From Skies to Stars - August 2012
Speed is the Thing
By Ed Downs
This column continues to speak to the natural synergies between flying and amateur astronomy. An evening of stargazing contains many aviation like elements. One must “pre-flight plan” the evening’s activities just as if a long, cross-country was going to be undertaken. Star charts are studied as if they were aviation charts, and an “observing log” is created to guide the astronomer. Magazines like “Sky & Telescope” (www.skyandtelescope.com) contain an eclectic selection of articles and star charts specifically designed for each month of the year. Special sections within the magazine even suggest “places to fly” in the form of dividing viewing into object categories.
Numerous star chart applications are now available for computers, tablets and smart phones. A check of the weather is made once the planning is complete, hoping for limited cloud coverage and modest winds. A telescope being shaken by an unstable atmosphere is no fun to use. Finally, the car is loaded up, a check list used to make sure all the goodies and gadgets needed to optimize viewing fun are onboard and our amateur astronomer is ready for “take off.”
Once at the viewing site, another commonality between amateur astronomers and pilots emerges. We are both in a hurry. While old timers, and those who take pride in truly knowing the stars, carefully match star charts to the sky to locate target objects, observers like this writer want to get right to the “oohhhs and aahhhs” of viewing celestial wonders. This characteristic is not unlike a group of pilots launching for a joint fly-in activity. Some relish the adventure of traveling in a Cub while others demand the speed of a Bonanza. Both enjoy the experience of flying, but at a different speed. The question is, “do telescopes have different speeds?”
Yes, they do. In this case, the reference to speed means “how long does it take to acquire the object to be viewed?” Experienced amateur astronomers possess the ability to simply look into the sky, quickly spot what they are seeking, and manually align their telescope with astounding accuracy. This writer is working hard to be one of these guys, but for now, envy will simply have to do. It is not unlike hanging out with a fellow pilot who has flown everything and always makes perfect landings. Fortunately, we “newbies” now have tools that allow even the most inexperienced beginner to be rewarded with exciting viewing, quickly. Generically referred to as “go to” telescopes, computer driven guidance systems are available that guide the viewer to the desired object quickly and accurately.
“Go to” technology comes in many shapes and sizes. Smart phone applications are now available that allow one to use an adapter that actually attaches the phone to the scope. The application allows selection of a target, presents a “bull’s-eye” display with arrows to show you which way to push the telescope.
Almost all major telescope manufacturers now have some form of integrated “Push-To” technology available. This writer’s 12” Orion Intelliscope is so equipped, adding a scant $189 to the purchase price. With a price bump of between $600 and $800 over the base telescope price (some excellent, ready to go, full up “Go To” telescopes run just under $1,000) and one can move up to full “Go To” and “Tracking” technology. This means that once told which object to locate (the tracking computers may hold over 40,000 celestial objects), the telescope will simply fire up sophisticated electric motors and drive the telescope to point directly at the object. These more advanced systems will then track the object – keeping it in view center – even though the Earth and planets insist on constantly moving.
At the upper end of the technological spectrum are telescopes with tracking and drive systems so accurate that sophisticated astro-photography is possible, producing images that rival those of the pros. Inexpensive “Push To” technology recently allowed this amateur to acquire the spectacular Lagoon Nebula (M8) in only minutes after arriving at the viewing location. More than 5,000 light years from Earth, this spectacular cloud of hot, interstellar, dust is more than 100 light years wide and contains hundreds of new stars. It is called Lagoon Nebula because a dark cloud of cooler gases is surrounded by a glowing nebula (meaning “cloud” in Latin) of hot gases. The Lagoon Nebula is a nursery for new stars that are being formed as large clouds of dense gas within the nebula collapse under the weight of their own gravity. It is spectacular!
But, there is a word of caution. Like advanced aircraft instrumentation, Go-To technology requires knowledge to use. A simple alignment process is needed, meaning you must locate a few select stars for alignment purposes. Early models (perhaps more than five years old) were not as good as those available today. Be careful! Many, cheap, box store telescopes have Go-To claims screaming at you from multicolored boxes that promise fully automatic operation. Their claims of high magnification are often overrated if not just plain false. To find reliable Go-To telescopes, look for models sold by dedicated telescope distributors or web-based manufacturers’ catalogs. Before you buy, do some “window shopping” by attending an observing night with an astronomy club near you. Visit http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/club-map.cfm for club information.
Finally, the true fun of astronomical studies comes from learning about the heavens, not just looking at them. The fun and splendor of amateur observing quickly fades if one simply jumps from one object to another. Go-To technology, like advanced GPS based navigation, should be used to enhance your navigation skills (in this case celestial), not replace them.
