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+--- Thread: Seeing Double (or Triple) (/showthread.php?tid=21)
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Seeing Double (or Triple) - John S - 2017-11-20
I would have thought that there would be a lot of posts here. After all, observing double stars is the most fun you can have in Astronomy!
I do have a real question. I love how SkyTools has made my double star observing a snap. This has probably been answered before, but are there improvements specifically for doubles in ST 4?
John..
Long time user of SkyTools for my doubles!
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - theskyhound - 2017-11-20
I am sure there will be more posts soon, given how much double star lovers love their doubles!
As for double stars in SkyTools, it is difficult to improve on perfection. ;-)
Seriously though, double stars will see incremental improvements. There is some improved data. There is now a true recommended eyepiece and it does consider what works best to split a given pair. I think the biggest improvement for double stars is the "Best Resolution" selection for the eyepiece view. This will now provide a much more realistic view of the pair, including a representation of the seeing and diffraction pattern.
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - blakesphere - 2017-11-20
Love double star observing (and imaging). I find that SkyTools 3 Pro is an amazing assistant in this, on multiple levels (no pun intended).
I use ST3P for planning, obviously. On "regular" dark sky observing sessions I often use the Nightly Observing List Generator and let it add some new doubles. I usually have a few I need to revisit so I manually add those. At full Moon times, I will focus solely on doubles.
I have a few double star observing lists that I regularly refer to. Some I've downloaded and some I've made. For example, I'm trying to complete all of the entries in the RASC Coloured Doubles list.
During an observing session, I will often use SkyTools to help me identify all the noted elements in a multi-star system.
And I use ST3P afterwards, during my log notes updating and publishing, to verify what I saw, and identify targets I need to return to.
I have viewed over 1100 systems. And counting.
cheers,
Blake
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - John S - 2017-11-20
Greg, thanks for remembering us cross-eyed double observers.
Glad to hear the "best resolution" option will be upgraded. I often use it to confirm a possible split. I also "cheat" with it. I'll have a very large scope added and use the best resolution as confirmation often.
Blake, I'll have to add that RASC list as a to-do list! Here is one for you (if you don't already have). I ran across this year's ago. It's the "Top 200 most beautiful double stars" from the Coldfield Observatory. Here is the link:
http://users.compaqnet.be/doublestars/
It's a real nice list of some very pretty stars. Took a while, but I've been through them all with ST3 and my trusty TV-102.
Clear skies,
John..
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - theskyhound - 2017-11-21
(2017-11-20, 11:21 PM)John S Wrote: Blake, I'll have to add that RASC list as a to-do list! Here is one for you (if you don't already have). I ran across this year's ago. It's the "Top 200 most beautiful double stars" from the Coldfield Observatory. Here is the link:
http://users.compaqnet.be/doublestars/
It's a real nice list of some very pretty stars. Took a while, but I've been through them all with ST3 and my trusty TV-102.
Hi John,
That looks like a nice list. Do you have a SkyTools observing list version for it? If so, please share it with me so I can share it with everyone. If not,we should make one.
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - John S - 2017-11-23
Alas, Greg, I did make a list and I lost it - a case of pilot error. I did not lose the logs, though.
It took a while for me to make it... Don't know if I'll have some time in the near future.
Cleat skies!
John..
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - blakesphere - 2017-11-23
I made a list.
Greg, the forums do not allow STX files...
Want me to mail it to you?
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - blakesphere - 2017-11-25
A SkyTools observing list for the Coldfield Observatory Top 200 Most Beautiful Double Stars was made. It has been vetted and is available for immediate download.
Look in the "Stars: Single, Double and Variable" folder via the Skyhound server.
Enjoy!
regards,
Blake
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - John S - 2018-05-17
Ok, Blake, I looked (and I looked, and I looked - "here" and on Yahoo...)
Perhaps I am looking in the wrong place. I'd love to get that list again, but where is:
"Stars: Single, Double and Variable" folder via the Skyhound server.
I can navigate the skies, but I find myself lost here!
Thanks,
John..
RE: Seeing Double (or Triple) - RobinBaker - 2018-05-22
(2018-05-17, 06:35 PM)John S Wrote: Ok, Blake, I looked (and I looked, and I looked - "here" and on Yahoo...)
Perhaps I am looking in the wrong place. I'd love to get that list again, but where is:
"Stars: Single, Double and Variable" folder via the Skyhound server.
I can navigate the skies, but I find myself lost here!
Thanks,
John..
Data Manager > Import Shared Data tab > Browse Location drop-down list box > Stars: Single, Double and Variable > click Get Listing button
Highlight "Coldfield 200 Beautiful Doubles", then click Import button
That's it!