Col, Pic, Pup, Pyx, Vel
observing notes to the ASSA Deepsky Section,
Feb
Cae, CMa, Col, Dor, Hor, Lep, Pic, Ret
Ant, Crt, Hya, Pyx, Sex, Vel
Director: Auke Slotegraaf, Forelle Crescent 8, Die
Mar
Cae, Car, CMa, Col, Lep, Pic, Pup, Pyx
Ant, Cen, Crt, Cru, Crv, Hya
Apr
Ant, Car, Hya, Pup, Pyx, Vel
Cen, Cru, Crv, Hya, Lib, Lup, Nor
Boord, Stellenbosch, 7600; [auke@psychohistorian.
May
Ant, Cen, Crt, Crv, Hya, Pyx, Vel
Ara, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco
org]. Your observations will be returned along with
Jun
Cen, Crt, Cru, Crv, Hya, Lup, Vir
Ara, CrA, Nor, Sco, Sct, Ser, Sgr, Tel
detailed feedback.
Jul
Cen, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco
Cap, CrA, Mic, Sct, Sgr, Tel
Contents of the charts
Constellations overhead at 21:00 and 02:00
Happy hunting!
PS: For advanced observers, charts down to
magnitude 11 are available, covering selected areas
of the sky. Contact the Director for details.
Discover!
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ara, CrA, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco, Sgr, Tel

Ara, Cap, CrA, Mic, Sco, Sct, Sgr, Tel
Cap, CrA, Gru, Mic, PsA, Sgr, Tel
Aqr, Gru, Ind, Mic, Phe, PsA, Scl
Cet, For, Gru, Phe, Scl
Aqr, Cap, Gru, Ind, Mic, PsA

Aqr, Cet, Scl, Phe, Gru, PsA
Cet, Eri, For, Hor, Phe, Scl
Cae, Col, Eri, For, Hor, Lep, Pic, Ret
Cae, CMa, Col, Dor, Hor, Lep, Pic, Pup
Recording your observations & making descriptions
For each object you discover, record the date and time of the observation, from where you observed, with what instrument,
the sky conditions, and the quality of the observation. When describing the object, keep the following in mind:
1. rst impressions
2. visibility (e.g. obvious/easy/reasonably easy/difcult/challenge)
An updated (2008
3. size (in arcminutes; either estimated or compared to stars in the eld)
February) Deepsky
4. shape (irregular/round/elongated). If elongated, specify the direction of elongation (eg north-west) and
Observing Checklist is
the degree of elongation (ratio of width to height)
given in the Appendix.
5. prominent stars in the vicinity (specify direction, distance and brightness)
Discover! An observing project of the Deepsky Observing Section of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa v.2.0 http://www.psychohistorian.org auke@psychohistorian.org
Discover!
chart
01
Apus [AY-pus], the Bird of Paradise. (Apodis, Aps)

Octans [OCK-tanz], the Octant. (Octantis, Oct)
Carina [ka-RYE-nah], the Keel. (Carinae, Car)
Pavo [PAH-voh], the Peacock. (Pavonis, Pav)
Chamaeleon [ka-MEE-lee-un]. (Chamaeleontis, Cha)
Reticulum [reh-TIK-u-lum], the Reticule (Reticuli, Ret)
Crux [KRUKS], the Southern Cross. (Crucis, Cru)
Triangulum Australe [tri-ANG-gyu-lum os-TRAH-lee],
Dorado [doh-RAH-doh], the Swordsh. (Doradus, Dor)
the Southern Triangle. (Trianguli Australis, TrA)
Hydrus [HY-drus], the Small Water-Snake. (Hydri, Hyi)
Tucana [too-KAN-ah], the Toucan. (Tucanae, Tuc)
Mensa [MEN-sah], Table Mountain. (Mensae, Men)
Volans [VOH-lanz], the Flying Fish. (Volantis, Vol)
Musca [MUSS-kah], the Fly. (Muscae, Mus)
alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta, theta, iota, kappa,
lambda, mu, nu, xi, omicron, pi, rho, sigma, tau, upsilon, phi,
January December
chi, psi, omega
10
18h 19h 20h 21h 22h 23h 00h 01h 02h 03h 04h 05h 06h
Crux
I
K
M
O
D
F
H
J
L
N
P
R
Canopus
W
A
C
E
G
I
K
M
O
Q
S
U
V
X
B
D
F
H
J
L
N
P
R
T
U
W
A
C
E
G
I
K
M
O
Q
S
Achernar
T
V
X
B
D
F
H
J
L
N
P
R
S
U
W
A
C
E
G
I
K
M
O
Q
R
T
V
X
B
D
F
H
J
L
N
P
Q
S
U
W
A
C
E
G
I
K
M
O
P
R
T
V
X
B
D
F
H
J
L
N
U
W
A
C
R
T
V
X
B
D
F
H
O
Q
S
U
W
A
C
E
G
I
K
M
Jan 1
Feb 1
Mar 1
Apr 1
May 1
Jun 1
Jul 1
Aug 1
Sep 1
Oct 1
Nov 1
Dec 1
Date
Guide to orienting the chart

Use the small star map on the right to help orient
Chart 1. Start by nding the most appropriate
date in the left-most column of the table on the
right. In the top row, locate the time of observing.
Note the letter found at the intersection. Now
turn the star chart so that this letter is at the
bottom.
Then, stand so that you face South. (To nd
South, stand so that you are facing the direction
where the Sun sets, ie. west. South is then
directly towards your left). The chart will now
approximately match the position of Crux, the
Pointers, Achernar and Canopus in the sky.
Because of the Earths motion around the
Sun, the sky shifts by one letter each two weeks.
Use this fact to interpolate between dates. For
example, on January 15 at 21:00, Q should be
at the bottom.
Discover!
chart
02
Centaurus [sen-TOR-us], the Centaur. (Centauri, Cen)

Circinus [SUR-seh-nus], the Compasses. (Circini, Cir)
Crux [KRUKS], the Southern Cross. (Crucis, Cru)
Musca [MUSS-kah], the Fly. (Muscae, Mus)
February September

chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
03
Ara [AR-uh], the Altar. (Arae, Ara)

Circinus [SUR-seh-nus], the Compasses. (Circini, Cir)
Lupus [LOO-pus], the Wolf. (Lupi, Lup)
Norma [NOR-muh], the Level and Square. (Normae, Nor)
March September

chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
04
02
Antlia [ANT-lee-uh], the Air Pump. (Antliae, Ant)

Carina [ka-RYE-nah], the Keel. (Carinae, Car)
Pictor [PIK-tor], the Painters Easel. (Pictoris, Pic)
Puppis [PUP-iss], the Stern. (Puppis, Pup)
November May
Pyxis [PIK-sis], the Mariners Compass. (Pyxidis, Pyx)

Vela [VEE-lah], the Sails. (Velorum, Vel)
Volans [VOH-lanz], the Flying Fish. (Volantis, Vol)
chi, psi, omega
17
10
13
Notes
Discover!
chart
05
01
Caelum [SEE-lum], the Chisel (Cae, Caeli)

Dorado [doh-RAH-doh], the Swordsh (Dor, Doradus)
Horologium [hor-oh-LOH-jee-um], the Pendulum Clock
(Hor, Horologii)
October April
Pictor [PIK-tor], the Painters Easel (Pic, Pictoris)

Reticulum [reh-TIK-u-lum], the Reticule or Rhomboidal
Net (Ret, Reticuli)
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
06
Grus [GROOS], the Crane. (Gruis, Gru)

Indus [IN-dus], the Indian. (Indi, Ind)
Microscopium [my-kro-SKO-pee-um], the Microscope.
(Microscopii, Mic)
Pavo [PAH-voh], the Peacock. (Pavonis, Pav)
July January
Phoenix [FEE-nicks], the Phoenix. (Phoenicis, Phe)

Piscis Austrinus [PIE-sis OSS-trih-nuss], the Southern
Fish. (Piscis Austrini, PsA)
Tucana [too-KAN-ah], the Toucan. (Tucanae, Tuc)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
07
Auriga [oh-RYE-gah], the Charioteer (Aurigae, Aur)

Canis Major [KAH-niss MAY-jer], the Big Dog. (Canis
Majoris, CMa)
Canis Minor [KAH-niss MY-ner], the Little Dog. (Canis
Minoris, CMi)
Columba [koh-LUM-bah], the Dove. (Columbae, Col)
December March
Gemini [JEM-eh-nye], the Twins. (Geminorum, Gem)

Lepus [LEE-pus], the Hare. (Leporis, Lep)
Orion [oh-RYE-un], the Hunter. (Orionis, Ori)
Perseus [PURR-see-us], the Champion (Persei, Per)
Taurus [TORR-us], the Bull. (Tauri, Tau)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
Orion [oh-RYE-un], the Hunter. (Orionis, Ori)
chart
08
November April
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
09
Canis Major [KAH-niss MAY-jer], the Big Dog. (Canis

Majoris, CMa)
Columba [koh-LUM-bah], the Dove. (Columbae, Col)
Lepus [LEE-pus], the Hare. (Leporis, Lep)
November April
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
Taurus [TORR-us], the Bull. (Tauri, Tau)
chart
10
25
November February
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
11
Auriga [oh-RYE-gah], the Charioteer (Aurigae, Aur)

Perseus [PURR-see-us], the Champion (Persei, Per)
December January
chi, psi, omega
10
10
Notes
Discover!
Eridanus [eh-RID-an-us], the River Eridanus. (Eridani, Eri)
chart
12
November March
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
13
Gemini [JEM-eh-nye], the Twins. (Geminorum, Gem)

Canis Minor [KAH-niss MY-ner], the Little Dog. (Canis
Minoris, CMi)
January April
Monoceros [moh-NO-ser-us], the Unicorn. (Monocerotis,

Mon)
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
14
Cancer [CAN-ser], the Crab. (Cancri, Cnc)

Lynx [LINKS]. (Lyncis, Lyn)
January April
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
15
Leo [LEE-oh], the Lion. (Leonis, Leo)

Leo Minor [LEE-oh MY-ner], the Little Lion. (Leonis
Minoris, LMi)
March June
Coma Berenices [KOH-mah bear-eh-NEE-seez],

Berenices Hair (Comae Berenices, Com)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
16
Hydra [HY-dra], the Water Monster. (Hydrae, Hya)

Sextans [SEX-tanz], the Sextant. (Sextantis, Sex)
February May
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
17
Hydra [HY-dra], the Water Monster. (Hydrae, Hya)

Crater [KRAY-ter], the Cup. (Crateris, Crt)
Corvus [KOR-vus], the Crow. (Corvi, Crv)
February July
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
Virgo [VER-go], the Virgin. (Virginis, Vir)
chart
18
April July
chi, psi, omega
10
Notes
Discover!
chart
19
Botes [boh-OH-teez], the Herdsman. (Botis, Boo)

Corona Borealis [kor-OH-nah bor-ee-AL-is], the Northern
Crown. (Coronae Borealis, CrB)
May July
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
20
Hercules [HER-kyu-leez]. (Herculis, Her)

Serpens [SIR-penz], the Serpent. (Serpentis, Ser)
(caput, head; cauda, tail)
July September
Ophiuchus [oh-fee-U-cuss], Ophiuchus the SerpentHolder. (Ophiuchi, Oph)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
21
Scorpius [SKOR-pee-us], the Scorpion. (Scorpii, Sco)

Telescopium [tel-eh-SKO-pee-um], the Telescope.
Sagittarius [sadge-ih-TAIR-ee-us], Archer. (Sagittarii, Sgr)
(Telescopii, Tel)
Libra [LEE-bra], the Scales. (Librae, Lib)
Corona Australis [kor-OH-nah os-TRAH-lis], Southern
Crown. (Coronae Australis, CrA)
Scutum [SKU-tum], the Shield. (Scuti, Sct)
May October
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
22
Delphinus [del-FIE-nus], the Dolphin. (Delphini, Del)

Scutum [SKU-tum], the Shield. (Scuti, Sct)
Equuleus [eh-KWOO-lee-us], Little Horse. (Equulei, Equ)
Vulpecula [vul-PECK-you-lah], the Fox. (Vulpeculae, Vul)
August October
Aquila [uh-KWI-luh], the Eagle. (Aquilae, Aql)

Sagitta [sa-JIT-ah], the Arrow. (Sagittae, Sge)
Cygnus [SIG-nus], the Swan. (Cygni, Cyg)
Lyra [LYE-rah], the Lyre. (Lyrae, Lyr)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
23
Aquarius [ah-KWAIR-ee-us], Water Bearer. (Aquarii, Aqr)

Capricornus [kap-reh-KOR-nuss], the Sea-Goat.
(Capricorni, Cap)
August November
Piscis Austrinus [PIE-sis OSS-trih-nuss], the Southern

Fish. (Piscis Austrini, PsA)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
24
Pegasus [PEG-a-sus], Winged Horse. (Pegasi, Peg)

Pisces [PIE-seez], the Fish. (Piscium, Psc)
Andromeda [an-DROH-me-duh], the Chained Woman
(Andromedae, And)
October December
Triangulum [tri-ANG-gyu-lum] the Triangle. (Trianguli, Tri)

Aries [AIR-eez], the Ram. (Arietis, Ari)
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
chart
25
Cetus [SEE-tus], the Whale. (Ceti, Cet)

Fornax [FOR-nax], the Chemical Furnace. (Fornacis, For)
Sculptor [SKULP-tor], the Sculptors Workshop.
(Sculptoris, Scl)
October February
chi, psi, omega
10
Discover!
A few San star tales
BONUS
CHART
Procyon (CANIS MINOR)
Eland male
A beautiful girl
once looked
upon some
people sitting
eating together.
Transxed by
her looks, they
became stars
in the sky.
(ORION)
Betelgeuse
Hartebeest female
(GEMINI)
Pollux
Eland females
Castor
Aldebaran
Hartebeest male
( CORONA AUSTRALIS )
(POINTERS)
Two male lions
(CRUX)
Arrow
Rigel
Three lionesses
(ORION)
The !Khunuseti once

sent their husband to
shoot three zebras,
but warned him that
if he failed, he was
not to return. He
went with one arrow,
and shot with his
bow, but missed. He
couldnt retrieve the
spent arrow because
it fell near a lion who
was also watching
the zebras. So the
poor man stayed out
in the cold veld, too
frightened to return
home without game.
3 Zebras
Betelgeuse
Lion
Eyes of
the Lion
Husband
Aldebaran
!Khunuseti
(SCORPIUS)
Antares
Pleiades
Observing log
Object number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Observer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date & time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sky conditions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality of observation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..................................
Description and sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Discover!
Discover the deepsky for yourself.
Observing log
Location: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date & time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..................................

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Discover!
Observing log
Location: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date & time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..................................

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Note the size of the eld of view sketched, and its orientation.
Discover!
Star colour record sheet

Star name or identication number
Colour (select one)
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
.............................
blue
blue
white
white
yellow
white
light
yellow
deep
yellow
light
orange
deep
orange
orange
red
red
Discover!
Appendix:
DOClist
af
verle
o
4
sion
These guidelines will help you to get the most out of your observing
! Ver
NEW
Deepsky Observing Checklist (version 3)

2006 January
sessions by providing a checklist of things to look out for when you

examine a deepsky object. The checklist is not meant as a rigid thoughtconstraining framework, but rather as a tool to make sure you dont
forget to note a particular aspect.
1. Identity the object

When you set out to describe an object, dont forget
to write down its catalogue number or name! If its
a well-known object, it should be sufcient to list its
NGC number, or any other popular catalogue (e.g.
Bennett, Messier, Caldwell etc.). Its also a good idea
to indicate the objects approximate location within its
constellation, just to give a general sense of where it
is. Later, when you transcribe your observations from
your observing notes to your logbook, look up its coordinates (right ascension and declination) and record
these.
Sooner or later youll start observing more obscure
objects or perhaps even discovering your own. It
then becomes particularly import to provide sufcient
information so that others can also nd the object, and
that you can verify later what object was in fact being
observed.
2. First things rst
Once youve found your target, give a quick summary
of what strikes you as most interesting about it. Look
at it with an open mind and without preconceptions,
and give an overall impression. At a glance, what does
it look like? How easy is it to see?
Also pay attention to the surrounding stareld
within which the object lies.
3. Brightness
How bright is the object? You can perhaps use a verbal
description, such as extremely bright very bright
bright faint very faint extremely faint.
If possible, estimate the magnitude. This will
require experience and reference objects, but is a
worthwhile step, particularly for advanced observers.
4. Size
How big is the object? Estimate its angular size (in
degrees, arcminutes or arcseconds).
One way to estimate the size is to compare it to the
size of the eld of view of the eyepiece you are using.
A more accurate method is to compare the objects
size to the distance between two stars in the eld. Note
Discover!
which stars you have used, and (with a star atlas or

computer program) determine the distance between
them.
5. Shape
What is the general shape of the object? How you
answer this question will depend a lot on what type
of object it is. Galaxies and planetary nebulae often
have well-dened shapes, whereas open clusters and
nebulae are more difcult to pin down and are often
just irregular.
If the object has a regular shape, is it round or
elongated (oval)? If it is elongated, to what extent?
The degree of ellipticity can be indicated in words
such as very slightly oval clearly elongated
extremely extended into a ray. Preferably, estimate
the size of the minor (shortest) and major (longest)
axis. For an elongated object, you also need to specify
its orientation, to indicate the direction in which the
object lies. Usually, it is sufcient to use compass
directions, for example: The galaxy is elongated
northwest by southeast. More advanced observers
may estimate the position angle (PA). A position
angle of 0 means the object is positioned on the
north-south axis; PA=45 is northeast by southwest;
PA=135 is northwest by southeast, etc.
6. Brightness prole
Most fuzzy objects galaxies, globular clusters,
planetary nebulae, etc. are not equally bright all
over. Many have a central nucleus that is brighter than
the outer regions. The brightness prole describes how
the objects brightness changes as you look towards
the centre. Note by how much, and how quickly, it
brightens. In some cases there is a sudden rise in
brightness (sharp concentration) at the centre, and in
other cases the brightness prole rises gradually. Some
objects, galaxies in particular, grow brighter towards
the centre at varying rates.
7. Specic things to look out for
In addition to the general features above, different types
of objects have unique characteristics that can be noted.
7.1 open clusters

(a) relation to the surrounding eld stars (cluster not
separated, well detached, etc.)
(b) how many stars are there? (make an estimate, but
preferably count the stars within a xed diameter)
(c) range of brightness (most stars of nearly the same
brightness bright and faint stars mixed)
(d) how are the stars concentrated? (not at all, slightly,
strongly, etc.)
(e) look for prominent empty spaces / starless patches
(f) are there clumps/chains of stars?
(g) is there a glow of unresolved stars/nebulosity?
(h) is there an obvious central or other prominent
individual stars? (magnitudes? colours?)
(i) any striking double stars resolved?
(j) do any of the stars have a particular colour?
7.2 globular clusters
(a) are individual stars seen? (unresolved granular
partially resolved well resolved)
(b) how are the stars concentrated towards the
nucleus?
(c) estimate the size of the nucleus (compare with the
size of the halo)
(d) are there clumps/chains of stars?
(e) look for prominent empty spaces / starless patches
7.3 planetary nebulae
(a) is a disk seen? (if so, at what magnication)
(b) is the edge sharply dened?
(c) what colour is the nebula?
(d) is there a central star?
7.4 galaxies
(a) what does the galactic nucleus look like?
(b) are there stars very near by, or within the galaxy?
(c) are there darker areas within the galaxy?
(d) are there areas of uneven brightness?
7.5 bright nebulae
(a) are there areas of uneven brightness?
(b) dark lanes/patches?
(c) any other structure visible?
7.6 dark nebulae
(a) how well does the nebula stand out from the
background?
(b) is it isolated, or part of a larger complex?
(c) how dark is it?
(d) are the edges sharp or diffuse?
(e) are there stars superimposed on the nebula?
Discover!
8. Sketches
A sketch done with care rather than in a hurry can
make a ne addition to your observing records.
Phil Harrington, veteran deepsky observer, wrote:
A picture is worth a thousand words, except in
observational astronomy, when it is worth ten times
that much! The drawing need not be extravagant; just
a simple sketch giving a feel for scale and orientation.
It is important that the astro-artist note the direction of
the four cardinal points plus include at least a few of
the eld stars.
9. Personal details and observing conditions
In your logbook, record your assessment of the
quality/accuracy of the observation, and perhaps
indicate a difculty level: how much of a challenge the
object was.
Record the location of your observing site and the
date of the observation. Describe the instrument used:
type (e.g. binoculars, reector, refractor) aperture and
f/ratio. For each eyepiece you use, give its focal length
and eld size.
Note any relevant weather details, including the
clarity of the sky. Give an indication of the seeing
(stars are fuzzy stars appear disk-like images
are sharp at medium power sharp images at high
magnication). Seeing is often measured as the size, in
arcseconds, of a stellar image.
Rate the sky darkness by indicating the limiting
magnitude, i.e. the brightness of the faintest star
visible through the telescope.
10. Other techniques
If you have a selection of eyepieces, use each one.
A variety of magnications can bring out additional
details and objects often look subtly different at
different magnications. Also, comparing objects
as seen through different-sized telescopes can be
instructive.
If you have access to lters (UHC, O-III, Light
Pollution, etc.) note the visibility of the object with
and without lters. If you have a spectroscope or
diffraction grating, the spectral lines of bright nebulae
and emission stars can be studied.
11. In conclusion
Ignore all these guidelines. Or use some of them. The
important thing is to enjoy what you are doing, and to
capture the essence of each deepsky object in such a
way that others, reading your description and looking
at your sketch, can share in that enjoyment.
n Oorsiglys vir diepruim A checklist for observing

waarneming
the deep sky
weergawe 4, 2008 Februarie
ASSA Deep Sky Obs.Section
version 4, 2008 February

ASSA Deep Sky Obs.Section
Newels
Nebulae
Wat is jou eerste indruk?
What are your rst impressions?
Hoe maklik is die voorwerp sigbaar? (helderheid; magnitude)
How easy is it to see? (visibility; brightness; magnitude)
Wat is die vorm van die newel?
How big is the nebula?
Hoe groot is die newel?
How does the brightness change from edge to centre?

(brightness prole)
Hoe verander die verloop van die helderheid, van buite

na binne? (helderheidproel)
What shape is the nebula?
Is there a nuclear region?
Is daar n kern?
Are the edges sharp or diffuse?
Is die rante skerp of onduidelik?
Are there darker parts or areas of uneven brightness?
Is daar donkerder dele, of areas van onewe helderheid?

Hoe goed staan die newel uit teen die agtergrond?
How well does the nebula stand out from the background eld?
Watter kleur, indien enige, het die newel?
What colour is the nebula?
Is daar sterre baie naby, of binne, die newel?
Are there stars very near, or within, the nebula?
Wat is die verband tussen newel & omliggende sterveld?
How does it relate to the surrounding star eld?
Evalueer jou vertroue in hierdie beskrywing.
Rate your condence in this observation.
Sterbondels
Star clusters
Wat is jou eerste indruk?
What are your rst impressions?
Hoe maklik is die voorwerp sigbaar? (helderheid; magnitude)
How easy is it to see? (visibility; brightness; magnitude)
Wat is die vorm van die sterbondel?
How big is the cluster?
Hoe groot is die sterbondel?
Are individual stars seen? (unresolved .. granular .. partially resolved .. well resolved, etc.)
Is individuele sterre sigbaar? (onopgelos .. korrelrig ..

gedeeltelik opgelos .. goed opgelos, ens.)
Hoe bymekaargetrek is die sterre (glad nie .. effens ..
sterk gekonsentreerd, ens.)
Hoe verander die verloop van die helderheid, van buite
na binne? (helderheidproel)
Hoeveel sterre is sigbaar? (maak n skatting; tel die
aantal binne n bepaalde grote area)
Wat is die bestek van helderheid? (almal ewe helder ..
groot verskeidenheid; skat die magnitudes)
Is daar n ooglopende middelster of ander prominente
ster betrokke?
Het enige van die sterre n opvallende kleur?
Is enige van die sterre dubbel?
Is daar kettings, rye, of klossies sterre?
Is daar opvallende sterlose kolle?
Is daar n agtergrond gloed? (onopgeloste sterre/newel)
Wat is die verband tussen die sterbondel en die omliggende sterveld?
What shape is the cluster?
Are the stars concentrated towards the centre? (not at all

.. slightly .. strongly, etc.)
How does the brightness change from edge to centre?
(brightness prole)
How many stars can you see? (make an estimate; count
the number within a specied diameter)
What is the range of their brightness? (nearly the same ..
mixed; estimate magnitudes)
Is there an obvious central or other prominent star?
Do any of the stars have a particular colour?
Are any of the stars double?
Are there chains, rows, or clumps of stars?
Are there prominent empty spaces or starless patches?
Is there a background glow (unresolved stars/nebulosity)?
How does the cluster relate to the surrounding star eld?
Rate your condence in this observation.
Evalueer jou vertroue in hierdie beskrywing.

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Discover the deepsky for yourself

Discover the deepsky

How to use this workbook

presented by the ASSA Deepsky Observing Section

Which charts to use

Contents of the charts

Constellations overhead at 21:00 and 02:00

Ara, CrA, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco, Sgr, Tel

Aqr, Cap, Gru, Ind, Mic, PsA

Recording your observations & making descriptions

Apus [AY-pus], the Bird of Paradise. (Apodis, Aps)

Guide to orienting the chart

Centaurus [sen-TOR-us], the Centaur. (Centauri, Cen)

Triangulum Australe [tri-ANG-gyu-lum os-TRAH-lee],

Ara [AR-uh], the Altar. (Arae, Ara)

Triangulum Australe [tri-ANG-gyu-lum os-TRAH-lee],

Antlia [ANT-lee-uh], the Air Pump. (Antliae, Ant)

Pyxis [PIK-sis], the Mariners Compass. (Pyxidis, Pyx)

Caelum [SEE-lum], the Chisel (Cae, Caeli)

Pictor [PIK-tor], the Painters Easel (Pic, Pictoris)

Grus [GROOS], the Crane. (Gruis, Gru)

Phoenix [FEE-nicks], the Phoenix. (Phoenicis, Phe)

Auriga [oh-RYE-gah], the Charioteer (Aurigae, Aur)

Gemini [JEM-eh-nye], the Twins. (Geminorum, Gem)

Orion [oh-RYE-un], the Hunter. (Orionis, Ori)

Canis Major [KAH-niss MAY-jer], the Big Dog. (Canis

Taurus [TORR-us], the Bull. (Tauri, Tau)

Auriga [oh-RYE-gah], the Charioteer (Aurigae, Aur)

Eridanus [eh-RID-an-us], the River Eridanus. (Eridani, Eri)

Gemini [JEM-eh-nye], the Twins. (Geminorum, Gem)

Monoceros [moh-NO-ser-us], the Unicorn. (Monocerotis,

Cancer [CAN-ser], the Crab. (Cancri, Cnc)

Leo [LEE-oh], the Lion. (Leonis, Leo)

Coma Berenices [KOH-mah bear-eh-NEE-seez],

Hydra [HY-dra], the Water Monster. (Hydrae, Hya)

Hydra [HY-dra], the Water Monster. (Hydrae, Hya)

Virgo [VER-go], the Virgin. (Virginis, Vir)

Botes [boh-OH-teez], the Herdsman. (Botis, Boo)

Hercules [HER-kyu-leez]. (Herculis, Her)

Ophiuchus [oh-fee-U-cuss], Ophiuchus the SerpentHolder. (Ophiuchi, Oph)

Scorpius [SKOR-pee-us], the Scorpion. (Scorpii, Sco)

Delphinus [del-FIE-nus], the Dolphin. (Delphini, Del)

Aquila [uh-KWI-luh], the Eagle. (Aquilae, Aql)

Aquarius [ah-KWAIR-ee-us], Water Bearer. (Aquarii, Aqr)

Piscis Austrinus [PIE-sis OSS-trih-nuss], the Southern

Pegasus [PEG-a-sus], Winged Horse. (Pegasi, Peg)

Triangulum [tri-ANG-gyu-lum] the Triangle. (Trianguli, Tri)

Cetus [SEE-tus], the Whale. (Ceti, Cet)

A few San star tales

Procyon (CANIS MINOR)

Two male lions

The !Khunuseti once

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date & time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sky conditions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality of observation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Description and sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discover the deepsky for yourself.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date & time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sky conditions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality of observation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Description and sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discover the deepsky for yourself.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date & time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sky conditions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality of observation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Description and sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .