Death of the star chart?

[rockystar]

 (anyone want a free TLAO, barely used? :grin: ).

I'll have it ;-)

[stevend]

Whilst playing around with my new toy,It occured to me that if many newcomers are purchasing 'Goto' systems, would the ability to even read  a star chart be necessary?

I'm no expert when it comes to reading sky maps, but I managed to find my way (most of the time ) with my old refractor and a planisphere.

Foolhardy is the sailor who goes to sea, armed with only electronic navigational aids. 

Yes, in the same way that even with GPS systems, old fashioned OS maps still have their place. I would also suggest that many newcomers to telescopes are not newcomers to astronomomy and like myself buy a GOTO but have some knowledge of the sky from using binoculars.

[Victoria1410]

Zakalwe, thank you for your post!    If the book is still going I would take it off your hands 

Yes, in the same way that even with GPS systems, old fashioned OS maps still have their place. I would also suggest that many newcomers to telescopes are not newcomers to astronomomy and like myself buy a GOTO but have some knowledge of the sky from using binoculars.

I have a basic understanding of constellations and the physics behind starts but I'm just starting out viewing them.  I will be purchasing binoculars very soon    what did you use to aquire your knowledge of the sky when using binoculars please?

[Tinker1947]

Zakalwe, thank you for your post!    If the book is still going I would take it off your hands 

I have a basic understanding of constellations and the physics behind starts but I'm just starting out viewing them.  I will be purchasing binoculars very soon    what did you use to aquire your knowledge of the sky when using binoculars please?

You will find this thread of interest for binocular purchasing.... 

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/252761-first-time-binocular-purchase-advice/

[stevend]

Zakalwe, thank you for your post!    If the book is still going I would take it off your hands 

I have a basic understanding of constellations and the physics behind starts but I'm just starting out viewing them.  I will be purchasing binoculars very soon    what did you use to aquire your knowledge of the sky when using binoculars please?

A star atlas and planisphere. I started by learning the main constellations, summer triangle and certain stars as pointers to help familiarise myself with some areas of the sky. Usually (and still do) I would pick a section of the sky, sit/lie in eg a deckchair and then see what I can find. HTH.  

[Victoria1410]

You will find this thread of interest for binocular purchasing.... 

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/252761-first-time-binocular-purchase-advice/

Thank you    I didn't know about this yesterday so started my own thread asking the same thing but have since read both.  You're all very helpful on here.

[Victoria1410]

A star atlas and planisphere. I started by learning the main constellations, summer triangle and certain stars as pointers to help familiarise myself with some areas of the sky. Usually (and still do) I would pick a section of the sky, sit/lie in eg a deckchair and then see what I can find. HTH.  

Thank you!  That sounds like a really good place to start