Using acetates to find Constellations/Galaxies

Hi All,

I've been reading of beginners like myself having difficulty finding constellation etc.. (Im working my way though the book "Turn left at Orion", and finding it very very good), but I wonder would it help if I photocopied some of the drawings onto acetates so you could hold up to the sky. Anyone ever tried it? If nothing else it could help finding the area of what your looking for.

Just wondering...

Cheers
Gary

Not sure if acetates would work that well, they usually work better with a brightish light behind them.... not something you'd really want when you're out observing. You would probably be better of with plain photocopies and a red light.

You could also try getting youself some star charts. There are a number of good charts you can buy, others here would be better at telling you about them as I don't current own any of these. there are also a few free charts you can download from the web. I do use one of these which I find quite good. It's a mag 7 star chart which can be found here:
www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1052
I have printed these on to A3 paper and laminated them. I find these charts give me more than enough detail for my purpose (I observe with binoculars). They also show plenty for a beginner.

Another way of getting to know the sky is to use a planetarium software package. Again, there are commercial programs you can buy and there are free ones which can be downloaded from the web. Again, I use the one's which are free (I 'm a great believer in low price astronomy!....) Stellarium is one which is quite good. it can be found here:

www.stellarium.org/

Another program I found very useful for learning the constellations is Winstars, which can be found here:

www.winstars.net/english/

If your download speeds aren't great, (ie you're using dial-up like me) I can stick these, and a few more, on a CD and post them to you. Just drop me a pm and I'll send them off.

With these tools, (and a few clear nights!) you'll soon be finding your way amongst the heavens.....

Don't forget www.skymaps.com too!

I think this could be good! Ok acetates with a constellation with line linked stars! At a certain size at arms lenght they could confirm the shape of the constellation your looking for! Clip on a red light to the acetate and there you go! a good idea!

Just my 2 cents...

Hi Gary and everyone,

The idea you suggested was something the late Ben Mayer advocated. He devised such a system called Starframes and popularised it in his book "Star Watch". The Astronomical Society of the Pacific also have instructions on making star frames in their "Universe at Your Fingertips" publication (an 800+ set of educational material in a three-ring binder).

The star frames are made by tippexing the star field on to an A4 acetate. Pull a wire-hanger into a square shape and tape the acetate sheet to the frame. Hold the frame at arm's length and presto, a perfect star frame! Obviously, it is necessary to get the scale right so the painted constellation lines-up with the sky view. I can't remember what scale to use unfortunately as I've disposed of the above mentioned books in a clear out some time back.

used.addall.com or www.bookfinder.com are good sites to pick up second hand books very cheap.

All the best,

John

Hi All,

Ill hopefully have a go at the weekend, (I was thinking someone must have tried this already!). Let you know how I get on.

Hopefuly there'll be plenty of viewing this weekend, judging by the weather, and (For the 1st time really, since I've had the scope) Im heading to a Dark sky location! WhooHooo...

Cheers,
Gary