Deepsky planner 7 allows you to exchange observations with other astronomy software like skysafari 6 that supports openastronomylog 2. Now you dont have to make astronomy observation notes on little scraps of paper or in notebooks. It gives you a permanent record of all the great times you had observing. The american association of amateur astronomers observing log observer.
One of the most practical ways of recording observations is to have a template form completed ahead of time that contains all of the known data, like the objects name, number, location, size, magnitude, and so on. Observation manager is a free and open logbook for amateur astronomical observations. Logbook forms rasc the royal astronomical society of canada. In the past four years, my site has been hacked a couple of times, so this is probably the last time ill restore and refresh it. Observing forms are something that every amateur astronomer can use. Observation record sheets and sketch templates from across the web. Astronomy is not just about observing, its an experience, a life style, but more than that its a collection of priceless memories. Following are several excellent observation record sheets from other amateur astronomers that i hope you find useful. Logging your observations is an easy way to track your progress as an. The astronomical log book northern ireland amateur. A night sky observations record journal to write in with dark gray cover on. Astronomy log sheets subject const datetime location instrument epmag conditions notes subject const datetime location instrument epmag conditions. The american association of amateur astronomers observing log.
Your observations are also more portable than ever. All logbook entries made in observation manager are stored in the free and open openastronomylog xml schema. I have seen a number online that you have to print out and put into a binder but not a designated log book. This is in microsoft word format so you can modify and save it to your own computer. Tips on keeping a good logbook for amateur astronomers. The log sheet templates how you go about recording your observations is entirely up to you. This is a great way to ensure you are always looking at new things. Im looking for a software program that will make it easier to organize my observation logs. Below is also an observing log you can print out and turn in when complete. The astronomy log book has plenty of room for writing in details about each celestial object you find plus organized areas for the date, time, location, weather conditions, lunar phase, longitudelatitude, sky placement, equipment used, and your sketchesphotos theres space for 54 star gazing experiences in all. Our log books are used by some of the worlds most innovative companies and most prestigious research institutions. Dec 19, 2010 general observing form pcw memorial observatory erika rix said this on november 9, 2012 at 10. This site lets amateur astronomers share their observations with each other. I am an amateur observer and olympus 10x50 binocular is my tool.
You can also save your log reports as html, plain text, or delimited text csv. Telosnet astrolog offers two types of observing logs. It is also just the right size for throwing in your bag or backpack and. All amateur astronomers will ask themselves this question at least once during their astronomy hobby journey. Al lunar club observing log template word format an observation log template for the astronomical league lunar club. Bob king much later in life, as responsibilities grew like dandelions, i abandoned the 3timesaday temperature readings.
The astronomers messier journal, an observing log book, is a softcover, spiralbound book with many attractive features. A chronological, session based, astronomical observing log. Deepsky astronomy software the best deep sky astronomy software. Mar 31, 2014 start keeping an astronomy logbook now, and in time, youll have a treasured record to enjoy reading on those cloudy nights when you cant observe. I have a second, more formal, log book i use during planned observing sessions in my backyard, at star. At the time of writing i have began log book number six and just before christmas last year i decided that i would read. The purpose of the log is to list down the number of celestial objects i have observedlocated. Observation browser shows essential catalog data for any observing log entry for an object that appears in the database. I have been observing the night sky for over a decade now, however since 1997 i decided that i would start recording my observations in an astronomical log book, in hindsight this was one of the best decisions i. The main difference between them is the room in the book to sketch observing sessions. How to keep a logbook of your astronomical observations. Finally, the observer pro astronomy planner for ios app lets you plan your sessions, make observing lists and log observations. Jun 23, 2005 astronomy software, such as the free stellarium program, can you help plan nights of observation.
Its written in pure java and runs on every plattform supporting java 1. Novice assistance program oklahoma city astronomy club. There are several methods of recording observations that range from plain, everyday text to using complex abbreviations that use less space. Java based astronomical logging software which stores its data in a free and open xml based format openastronomylog. Should the call come for observations to help unravel its behavior, you might be in possession of a crucial data point. Recording observations is important for two reasons. A night sky observations record journal to write in with teal blue cover on. It even lets you map the horizon profile of your observing site. General observation log template pdf format an observation log template for most astronomical league observing clubs. Start keeping an astronomy logbook now, and in time, youll have a treasured record to enjoy reading on those cloudy nights when you cant observe. Ive been giving away free astronomy logs, created in filemaker, and runnable on macos, windows and ios, since 1998. Observation formstemplates pcw memorial observatory.
Each page includes blank areas that allow you to sketch exactly what youre seeing in the night sky. Free logbooks for al observing clubs 10 minute astronomy. Deepsky planner for windows astronomy software by knightware. May 05, 2014 hello,i was wondering if anyone knew of a log book that is commonly used amongst amateur astronomers that is sold in stores to document observations. Coming to terms with the equipment, finding the targets in the sky, understanding what each of them actually were, and melding all of those things into an enjoya. These are homebrewed observing logs i whipped up for the astronomical. By accurately recording your observations, you will be spending more identifying faint details that you would otherwise miss with casual observing. Purchase securely online with paypal if you are thinking of logging your observations, either one of these products is a great. We all know the virtues of writing down what we see and keeping accurate records.
As i keep locating celestial objects planets, stars etc, i would like to maintain a log of the observed objects. If you are thinking of logging your observations, either one of these products is a great place to start. The journal consists of 55 log pages containing two of the 110 objects in the messier catalog on each page. Observing logbook british astronomical association. Deepsky includes an object observed filter which allows you to filter objects you have already seen from being included on observing lists. I have been observing the night sky for over a decade now, however since 1997 i decided that i would start recording my observations in an astronomical log book. These log books are essential for rocksolid record keeping.
You never know when you might catch a key event in an objects evolution. This frame shows venus and the thin crescent moon framing comet 2pencke. Observing session records the heart of the astronomical observers diary is the frontandback observing session form at right. In the same vein, the introductory astronomy lab is different from other science labs you may take at vanderbilt. Used when you are viewing deep sky objects and you wish to sketch. I have been observing the night sky for over a decade now, however since 1997 i decided that i would start recording my observations in an astronomical log book, in hindsight this was one of the best decisions i ever made. I have only been observing the sky for a decade now however since 1997 i decided that i would start recording my observations in an astronomical log book, in hindsight this was one of the best decisions i ever made. Some folks even use a tape recorder to preserve their notes at the eyepiece to supplement whatever sketches they make. Observations can be recorded in an artists sketchbook, a 3ringed binder, a spiral notebook, or any of several other media. Observational astronomy is a division of astronomy that is concerned with recording data about the observable universe, in contrast with theoretical astronomy, which is mainly concerned with calculating the measurable implications of physical models. An observation log template containing these fields is available in the guide to the carbon star observing program. Astronomy is not just about observing, its an experience, a life style but more than that it is a collection of priceless memories.
Amateur astronomy can require a lot of equipment and supporting electronics, and every volume you add to your load must be carefully considered. David greens free astronomy software the final redesign. Any other log form of your choosing may also be used, as long as it contains the required information. The log sheet templates tucson amateur astronomy association. As an added benefit, youll find that your observational skills will improve. Astronomy logbook i am relatively new to the wonderful and aweinspiring world of astronomy.
Start keeping an astronomy logbook now, and in time, youll have a. A good observing log includes all the information necessary to reproduce your observations. Astronomy log book and observing tools observers diary deep. Record your sky viewing observations in an orderly way with this easytouse stargazing journal. However, i wanted to keep an astronomy log book in order to record what objects i have found and observed using my telescope. Turn your smartphone into an astronomy toolbox with mobile apps. Hello,can anyone recommend a good astronomy log book for a beginner like myself. Log your observations and make sure next time youre searching for an celestial object. Oct 09, 2018 the astronomy log book has plenty of room for writing in details about each celestial object you find plus organized areas for the date, time, location, weather conditions, lunar phase, longitudelatitude, sky placement, equipment used, and your sketchesphotos theres space for 54 star gazing experiences in all. Deepskys log book and observing journal make it easy to record your notes, sketches, images, and other information.
Carbon star observing program the astronomical league. The idea is to record all facts that may contribute in any way possible to your later interpretation and understanding of the observation. Claire click to email author all photos have been included with the written permission of the author to log or not to log that is the question. I quite like the idea of noting down your findings after a successful nights stargazing thanks. The aaaas observing form and sketch log make it that much easier for you to get started down the path of better observing in an organized way. A couple of my astronomy notebooks with sketches and descriptions of comet halebopp left in 1997 and jupiter, when it was bombarded by fragments of comet shoemakerlevy 9 in july 1994. Im already downloading astroplanner, but would like to know of any other good alternatives. Meet the logs telosnet astrolog offers two types of observing logs. I have only been observing the sky for a decade now however since 1997 i decided that i would start recording my observations in an astronomical log book. By using the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If you make an observation of a shortlived phenomenon such as the brightness of a nova or variable star or appearance of a comet, record the time.