More notes on my journey 6 May 2024

 The weather has been too cloudy since my last observation. There was one night that observation may have been possible, but I was too tired to set up that late.

    Since this journal is about my astronomy journey, here are some of the things I have been doing to learn more.

     I have been using the libraries inter-library loan to try out different atlases. The computer based atlases, such as Stellarium, are great. I also use the phone app version, or an app like "Star Walk" to locate alignment stars. This is actually helping me learn the naked eye sky better. However, I still want a paper atlas that I can use at the telescope, in part to help preserve what night vision I have. It is also often easier for me to visualize if the map is larger than my phone screen.

    So far I have looked at "The Cambridge Star Atlas", "Sky & Telescopes Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas", "Nightwatch", and "The Observers Sky Atlas" by Karakoschka. I find the Cambridge atlas too limited.  "Nightwatch" is very basic, a little too much for me. I really like the layout and information in "The Observers Sky Atlas". The pages are heavy and slick, so they might hold up outside. I am concerned that the maps are pretty small. It's information on the Deep Sky Objects is great. I think if it was paired with a larger scale chart, it would be my pick. the "Sky & Telescope Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas" seems to come  closest to what I want, and a lot of people use it in the field.

    A suggestion from a member of "Cloudy Nights" was to get a copy of "The Sky 2000", from Sky & Telescope. It is pretty much the gold standard and goes to dimmer magnitudes than the others. One issue is that the laminated version is not currently available and no one knows when it will be available again. That version is also fairly expensive. They do have the unlaminated desk version available. 

    As far as a lunar map, I've pretty much decided on getting the S&T Field Map of the Moon, with the reversed image to match my eyepiece view. I actually found my copy of their regular moon  map that is printed as a double page spread in the magazine occasionally, so I have that.

    Besides looking for a good atlas, my other major activity has been trying  to expand my learning. I also really like the idea of being able to contribute data to actual scientific efforts, so I have joined the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers). They are the primary repository and collection center for data on variable stars, including the sun. They offer a wealth of training and education. Some of those are through what they call the CHOICE classes. These are typically four week (occasionally six week) asynchronous online classes. All course materials are provided online and assignments and discussions are online through a private forum in the AAVSO Forums page.

    I am currently one week into "Variable Star Classifications and Light Curves". It is a good introduction and provides a gateway to a lot of knowledge. The discussions in the class are very good. There are people in the class that are just beginning, like me, and others that have a lot of experience. Even though the A in AAVSO stands for "American", it is actually an international organization. There are class member s from at least 3 continents. This highlights that the search for knowledge and understanding of the sky is universal.

    I intend to sign up for at least two more, possible three more, of these classes.

 

    Like many others I also follow several YouTube channels on astronomy and astrophotography. My favorites so far include "Dr. Becky", Dr Becky Smethhurst. She is an astrophysicist at Cambridge University who does a weekly show that has two segments. The first focuses on what is visible in the sky that week, and then about recent developments in astrophysics. She explains things very clearly. She also has several video "shorts" on her  channel that are very good.

    Another favorite is "SarahMaths Astro", Sarah Matthews. She does extremely well explained videos on astrophotography and amateur equipment.

 

There are two books I am currently reading that explain a lot about stellar evolution and the universe. They are "Searching For The Oldest Stars" by Anna Frebel, and "The End of Everything" by Katie Mack.