Tips & Expectations for Visual Observers

How to Observe

People beginning any of our observing certificates should read the entire “Tips and Expectations” page before undertaking any of our programs. We strongly recommend this.

All those undertaking observing certificates must adhere to the latest guidance—below—on “Making and Recording an Observation”.

This new requirement of “a basic description and/or annotated sketch” is authoritative, and now applies to all our observing programs, irrespective of what is stated in the older program documentation associated with individual certificate programs. 

Note, photography/EAA cannot be used for these observing programs. The observing certificate programs are to be based on what is seen/sketched visually at the eyepiece.

One of the most difficult aspects of using a telescope is knowing what accessories and techniques will help you to see more. In this respect, one of the most useful additions to anyone’s observing programme is a copy of SkyNews magazine. SkyNews not only provides topical information on what is going on in the field of astronomy, but also includes articles and diagrams related to observing. Each issue includes a star chart that allows you to identify the major constellations. Another section of the magazine highlights all of the important astronomical events that can be seen in the sky each month. In addition, there are in-depth articles devoted to both binocular and telescopic objects. More resources can be found on the magazine’s website. Some of the most useful include the following:

Basic Stargazing Essentials

In this SkyNews article, Gary Seronik reviews the most important concepts related to: dark adaptation, binocular specifications, telescope magnification, light pollution, and the importance of learning about the sky before trying to photograph it.

Become a Better Observer: Sketch!

In this article, Mark Bratton describes how he improved on his ability to see faint nebula and galaxies by both taking detailed notes and making sketches of the objects that he could see through his small telescope:

Tips for Beginning (and Not-So-Beginning) Astronomers

In this SkyNews article, Dale Armstrong provides additional ideas on getting the most from yourself, your equipment, and your observing site:

Advanced Resources:

The Observer’s Handbook, published by the RASC, is widely regarded as one of the best reference books on astronomy. Inside, you will find an entire section devoted to “Optics and Observing”, including an important article by Alan Dyer.  His “Deep-Sky Observing Hints” is a must-read for those who view faint objects.

There is no shortage of observing-related information on the Internet, but several sites stand out for the depth of information that they provide. One is that belonging to the well-known observer Mel Bartels. His page Tips to Improve Telescope Performance contains his reflections on over fifty-years of observing. 

Deep-sky observers will also appreciate these advanced observing tips from Sky & Telescope magazine.

A crucial and poorly understood aspect of observational astronomy is the notion of “seeing” and how it can affect the view through a telescope, particularly when it comes to planetary observing. How to Successfully Beat Atmospheric Seeing by Alan MacRobert, provides an excellent overview of this topic,

Making and Recording an Observation

There are three steps to making an observation: Locate, Examine, and Record.

LOCATE:

This first step involves finding the object that you wish to observe. For new observers, the Messier objects, as listed in the Observer’s Handbook, provide good targets because they are bright and relatively easy to find.  Using star charts—such as those located in the back of the Observer’s Handbook or in Sky News magazine—identify the constellation that contains your target object.  Once you have done so, examine a more detailed star atlas to pinpoint the location of your target amidst that constellation’s bright stars. The most popular atlas for this type of work is the inexpensive, but comprehensive, Pocket Sky Atlas.  It is sufficiently detailed to show all the stars visible in a good finder scope.

Electronic star charts such as Stellarium, Starry Night, or SkySafari are increasingly popular but can affect dark adaptation. In order to preserve your “night vision” (and the night vision of those you may be observing with), be sure to cover any white lights with red film and use “night mode” on computers or tablets or smartphones.

Once you are outside, a pair of binoculars can be quite useful for a preliminary sweep of the area you are going to search.  They will allow you to familiarize yourself with the locations of the fainter stars that appear in the atlas. And as a bonus, depending on how dark your skies are, you may be able to see the object you are searching for using binoculars alone.

Having identified the approximate location of the object in question, you then centre that part of the sky in your main telescope by means of your telescope’s finder scope (which you should have previously aligned with your main telescope via either a fixed daytime object or the North Star). In other words, the fainter stars in your atlas will serve as a road map to your target. In practice, by starting at a known bright star, you employ the technique of “star-hopping” to trace your way through the patterns of fainter stars, employing them as guideposts to the object you seek.

A good finder scope will have a cross-hair eyepiece. Centring the suspected location of your target object in the cross-hairs of the finder should bring you very close to the object you are searching for. If you don’t see your target object immediately, nudge your telescope back and forth, and then up and down. Make sure you use the lowest power possible in your main telescope; it will provide the widest field of view (if you’re not familiar with the size of the field of view presented by your lowest power eyepiece, try using it to examine the Moon, which is half a degree across).

A red dot finder is also effective in bringing you close to your intended target.

Remember that while star-hopping might seem difficult at first, and may require two or three tries before you locate your target object, it quickly becomes second nature.

EXAMINE:

Once you’ve located your target, you can begin to study it in more detail. Your goal is to see as much as you can. A basic observation should include a consideration of such things as:

• The size and shape of the object.
• The visibility and brightness of the object.
• The gradations or details associated with the object.
• Anything that you think is unique (what impresses you) about the object or its surroundings (such as coloured stars in the same field of view).

You could also consider creating your own 5-star rating scale for future reference. If you are observing planets, you might want to consider the following questions:

• How steady/sharp is the view (the seeing)?
• How does magnification affect the view? Is there an optimum magnification?
• How large does the planet appear? Can you see any colour?
• Are any moons visible? Are any stars visible in the same field?
• Can you detect any clouds or surface features?

(See below for more suggestions of things to look for, depending on the type of astronomical object.)

RECORD:

In order to earn a certificate, all of the RASC observing programs require that you record your observations in a log. This log may be electronic or more traditional (consisting of a three-ring binder, coil binder, or lined composition book). For suggestions about how to structure your log, see Paul Markov’s article “The Observing Logbook”, which you can find in the annual RASC Observer’s Handbook.

A log is an essential component of any observation in that provides a record of what you saw that is sufficient to (figuratively) allow others to look over your shoulder and see what you’ve done. As a minimum, RASC certificate programs require that log entries include all of the following:

• your location
• date and time
• instrument used
• magnifications used
• general sky conditions
• as well as a basic description and/or annotated sketch for each of the objects that you observed (required for all certificate programs irrespective of what any specific program documentation may state.)

“A basic description and/or annotated sketch” offers the observer two options in order to complete the required elements of the observation:

Option #1: A basic description must consist of a few sentences about the object you observed, noting its most obvious characteristics in accordance with the guidelines offered above. Crude, stick-figure-type sketches are encouraged as an "aide-memoire" or an adjunct to the written descriptions. A sketch is not required if you are describing your observation in written form.

Option #2: If you choose an annotated sketch for your log entry, it must show the main features of the object being observed, be labelled, and it must show what was seen at the eyepiece. 

If you are interested in developing this talent, see the AstroSketchers page of the this website.

Photocopies or scans of your log entries should accompany all applications for RASC certificate programmes (please see your specific observing programme for additional details).

Individual Effort

All RASC Observing Programs are designed to be an individual effort. Even if you are observing with other RASC members, a spouse or partner, friends or family, you still need to perform all the requirements of each Observing Program YOURSELF.

Performing all the requirements means:

• locating the object yourself
• making your own observation at the eyepiece
• keeping your own log book or pre-programmed observing forms
• submitting your application on your own merit
• sketching what you see in the field of view, although not a requirement, invites you to observe more closely and helps you to remember what you observed

When you have completed a program, apply for your certificate as a SINGLE observer and not as a shared effort with another. You will have your own log book to support your application. 

As you advance through the various certificate programmes your experience will increase, and you will invariably begin to see more. For advanced guidelines on what to look for when examining specific classes of objects please read on.

Advanced Observing Tips

What to Look For—advanced ideas for deep sky objects (DSOs):

In this section, we expand on our earlier advice for creating a basic description of an object. You are not expected to record to this level of detail, but as you become a more experienced observer you will start to ask yourself these sorts of questions as you begin to examine the various classes of objects in greater detail.

In General—All DSO Types

• How bright is the object?
• What magnification gives the best view?
• Describe the shape of the object.
• Estimate the size of the object (based on the field of view of your eyepiece).
• Does averted vision allow you to see more detail (if yes, describe the extra detail)?
• Does a filter improve the view?

Emission and Reflection Nebulae

• Compared to direct vision, how does the use of averted vision affect the view?
• Try using a Deep Sky and/or OIII filter.  What effect did they have?
• Are the outer edges sharply defined?
• Is any part of the nebula brighter or more concentrated?
• Are there any voids, dark patches, or lanes?
• Are there any bright filaments or streamers in the nebulosity?
• Are there any stars involved with the nebulosity?
• Is there an associated open cluster?
• Can you detect any colour?

Galaxies

• Compare the view using both direct and averted vision.
• What is the overall shape of the galaxy?
• Is the galaxy uniform in brightness?
• How noticeable is the core of the galaxy?  Describe it (compact, stellar, etc.).
• Do the outer edges of the galaxy appear sharp or diffuse?
• Can any structure be seen in the galaxy (mottling, bright and dark patches, or lanes)?
• Can any detail be seen in the arms of the galaxy?
• Are there any stars visible in the arms?
• Are there any nearby galaxies (or other deep sky objects)?

Globular Clusters

• How concentrated is the cluster (is it tightly packed, or more of a loose association of stars)?
• Is the central core bright, compact, or indistinguishable?
• How would you describe the overall density of the stars within the cluster (low, medium, high)?
• How much of the cluster can be resolved into its component stars (none, the outer edge, all of it)?
• If the cluster can’t be resolved, were you able to detect any mottling, or resolve any stars on the periphery with the use of averted vision?
• Are there any other deep sky objects located nearby or in the same field?

Planetary Nebulae

• Overall, would you describe the planetary as: easy, difficult, or absent from the field of view (see below)?
• Is the nebula stellar in appearance, or can a disk be seen? Try different magnifications.
• What is the shape of the disk (round, elongated, stellar)? Does it contain any irregularities?
• Are the edges of the planetary sharp or diffuse?
• Is the centre brighter, darker, or the same uniformity as the outer ring?
• What is the colour of the planetary?
• Can a central star be seen? Try very high magnification.
• As a function of aperture, some planetaries ‘blink’ with the use of averted vision, but only at particular magnifications. Try this and describe what you find.
• Some planetaries are seemingly invisible. An OIII filter might allow you to see a planetary that you can’t detect at first glance, or might allow you to see more detail in what appears to be a fairly bland object. What does the filter add?
• Some planetaries appear stellar, and thus can’t be separated from the background stars.  In such cases, try rapidly flicking an OIII filter between your eye and the eyepiece.  You may be able to reveal a star-like planetary, as it will not dim as much as the other stars in the presence of the filter.
• Are there any other deep sky objects located nearby?

Open Clusters

• Is the cluster easily distinguished from the background stars?
• Describe the overall shape of the cluster?
• How well defined is the cluster (tightly packed, loose)?
• Is the cluster fully resolved?
• How many stars can you count in the cluster? If there are too many faint ones to count, how many bright stars can you see?  What colour are they?
• Are the stars concentrated in any one area of the cluster?
• Are there any areas of the cluster—blank spots—where stars appear to be missing?
• How does averted vision affect your view of the cluster?
• Are there any deep sky objects located nearby or in the same field of view?

Nebulosity Associated With Open Clusters

This type of nebulosity is often hard to detect, and it is easy to mistake a light fog on the eyepiece for the presence of nebulosity. When observing threshold objects, first warm your eyepiece in a pocket, or employ an eyepiece dew heater to be certain you are seeing something other than a slightly fogged eye lens.

• Does averted vision alter the view (help you to detect nebulosity)? Do filters have any effect?
• What is the overall shape of the nebulosity?
• Are the outer edges of the nebulosity sharply defined?
• Is the nebulosity embedded in the cluster, or is there a distinct separation?
• Does any part of the nebulosity appear brighter or more concentrated?
• Can you see any voids, dark patches or lanes in the nebulosity?
• Are there any bright streamers or filaments associated with the nebulosity?

Dark Nebulae

These objects are dust clouds that obscure the stars that lie behind them. They can be very difficult to detect. Use your lowest power eyepiece. If possible, use a rich-field telescope or a pair of large binoculars. What’s visible in one instrument might not be visible in another.  As with bright nebulae, sky transparency has a strong impact on the visibility of these threshold objects. If you are not successful in tracking down a dark nebula, try again on a different night, or travel to a darker location. Also consider a monk’s hood to block stray light, and remember to try sweeping your telescope back and forth over the area in question.

• Is it easy or difficult to detect the dark nebula against the background sky?
• Are some parts of the dark nebula easier to see than others?
• Does averted vision improve the view?
• Describe the shape, density, and borders of the dark nebula.
• Can you identify any stars or voids within the dark nebula itself?
• Are there any other deep sky objects nearby?

What to Look For – advanced ideas for lunar features:

Craters

• Is the floor of the crater smooth and uniform, or is it uneven in any way?
• Is this a “complex crater” with a central peak that was pushed up as the crater walls collapsed in the moments following the impact that formed the crater?
• With overlapping craters, can you determine which one was formed first?
• Are the crater walls uniform?
• Can you detect any ejecta (material blasted out during impact) beyond the crater walls?

Maria (Seas)

• Does the mare (relatively flat “sea”) appear level or uneven?
• Can you observe any rimae (grooves/rilles), or dorsa (wrinkle ridges) on the maria?
• What is the nature of any highland promontoria (cape/headland) abutting a mare?
• Can you detect any terra (raised areas between maria)?

Rupes (Cliffs) and Valles (Valleys)

• Can you detect any rupes (cliffs/escarpments) created as areas of the lunar surface cooled and subsided? e.g. the Straight Wall
• Can you observe valles (valleys) in mountain ranges or between craters? e.g. the Alpine Valley

Mons (Mountain)

• Is it just a mons (mountain), or is it part of a montes (mountain range)?

General Lunar ObservingTips

• How does a polarizing filter change the view?
• Does going back to the same target 30 minutes later change how the object looks? Have any new details appeared or have some items disappeared?

What to Look For—advanced ideas for planets:

• Describe the seeing (very good, good, fair, poor, very poor).
• How does magnification affect the view? Is there an optimum magnification?
• Are any natural satellites visible? Are any stars visible in the same field?
• Does the planet exhibit any phase?
• What direction is the planet rotating in?
• Describe/sketch the size and shape of the gross features (albedo features, clouds, surface features).
• Can you detect any details in these gross features, or in the seemingly empty regions?
• What colours (if any) are associated with the different features?
• Do coloured eyepiece filters enhance specific features?

What to Look For—advanced ideas for double and multiple stars:

• Compare the magnitude and colour of the components
• Note the separation of the components in your telescope (wide, narrow, unobservable)
• Note the Position Angle of the dimmer stars relative to the primary. Can be done very casually (above, to the right), using a clock-face (2 o'clock positon and 9 o'clock), or formally measured in degrees (perhaps with a reticule eyepiece). Remember, the field of view is oriented counterclockwise from celestial north for telescopes with an even number of reflections and clockwise for optical systems with an odd number of relections.
• Is the double a true binary star or a optical double (chance alignment)—this cannot be observed but must be looked up.
• Try different magnifications. Always start low.
• A night of steady seeing will allow you to observe closer to your telescope's maximum resolving power, as suggested by the well-known Dawes' limit (see p. 49 in the RASC Observer's Handbook).
• When a target consists of three or more stars, a sketch can be very helpful in identifying companions on a multi-star system.

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