NavList:

   

Reply

On 7/16/2014 2:11 PM, Stan K wrote:
> My students have found that the fact that the bodies are presented
> looking from the outside of the celestial sphere, i.e. "backwards" or
> "reversed", is confusing.

As a supplement to the Rude Star Finder, I would highly recommend "The
Night Sky" 2-sided planisphere, especially to students learning the
night sky and having conceptual issues with the "reversed" Rude.

Instead of GHA Aires, it uses time in hours for your time zone.
(Subtract 1 hour for daylight savings time.) With a little forethought,
you can adjust your time for longitude differences from the center of
the time zone. For example I am at approx. 86d 15' W and on eastern time
(EDT now), so I adjust by 45 minutes as the event will occur aprox. 45
minutes later than at 75W. (86.25-75 = 11.25. 11.25/15 = 0.75. 0.75 x 60
= 45).

They are available in increments of 10 degrees latitude. (Mine is 40d to
50d N, and I also have a 30-40d N.) On the flip side is an
east/south/west horizon that renders the sky under an approximation of
your celestial equator with less distortion than a typical planishpere.
I've gone as far as using a marker and ships curve to lay in a curve
from the east and west horizon markers on the west/north/east side to
directly overhead for easier orientation. With a little knowledge one
can also lay in cardinal points along the horizon line with a marker.

It shows not only the constellations and navigational stars, but the
Milky Way, globular star clusters, open star clusters, galaxies,
nebulae, and the ecliptic as well. When I decided to start crossing cel
nav off my bucket list it is where I began, using the logic that I can't
shoot it if I can't identify it. It is still my go to to refresh my
memory of the night sky from month to month.

Other nice features are SHA's ticked off in hour intervals along the
equator with lines to the pole every 3 hours, and 10d tick marks along
the SHA lines to the pole. No computer or smart phone, internet
connection, or batteries needed (except for a flashlight with red
filter. If you have a shake and bake flashlight, forget the batteries).
With a little care I can locate a star within 5d elevation. That,
coupled with images of the constellations and a very rough idea of
direction makes locating a star a no brainer. The Moon and planets? You
are on your own there ;-)

   

Reply