When looking up at the sky does one rotate the star chart to the pattern one sees in the sky? Hope this makes sense to you guys. If not let me know and I will make another attempt in explaining myself! That ought to be real good!!
Working with Star Charts
Started by astroham2003, 11/11/2005 01:02AM
Posted 11/11/2005 01:02AM
Opening Post
Posted 11/11/2005 01:58AM
#1
Yes you do
Bob
Bob
R.A.C. Advisory Committee
NEAIC Co-Chairman
NEAF Advisory Committee
http://www.deer-pond-observatory.com
Warwick, New York
41.15984 -74.2541
[B]Takahashi MT 160
10" F4.5 Newt 8O
R200SS
Some kind of 127mm APO
Orion Atlas EQ-G
Losmandy G11 with Gemini
iOptron Mimi Tower
iOptrom Cube Pro
Meade DSI PRO II 8O
SBIG ST-10ME
Image Source 21AU04.AS
Posted 11/11/2005 09:09AM
#3
Hello:
Yes, you do. All star charts (even the ones the pros use) follow the convention that north is towards the top of the page and east is towards the left, which is the way the sky looks when you look up facing south. So, if you're facing south (in the northern hemisphere), then you do not need to rotate the chart. If you're facing north, then you'll probably have to hold the chart up-side-down. If you face west, the celestial pole is to your upper left, so you need to rotate the chart so that the top is to your upper left. The idea is to look at the sky, see which way the north celestial pole is for the part of the sky you're interested in, then turn the chart to match.
Cheers
Mike Connelley
Yes, you do. All star charts (even the ones the pros use) follow the convention that north is towards the top of the page and east is towards the left, which is the way the sky looks when you look up facing south. So, if you're facing south (in the northern hemisphere), then you do not need to rotate the chart. If you're facing north, then you'll probably have to hold the chart up-side-down. If you face west, the celestial pole is to your upper left, so you need to rotate the chart so that the top is to your upper left. The idea is to look at the sky, see which way the north celestial pole is for the part of the sky you're interested in, then turn the chart to match.
Cheers
Mike Connelley
Funding Member
