webspotting 4 - SkyMaps

As published in the Jun/Jul 2008 issue of SCOPE, the newsletter of the RASC Toronto Centre. Republished here with permission.

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I've been regularly visiting http://skymaps.com/ since the summer of 2006.

Kym Thalassoudis produces a monthly two-page "report" called The Evening Sky Map. It often shows up near the end of the preceding month. I download the PDF to my computer and immediately print a hard copy.

The first page contains a fairly detailed star chart. Like a planisphere, it shows the night sky (he also offers a southern map for humans down under). The chart works for a set of designated evening times. It shows constellations, major stars (down to magnitude 4), variables, some doubles, deep sky objects, etc. The Milky Way is shaded. Special objects (e.g. bright comets) will occasionally find their way into the chart. Beside the map is a calendar.

The second page is my favourite. Here Kym lists bright and multiple stars, impressive asterisms (e.g. The Coathanger), open and globular clusters, even galaxies. What is most interesting is that he breaks down the objects by "equipment." That is to say, he tells you what you can spot naked eye, if you have binoculars, or when you've hauled out the telescope. Each item is briefly described and often includes the distance.

The monthly printout does not replace my RASC Observer's Handbook or calendar! It is a convenient complement. The sheets I hang at my desk, beside my computer. They catch my eye every day. A couple of times a week I pull them down to review what's coming up and what I missed.

The report comes with me during observing sessions. I don't worry if the pages get damp, crinkled, or go astray. I often make notes on them.

The sheets also serve as a checklist or, perhaps, life list. I use them as an on-going reference. Each month I transfer the list of viewed objects to the new sheet. Over time, I can see my list of accomplishments growing longer.

The star chart is not unlike the one found in your favourite astronomical magazine. The advantage is you don't have to rip the pages from your pristine periodical. Printed black-on-white, they may prove easy to read under a red flash light.

These skymaps are great for getting newbies started too! Tell them they can download their own chart and they'll be thrilled. Or hand them your copy!

The Evening Sky Map is free for non-commercial use. See Kym’s Copyright Permission Form for more information. Donations accepted via PayPal.