Observing
Comets with SkyTools 2
SkyTools
2 offers the comet observer more than just a chart with a
position.
It
all begins with the most current data available. All software products obtain their comet data directly from
the IAU, which is fine for generating precise positions.
But there is more to successful comet observing than knowing the
correct position. What about the size and magnitude of the comet?
Only
SkyTools accurately depicts the comet's diameter, giving you a
clear idea of what to look for in the eyepiece.
And you can always count on accurate visual magnitudes
because we derive them ourselves from recent observations.
Why
waste your time looking for comets that are in truth too faint
to be visible? Why miss comets that are said to be too
faint yet are easily observed? Knowing what to expect at
the eyepiece is one of the keys to success. With SkyTools
you can be certain of the position, magnitude and size of the
comet.
Using
the legendary SkyTools planner you will always
know what comets are visible. With a click of the mouse the
latest comet data is downloaded from the web in the form of the Current
Comets observing list. Select this list in the planner and the comets visible to you tonight are
listed.
Note the red-dashed line on the night
graphic--that's the altitude of comet Encke with respect to time.
The green horizontal line is the altitude at which you are
looking through twice as much air as overhead (2 Airmass).
It is best to try to observe objects when they are above this line.
SkyTools has determined that the optimum time to observe Encke
on this night is at 6:24 PM (just as twilight ends). A
click on the little log book icon will bring up all log entries
you have made so far. A right-click on Encke serves
as a jumping-off point, taking you to customized charts, more
information, etc.
A
wealth of tabular information is available (below),
including apparent data for your specific location at a specific
time. You can enter notes regarding the comet, attach images,
or make links
to web pages.
The
Ephemeris tool is also quite useful for planning
your comet observing. In addition to a simple ephemeris, SkyTools computes
an innovative optimum nightly viewing ephemeris (below).
This ephemeris lists the optimum time to observe the comet each
night using a complex model that takes into account such
factors as the altitude of the comet, how bright it is, and the
presence of twilight or moonlight. As with
all tools, a right-click menu can take you right to the chart of
your choice, automatically set at the proper time, location, etc.
You
can also plot the position of the comet each night on a single
chart; each nightly position is marked at the optimum time to observe it
from your location (rather than at some arbitrary time such as
0h UT).
With
the aid of the multi-view telescope (or binocular) finder charts
it is a simple matter even for a beginner to find a telescope or
binocular comet. The charts are true simulations that display what you
will see in the eyepiece at your location with your
instrument. Everything from light pollution to the
experience of the observer is taken into account. The
cutout below shows Encke as seen in 8x56 binoculars from a dark
site. Comparison stars are automatically chosen and marked
for making your own magnitude estimate (should you wish to).
The printed finder charts are similar, although usually black on
white for ease of use at the telescope. A naked-eye view
(not shown) provides context for the eyepiece view so you know
right where to look.
Finally,
once you have made your observation the SkyTools logbook
provides an ideal means of recording what you saw. Use the Night Log (not shown) to
record the entirety of the observing experience, such as that
time when those Raccoons nearly scared you into dropping your
Nagler!
Innovation, ease of
use, the best data, well thought out tools created by an avid observer, an
intuitive interface, and an unparalleled ability to accomplish
what you wish to with a minimum of time and fuss--these are the
hallmarks of SkyTools.
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