Fun idea for the Observing Reports Section

[Ccolvin968]

So I noticed the description heading under the title of this page...

"The place to find out the Forum's targets for the month, the Monthly Sky Charts, and the current Constellation under discussion."

Is this something the mods have done in the past? Is anybody interested in having a common set of targets or target for the month?

Possibly a way to compare observations and just a fun way to understand any differences that we have in our observing styles?

I'd be more than happy to post a link or links to monthly sky charts and stuff like that. I know most of us are fairly seasoned, but for newbies that are around, it would be helpful. What about the "Current Constellation under discussion?" Possibly a way for people to set their attention to one portion of the sky, get to know it, maybe learn a bit about the lore behind it, current targets in the constellation or around it? The last one is a little less interesting than the first two. What do you all think? I'd be willing to head this up and see if a couple others would like to help out. 

Thanks for any feedback!

[FenlandPaul]

I think a set of common targets could be fun, and a good learning exercise for some of us. Sharing experiences with different kit in different conditions all on the same object would be very interesting.

Happy to help from the middle ground somewhere between novice and experienced!

[Ccolvin968]

Awesome. I'll for sure post monthly star charts starting this coming September with popular targets for the time of year. Maybe that would be a good idea to post in the get started in observing section also? Give the newer people something to shoot for. Maybe have different levels of targets depending on people's skill level or desired challenge? Label easy, medium, hard, very difficult, just for example. I think it could be fun. Even if a ton of people don't show interest and only a couple do, it'd be fun to start up. A lot of people need to see a product and not just an idea or description.

[SteveNickolls]

What a good idea to try. I'd be up for some observing though I use binoculars not those telescopy things. :-) 

Cheers,

Steve

[jkwhinfrey]

A shameless plug for the Webb Deep-Sky Society ( http://www.webbdeepsky.com - I'm the web admin) as we do Galaxy and Double Star of the Month features on the site. Some of these a really tricky... BIG telescope stuff if you like a challenge. Some are quite doable for mortal humans like myself ;-)

I'd love to see what you come up with here. I'd agree that a mixture of targets based on experience and instrument would be great. It'll take some work, so make sure you're enjoying yourself as you said.

Anything that gets people observing and sharing the experience is worthwhile IMO.

James

[Ccolvin968]

Steve, no worries! I want to make this fun for everyone. Not just "big scope" users. Everything from Binos to larger scopes. The first one I do, I'll try to post a description of each difficulty level. Maybe something along these lines:

Easy: at least 10x50 Bino's through 3.5 inch scope.

Medium: At least a 3.5 through 8 inch scope. 

Hard: At least a 10 through 18 inch scope.

Very Difficult: (If there's even an interest) 20 inches plus...

Obviously it'll be per object depending on it's location in the sky and it's actual surface brightness, and known difficulty. 

You can obviously view the objects in each level to a degree but to with increasing difficulty and eventually improbability if you have a 3 inch scope trying to see details in Saturns rings. In my head, there will be one major, "Target of the Month" for each difficulty level. Then as an additional challenge or good on you points, two through four other targets other than the main one depending on my free time or however many others decide to help with this project if they'd like.

JK, I'll check out that site in a bit. Looks like it's full of cool stuff. Thanks for the link!

I'm starting to piece together the first monthly Target of the Month for September 2015 and the star charts to go with it.

Thank you for the feedback!

[michaelmorris]

Maybe nice to consider imaging targets as well?  Maybe somethng along these lines:

'Widefield' - DSLR with camera lens in the 35mm to 200 mm FL range.

'DSO' - CCD or DSLR attached to small refractor

'Going Deep' - Galaxies and planetary nebulae

These could be three different targets or the same target in three levels of detail.  This include a finder chart and example shots.

[Ccolvin968]

Michael, I'm not very up to speed on imaging. I can do my best, or if you would like to head that up, feel free to make another post in the TOTM thread. :-)

[michaelmorris]

Michael, I'm not very up to speed on imaging. I can do my best, or if you would like to head that up, feel free to make another post in the TOTM thread. :-)

The idea of putting together a monthly observing/imaging guide or target of the month is an excellent one.  Most of the moderating team use much of our spare time herding cats moderating SGL!      ... so I guess it's possibly going to be up to ordinary SGL members to put together a monthly guide/target list.

[Stu]

I'm sure Nick (Cotterless45) would be up for helping out with the observing guides.

[Qualia]

It's a great idea and I really look forward to the 1st edition I feel there's no need to make it too complicated for yourself. You know, like levels of difficulty, for I imagine not all the objects recommended would have been seen before hand? If it does come together, time and weather permitting in September, I'd gladly share my reports and sketches for comparison etc.

+1 for what Stu has also mentioned. I think it would be nice to see if you and Nick could get a tasty list together for all of us interested to work on

[Ccolvin968]

I'll see if I can get him on board. Like I said, I can run the monthly guides and targets of the month... But when it comes to imaging, that will be an issue in the fact that I have little to no knowledge of astrophotography and what targets are easy, medium, hard, etc... I love the idea of adding that in there though. Qualia, the first Edition is out already! Check it out if you get the chance. Make sure it's the one that says "EDITED" in the title. Clear Skies. Here's the link... http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/251388-update-september-2015-targets-of-the-month/