At The Eyepiece

At The Eyepiece show notes - Interview with Brandon Doyle

2012-01-25T20:24:00.001-06:00

Brandon Doyle was our featured guest for Sunday, January 22nd show. Don't know who Brandon Doyle is? Well, turn to page 64 in the January edition of Astronomy magazine and read his article on "How to sketch deep-sky objects". This young man, at the age of 16, shared his passion for observing and sketching with us, and was certainly a fascinating and encouraging show for young and old observers alike.

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Brandon's Website

SkySafari for Android Video Review

2012-01-16T20:21:00.000-06:00

Book Review - Objects in the Heavens (5th Edition)

2012-01-13T15:00:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: Peter Birren, the author of the book Objects in the Heavens, reached out to me as we share a common acquaintance on Facebook, and asked if I would welcome receiving his latest edition of his book for a unbiased review.

Backyard stargazers have plenty of objects to enjoy; the challenge comes in selecting viable targets for your aperture and knowing where to find those celestial targets in the heavens. Objects in the Heavens (5th edition) aims to help solve that problem for amateur astronomers by showcasing a wide variety of objects in a very usable format, in fact, to take a quote form the back cover, "Every known galaxy, cluster and nebula - down to magnitude 10 and viewable from the northern hemisphere - is finally in one place, mapped and formatted for convenient at-the-scope use." Indeed, Objects in the Heavens (we'll refer to it as OITH) delivered just that. Lets review the logical layout of this useful addition to our astronomy library.

The book, well actually field guide would be more accurate, starts off giving you a layout of the data arrangement and symbols of the guide. Spend time there, because of the "convenient at-the-scope" nature of the guide, there is a condensed yet practical approach author Peter Birren takes to providing relevant information about the selected objects in the guide (Page 7-8). It took just a few moments to review before the logic sunk in enough for me to go to any page and easily decipher the information. Peter includes the "Star Ranking System" based off of the Bayer system of lower case Greek lettering, typical to most publications of this nature, but gosh, I still haven't memorized them so thank goodness it's there. Also included is a quick breakdown of all the objects in the guide, plenty for most observers. What I REALLY enjoy is the inclusion of double-stars, carbon stars, binocular objects, and even the Moon. It's great to see an author include such a variety of objects, and not stick to just the Messier and bright NGC's.

The other interesting elements in this first section of the guide include informative sections of solar system objects, a graphical representation showcasing the relative sizes of celestial bodies, a nice list of bright stars with informative tables, a quick explanation of double-stars and the challenges they present, plus select doubles per constellation. Finally, an index of both Messier and select NGC objects for any time of year. Oh, and I almost forgot the inclusion of a general object index too that included less popular but still very interesting objects cataloged by other observatories (IC, Collinder, etc).

The next section of OITH focuses on observing the Moon, and puts forth considerable effort in showcasing interesting lunar targets during any particular phase. Now the charts are not very detailed, due to the size constraints no doubt of a field guide of this nature, but they will get you to the general vicinity, and the brief yet accurate descriptions included with each one will assist you greatly on finding craters, valleys, rilles, mare and mountains. So now you have no excuse not to observe the Moon folks, it's there, you can't cover it up, you might as well enjoy it, and OITH helps you do just that.

Now we get to the meat and potatoes of the guide; the constellations and their objects, which start with Andromeda on page 48 and ends with Vulpecula on page 123. Each constellation includes an interesting quote from famed amateur astronomer T.W.Webb, and then delves into the objects of interest. Having used the book for a few months now, with a handful of decent observing opportunities, I enjoy simply starting with the first objects, and working my way down the list, it's that simple. It doesn't appear to be laid out by RA, but rather by stars, then sorted by object number (M or NGC). Each object has a brief description, I believe based from T.W.Webb's personal notes and the authors, with information on size, RA / DEC, and finally magnitude. Double-stars include separation, and usually color of components. Open clusters usually included an estimation of number of stars visible, shape, size, etc. I found those descriptions helpful pointers, especially with some of the tougher NGC open clusters I used the book to track down for the first time.

Speaking of tracking down, OITH includes a chart for each constellation, however this is only going to get you to the general location of the object, and is not intended to be substituted for a detailed atlas. OITH covers this by referencing the matching page numbers of each chart to my other "at-the-scope" guide, Sky & Telescopes wonderful Pocket Sky Atlas (PSA for short), and the larger desk reference SkyAtlas 2000 (SA2K for short). I'm sure you can make it by using OITH as a single reference and finder chart, but when OITH and PSA are used together, you've got yourself a nice combination that will keep you happy at the eyepiece for a very long time. OITH recommends the most interesting objects per constellation with enough detail to assist you in your observations, and makes a fantastic compliment to PSA or SA2k which have the more detailed star charts that may be better suited to helping you star-hop your way to any object in a constellation.

Backyard stargazers are always looking for interesting and challenging observing lists and programs, and this guide delivers that in a well thought out, easy and compact format. OITH, you had me at "convenient at-the-scope use", and delivered just what this observer needed to enjoy my time at the eyepiece. Well done.

For more information, or to pick up your own copy of OITH (Print and Kindle), you can visit Amazon.com or www.BirrenDesign.com

At The Eyepiece Show notes for 1/8/2012 episode

2012-01-08T23:15:00.003-06:00

Listen Here:

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Vendor news:

Meade’s 40^th anniversary sale

Orion Accessory Sale

Astronomics Explorer Scientific Sale

Targets for the weekJan 8^th Jan 15^th

Venus – about 80% illuminated right now

Jupiter – optimized viewing up to about 11pm CST, althoughvisible past midnight.
Shadow Transit Times favorable for viewingthis week (UT=Universal Times)

Friday, January 13,2012

23:12 UT, Io begins transit of Jupiter.

Saturday, January 14,2012

00:32 UT, Io's shadow begins to cross Jupiter.

01:22 UT, Io ends transit of Jupiter.

02:46 UT, Io's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk.

22:08 UT, Europa ends transit of Jupiter.

22:20 UT, Europa's shadow begins to cross Jupiter.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

00:48 UT, Europa's shadow leaves Jupiter's disk.

Moon – Full on the 9^th,

Catch Crater Posidonus 13-15^th

My Sketch of Posidonius

Try Comet P/2006 T1 (Levy) this week before the Moon interferes, so lookpast full, 14-16

Finder chart for Comet P/2006 T1 (Levy), this weeks challenge object

Close up finder chart for Comet P/2006 T1 (Levy), estimated to be mag 7.8

Double star

Almaak - Wonderful double, the winter Albireo

Carbon Stars

FU Auriga

UU Auriga

Mu Cep - WOW, what a carbon star!

My whole Flickr stream with Stellarium maps and Telradcharts for each target on the show

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxVr2ea

Samsung SCB2000 –Various Vendors

GStar-Capture v4- http://www.astroshop.com.au/guides/gstar/downloads/GSTAR4.2.33.zip

Mallincam - http://www.attheeyepiece.com/2010/09/sketch-of-lunar-crater-posidonius-and.html

Let me know how you like the show!

At The Eyepiece show topics for December & January

2011-12-08T20:05:00.001-06:00

Hi all! I hope your going to enjoy the changes for the At The Eyepiece show starting now! Here are the main topics for this month and into next month. The schedule for the main show topics are below, and each show will include the following format: Vendor announcements and new equipment talk; the Hot Topics on the forums for the week or Observing Reports for the week; Weekly Mini-Review; Weekly "At The Eyepiece Targets of the Week", and our guest or main talking points. Of course we welcome anyone to call in or stop by the chat room to start their own topics on observing, telescopes, eyepieces, mounts and more.

12/11/2011 - Android Astronomy Apps SkEye and AstroTools
12/18/2011 - What's your astronomy Goals for 2012?
12/25/2011 - Must have accessories for new telescopes
1/1/2012 - Astronomy Events in 2012 to look forward too
1/8/2012 - Video Astronomy - You can run, but you can't hide
1/15/2012 - Meade's LX 80 & LX 800 - A "game changer" for Meade in 2012?
1/22/2012 To Be Determined
1/29/2012 To Be Determined

Remember, this is not my show, its OUR SHOW. I have big hopes for 2012, and I hope you will join me in continuing to make this show really unique for the astronomical community. As always, if you have ideas, or even want to be a guest on the At The Eyepiece show, email me.

At The Eyepiece Show Notes for 11/27/11 Show

2011-12-05T23:54:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! I hope you had a chance to listen to the 11/27 episode when I discussed just a few of my personal recommendations for holiday shoppers looking to by that special someone a new telescope or astronomical accessory. I would LOVE to hear your ideas on this show, and if you have recommendations yourself, well please share with us all!

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Below are the links to the telescopes and accessories I discussed.

Green Laser Pointer
Anti Vibration Pads
Zhumell Optic Cleaning kit
Zhumell Lens Pen
Orion Variable Polarizing Filter
AstroTech 1.25" 99% Dielectric Diagonal
Baader Hyperion Series
Orion Expanse Eyepieces
AstroPlanner Software
SkyHound Software
Starbound Observing Chair
OpticsMart Apertura AD8
Celestron SE Series
Orion SkyScan 100
Zhumell 25x80 Package
Orion Starblast 4.5

Observing Report for 11/12/2011

2011-11-28T20:30:00.000-06:00

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:21 AM UT
Name	61 Cyg,SAO70919,HR8085,HD201091
Type	Mult
RA	21h 06m 55s
Dec	+38°44'45
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cyg
Notes	SAO70919, HD201091, 61 Cyg Nice easy pair with this mag. Both orange, and about same mag.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 2:11 AM UT
Name	Gam And,57 And,SAO37734,HR603,HD12533
Type	Mult
RA	02h 03m 54s
Dec	+42°19'47
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	5
Seeing	5. Fair
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	And
Notes	SAO37734, HD12533, Gam And, 57 And Superb double, with golden primary and bluish secondary. Easy split.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 2:53 AM UT
Name	1 Cam,SAO24672,HR1417,HD28446
Type	Triple
RA	04h 32m 02s
Dec	+53°54'39
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cam
Notes	SAO24672, HD28446, 1 Cam Not very exciting. Tonights seeing may be removing the ability to see the third, i have no hint of a triple, only a modest double of about equal mag.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 2:58 AM UT
Name	32 Cam
Type	Triple
RA	12h 49m 07s
Dec	+83°25'05
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cam
Notes	SAO2101, HD112014 About equal mag, one slightly yellow, the other a hint of blue, well separated with this mag.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:04 AM UT
Name	Gam Ari,5 Ari,SAO92680,HR545,HD11503
Type	Triple
RA	01h 53m 32s
Dec	+19°17'45
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ari
Notes	SAO92680, HD11503, Gam Ari, 5 Ari Very nice doubles. Both appear to be twins, I see them more as white tonight, equal mag.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:08 AM UT
Name	The Aur,37 Aur,SAO58636,HR2095,HD40312
Type	Mult
RA	05h 59m 43s
Dec	+37°12'45
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Aur
Notes	SAO58636, HD40312, The Aur, 37 Aur Not even a hint of a split tonight at this mag, well perhaps just a not of a blob star, but thats it.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:12 AM UT
Name	Sig Cas,8 Cas,SAO35947,HR9071,HD224572
Type	Triple
RA	23h 59m 01s
Dec	+55°45'18
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cas
Notes	SAO35947, HD224572, Sig Cas, 8 Cas This one I can split, in moments of steady seeing. Nice pair, about he limits for this seeing and this mag. Secondary is noticeably dimmer then primary, Secondary maybe a hint of orange/tan at times.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:15 AM UT
Name	Eta Cas,24 Cas,SAO21732,HR219,HD4614
Type	Mult
RA	00h 49m 06s
Dec	+57°48'57
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cas
Notes	SAO21732, HD4614, Eta Cas, 24 Cas Nice double, with good mag differnece. Secondary has med-orange hue, while primary is creame.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:18 AM UT
Name	Struve 2816
Type	Dbl
RA	21h 39m 00s
Dec	+57°29'00
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cep
Notes	Very nice triple. Reminds me of Sig Ori. Closest component to primary has orange hue, while third component slight blue.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:20 AM UT
Name	Gam Cet,86 Cet,SAO110707,HR804,HD16970
Type	Triple
RA	02h 43m 18s
Dec	+03°14'09
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Cet
Notes	SAO110707, HD16970, Gam Cet, 86 Cet A nice easy pair with this mag, both about same mag, and both orange.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 4:23 AM UT
Name	8 Lac,SAO72509,HR8603,HD214168
Type	Mult
RA	22h 35m 52s
Dec	+39°38'03
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Lac
Notes	SAO72509, HD214168, 8 Lac Kind of interesting arc of stars. The two companents are about same mag, bluish white, with a very faint star arching up at the 2oclock postion, and a 4th slightly brighter further out at the 2 oclock position to the pair.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:09 AM UT
Name	Iot Ori,44 Ori,SAO132323,HR1899,HD37043
Type	Triple
RA	05h 35m 26s
Dec	-05°54'36
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	3
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO132323, HD37043, Iot Ori, 44 Ori Nice star field, close to M42. Triple system, Wht primary, bluish secondary, and a faint third companent. Easy split at this mag and with poor seeing.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:12 AM UT
Name	The Ori,43 Ori,SAO132321,HR1897,HD37041
Type	Mult
RA	05h 35m 23s
Dec	-05°24'58
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO132321, HD37041, The Ori, 43 Ori Trapezium...only 4 components visible tonight consistantly, 5th is in and out, maybe 1/3 of the time.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:15 AM UT
Name	Lam Ori,39 Ori,SAO112921,HR1879,HD36861
Type	Mult
RA	05h 35m 08s
Dec	+09°56'03
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO112921, HD36861, Lam Ori, 39 Ori I really like this pair. About 5 stars in this whole system. The pri and sec are close, but doable in these conditions with hairline split. Primary white, with a dimmer secondary of wht/blue.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:23 AM UT
Name	Sig Ori,48 Ori,SAO132406,HR1931,HD37468
Type	Mult
RA	05h 38m 45s
Dec	-02°36'00
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	5
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO132406, HD37468, Sig Ori, 48 Ori One of my FAVORITES! Great multi system, 4 main in group, but about another 5 stars in fov. Nice difference in mag from almost all of them. Just a great mult system.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:25 AM UT
Name	The Ori,41 Ori,SAO132314,HR1895,HD37022
Type	Mult
RA	05h 35m 17s
Dec	-05°23'23
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	5
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO132314, HD37022, The Ori, 41 Ori Trapeizum. 4 visible, with 5th only hinted at times.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:27 AM UT
Name	Struve 747
Type	Dbl
RA	05h 35m 00s
Dec	-06°00'00
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	1
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	Wide, with just a slight difference in mag, both white.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:28 AM UT
Name	Bet Ori,19 Ori,SAO131907,HR1713,HD34085
Type	Mult
RA	05h 14m 32s
Dec	-08°12'06
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	5
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO131907, HD34085, Bet Ori, 19 Ori Rigel. Very nice! A bright primary, with much dimmer secondary at 6 oclock position.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:31 AM UT
Name	Del Ori,34 Ori,SAO132221,HR1851,HD36485
Type	Triple
RA	05h 32m 00s
Dec	-00°17'04
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	1
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Ori
Notes	SAO132221, HD36485, Del Ori, 34 Ori Found with HIP. Mintaka. This is wide, not much challenge. Primary white, secondary at 11 o clock postion has hint of blue.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:36 AM UT
Name	118 Tau,SAO77201,HR1821,HD35943
Type	Triple
RA	05h 29m 16s
Dec	+25°09'02
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	3
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Tau
Notes	SAO77201, HD35943, 118 Tau This is a pretty pair. Primary maybe slightly brighter then secondary. Close at this mag, but easy to see slit, with plenty of black.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:39 AM UT
Name	6 Tri,SAO55347,HR642,HD13480
Type	Dbl
RA	02h 12m 22s
Dec	+30°18'11
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Tri
Notes	SAO55347, HD13480, 6 Tri I really like this dlb! Nice orange color primary, secondary dimmer with a hint of orange. Tight at this mag, but not too tight not to see a very good, clean split.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:43 AM UT
Name	Del Gem,55 Gem,SAO79294,HR2777,HD56986
Type	Triple
RA	07h 20m 07s
Dec	+21°58'56
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Gem
Notes	SAO79294, HD56986, Del Gem, 55 Gem Nice too. Mild orange color primary, and the secondar has a hint of red actually, and is dimmer. Close, but again, not too close, nice clean split at this mag and seeing.

Date/Time	11/12/2011 6:45 AM UT
Name	Alp Gem,66 Gem,SAO60198,HR2890,HD60178
Type	Mult
RA	07h 34m 36s
Dec	+31°53'19
Site	MURFREESBORO,TN
Telescope	Meade LS 8 ACF
Eyepiece	UWA 14mm
Rating	4
Seeing	4. Poor
Transparency	Mostly clear
Observer	John Kramer
Const	Gem
Notes	SAO60198, HD60178, Alp Gem, 66 Gem Castor. Nice! I didn't expect to have such a clean split, but very clean, hairline split indeed. Both white, with the primary a bit brighter then secondary.