Discover the deepsky for yourself

presented by the ASSA Deepsky Observing Section

Learn
the
constellations
while
discovering
the
deep-sky

Workbook 1: Naked eye and binoculars

This workbook is ideal for learning all the constellations visible from the southern hemisphere, and for discovering the brighter deepsky objects on your own.

Chart 1 shows the constellations around the south pole. Use the brightest stars – Pointers, Crux, Canopus and Achernar – to orient the chart properly. Charts 2 to 6 show the regions immediately surrounding Chart 1. Chart 7 shows the brighter stars around Orion, a prominent summer constellation. Charts 8 to 13 show the regions surrounding Orion. The remainder of the charts covers the rest of the sky, with generous overlap between charts for easy use. Along the borders of each chart appears the map number of neighbouring charts. For each constellation, a pronounciation guide is given, as well as the English name, genitive and abbreviation. You may want to make photocopies of the star charts, as you will be writing on them, plotting in any objects you discover as you go along. A bonus chart at the end of the workbook illustrates a few San (Bushman) star tales, unique to our African skies.

Use the tables to help plan your observing. Table 1 lists the charts visible at 21:00 for mid-month, for each month of the year. Table 2 lists the constellations depicted on each chart, as well as the months during which the charts can be used. Table 3 lists those constellations that are directly overhead at 21:00 and 02:00 at the beginning of each month.

To use this workbook, you will also need a clipboard, pencil, eraser and a very dim, red-shielded torch – you don't want to compromise your night vision. Observe from the darkest skies you can safely reach, avoiding bright lights at all costs. Give your eyes sufficient time to dark adapt (about 30 minutes) before starting to observe.

Naked-eye observers can use these charts to learn the constellations. From a dark (rural) observing site, several deepsky objects can be seen with the naked eye. From brighter (sub-urban) skies, many are visible in binoculars. While working with a particular chart, study the sky carefully and mark any non-stellar object you come across on the chart. Make a note of your discovery, describing each object in as much detail as necessary (see below for guidelines; sample observing log sheets are given at the end of this workbook).

Binocular observers already familiar with the constellations can use these maps to seek out any non-stellar objects hidden amongst the stars on the maps. Plot all discoveries, number them, and provide descriptions and sketches. A separate record sheet is provided to note the colours of the brighter stars. Once a map has been thoroughly examined, send your annotated star chart and observing notes to the ASSA Deepsky Section, Director: Auke Slotegraaf, Forelle Crescent 8, Die Boord, Stellenbosch, 7600; [ auke@psychohistorian.org ]. Your observations will be returned along with detailed feedback.

Happy hunting!

PS: For advanced observers, specially prepared charts, down to magnitude 11, are available, covering selected areas of the sky. Contact the Director for details.

use
these
maps
to seek
out any non-stellar
objects
hidden
amongst
the
stars
on the
maps

Free download

To download the entire workbook, which consists of 32 pages, choose the desired quality (and size):

Entire workbook, for high-quality printing, very large file ( PDF; 6.1 megabytes)
Entire workbook, for good-quality printing, large file (PDF; 3.2 megabytes)

Alternatively, you can download individual charts as PDF files by clicking on the chart numbers in the tables below.

Three special pages can be downloaded here:
A page showing San (Bushman) star tales ( 121 K )
An abbreviated observing form, for recording observations ( 123 K )
Another observing form, with space for making a sketch, and for recording star colours.( 124 K )

If you prefer, a printed & bound copy can be ordered for R 25 (postage included) from:
Auke Slotegraaf, Forelle Crescent 8, Die Boord, Stellenbosch, 7600.

Table 1: Which charts to use

Month Charts that can be used (mid-month at 21:00)
Jan 01, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 25
Feb 01, 02, 04, 05, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 25
Mar 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 07, 08, 09, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Apr 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 08, 09, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
May 01, 02, 03, 04, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21
Jun 01, 02, 03, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21
Jul 01, 02, 03, 06, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Aug 01, 02, 03, 06, 20, 21, 22, 23
Sep 01, 02, 03, 06, 20, 21, 22, 23
Oct 01, 05, 06, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
Nov 01, 04, 05, 06, 08, 09, 10, 12, 23, 24, 25
Dec 01, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25

Table 2: Contents of the charts

Chart Visibility (21:00) Constellations
01 Jan – Dec Apus, Carina, Chamaeleon, Crux, Dorado, Hydrus,
   Mensa, Musca, Octans, Pavo, Reticulum,
   Triangulum Australe, Tucana, Volans
02 Feb – Sep Centaurus, Circinus, Crux, Musca, Triangulum Australe
03 Mar – Sep Ara, Circinus, Lupus, Norma, Triangulum Australe
04 Nov – May Antlia, Carina, Pictor, Puppis, Pyxis, Vela, Volans
05 Oct – Apr Caelum, Dorado, Horologium, Pictor, Reticulum
06 Jul – Jan Grus, Indus, Microscopium, Pavo, Phoenix, Piscis
   Austrinus, Tucana
07 Dec – Mah Auriga, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Columba, Gemini, Lepus,
   Orion, Perseus, Taurus
08 Nov – Apr Orion
09 Nov – Apr Canis Major, Columba, Lepus
10 Nov – Feb Taurus
11 Dec – Jan Auriga, Perseus
12 Nov – Mar Eridanus
13 Jan – Apr Canis Minor, Gemini, Monoceros
14 Jan – Apr Cancer, Lynx
15 Mar – Jun Coma Berenices, Leo, Leo Minor
16 Feb – May Hydra, Sextans
17 Feb – Jul Corvus, Crater, Hydra
18 Apl – Jul Virgo
19 May – Jul Boötes, Corona Borealis
20 Jul – Sep Hercules, Ophiuchus, Serpens
21 May – Oct Corona Australis, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpius, Scutum,
   Telescopium
22 Aug – Oct Aquila, Cygnus, Delphinus, Equuleus, Lyra, Sagitta,
   Scutum, Vulpecula
23 Aug – Nov Aquarius, Capricornus, Piscis Austrinus
24 Oct –Dec Andromeda, Aries, Pegasus, Pisces, Triangulum
25 Oct – Feb Cetus, Fornax, Sculptor

Table 3: Constellations overhead at 21:00 and 02:00

Month Overhead at 21:00
Jan Cae, Eri, For, Hor, Phe, Ret, Scl
Feb Cae, CMa, Col, Dor, Hor, Lep, Pic, Ret
Mar Cae, Car, CMa, Col, Lep, Pic, Pup, Pyx
Apr Ant, Car, Hya, Pup, Pyx, Vel
May Ant, Cen, Crt, Crv, Hya, Pyx, Vel
Jun Cen, Crt, Cru, Crv, Hya, Lup, Vir
Jul Cen, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco
Aug Ara, CrA, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco, Sgr, Tel
Sep Ara, Cap, CrA, Mic, Sco, Sct, Sgr, Tel
Oct Cap, CrA, Gru, Mic, PsA, Sgr, Tel
Nov Aqr, Gru, Ind, Mic, Phe, PsA, Scl
Dec Cet, For, Gru, Phe, Scl

Month Overhead at 02:00
Jan Ant, Car, CMa, Col, Pic, Pup, Pyx, Vel
Feb Ant, Crt, Hya, Pyx, Sex, Vel
Mar Ant, Cen, Crt, Cru, Crv, Hya
Apr Cen, Cru, Crv, Hya, Lib, Lup, Nor
May Ara, Lib, Lup, Nor, Sco
Jun Ara, CrA, Nor, Sco, Sct, Ser, Sgr, Tel
Jul Cap, CrA, Mic, Sct, Sgr, Tel
Aug Aqr, Cap, Gru, Ind, Mic, PsA
Sep Aqr, Cet, Scl, Phe, Gru, PsA
Oct Cet, Eri, For, Hor, Phe, Scl
Nov Cae, Col, Eri, For, Hor, Lep, Pic, Ret
Dec Cae, CMa, Col, Dor, Hor, Lep, Pic, Pup

Recording your observations & making descriptions

For each object you discover, record the date and time of the observation, from where you observed, with what instrument, the sky conditions, and the quality of the observation. When describing the object, keep the following in mind:

1. first impressions
2. visibility (e.g. obvious/easy/reasonably easy/difficult/challenge)
3. size (in arcminutes; either estimated or compared to stars in the field)
4. shape (irregular/round/elongated). If elongated, specify the direction of elongation (eg north-west) and the degree of elongation (ratio of width to height)
5. prominent stars in the vicinity (specify direction, distance and brightness)