1. How to Use The Evening Sky Map TAAS Fabulous 50 2015

2. Star Charts Star charts come in many sizes and kinds, but all are useful. The most Important thing is to pick a chart and then learn to use it.

3. In this presentation we will learn how to use a star chart called The Evening Sky Map

4. We will use this chart for several reasons: It is free and can be downloaded at http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html (click on above link to go to the site) The location for the observer can be selected. Each month a new map is available. It is easy to use. It is available in several other languages. The Evening Sky Map

5. When you get to the web site where you can download the program 1. Select the Northern Hemisphere Edition 2. Select the current month (the chart for each month becomes available about 2 – 4 days prior to the first day of the month). 3. Download the chart and save it to your computer. 3. Print the chart for your use. Free Skymap http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

6. The Evening Sky Map (cont.) The upper right hand corner of the Sky Map informs us as to when to use the chart. This chart is for early February at 8 PM and/or late February at 7 PM. The map indicates that is it is created for 40 o north latitude. Albuquerque’s location (35 0 north latitude) is close enough To 35 0 that this chart is very useable.

7. The Evening Sky Map The are are two pages to the map. We will examine each page individually.

8. The Evening Sky Map The side with the map has Dates of celestial events Outlines of the constellations Magnitude (brightness) of the stars Symbols for the various objects Orion

9. The Evening Sky Map On the other side we have General Info Observing Tips Astronomical Glossary Visible with naked eye Visible with telescope Visible with binoculars

10. The Evening Sky Map We will examine how to best use the Sky Map We begin by locating the four cardinal directions: a. South b. North c. West d. East Next we will learn how to hold or “orient” the Sky Map as we observe. It is very simple. As you observe, you hold the chart so that the direction that you are looking is at the bottom of the chart. We will now use the Evening Sky Map to find some objects in the night sky. This lesson will use the Northern Hemisphere February Sky Map

11. Viewing to the South We will first look to the SOUTH. Make sure that SOUTH is at the bottom of the chart. Note, that the words are readable and not “up-side” down. Sirius, is easy to read.

12. Viewing to the South Viewing to the SOUTH we find the constellations Taurus with Aldebaran Orion with Rigel, Betelgeuse and M 42 Gemini with Castor and Pollux Canis Major with Sirius Canis Minor with Procyon ebar a

13. Viewing to the North Make sure that NORTH is at the bottom of the chart. Note, that the words are readable and not “up-side” down. POLARIS is easy to read.

14. Viewing to the North Viewing to the North we find the constellations Ursa Minor (”the Little Dipper”) with Polaris Auriga with Capella Cassiopeia ( a FAB 50 fall constellation) Ursa Major (“the Big Dipper” a FAB 50 spring constellation)

15. Viewing to the East We will now look to the EAST. Make sure that EAST is at the bottom of the chart. Note, that the words are readable and not “up-side” down. Gemini is easy to read.

16. Viewing to the East Viewing to the East we find the constellations Gemini with Castor and Pollux Canis Minor with Procyon Leo (“the Lion” a FAB 50 Spring constellation)

17. Viewing to the West Viewing to the West we find the constellations Taurus nearly overhead and the Pleiades Cassiopeia ( a FAB 50 fall constellation)

18. This completes the lesson on how to use The Evening Sky Map. Please direct and questions, suggestions, etc. to Dee Friesen at taasdee@comcast.nettaasdee@comcast.net

19. The End