How do I safely mark up my Sky Atlas 2000?

OK. I didn't take the telescope out tonight (I have my yearly Umpire
Refresher classes until late on Wednesdays at the moment) but I did go
out with the binoculars. I'll have to admit that the Telescope,
combined with a good (better than my trusty Field Guide to the Stars)
Star Map has made me much braver. I used to just look up, identify
the constellations and some of the brighter stars, and then go
exploring, making a mental note of fun things I'd found. No more, I
have a purpose in my observing now. OK, a little war story before my
question.

I went out to find M47, and possibly M46 in the 10x50 binoculars. No
problem you say? Well, although the seeing was OK and the
transparency was good, the limiting visual magnitude here was about as
good as it ever gets, and that was about 3.5, maybe 4. Finding
streetlights can sometimes be a challenge!

In any case, I found a nice star hop from Sirius and easily found M47.
While studying it, there was something to the left that went away
every time I looked directly at it. I marked it's location compared
to the surrounding stars and found that I was actually seeing M46 as
well. To compare relative brightness, I tried to find M67 (I had
never found it before in the city limits) and finally succeeded. The
two appeard to be of similar brightness (although M46 is actually
brighter). In any case, I looked at the star map, noticed a very
large M48, and decided to try for it as well. I found some nice
marker stars (to give you an idea, alpha Hydra was BARELY visible
without binoculars) and quickly located M48. I think I like this one
alot and am looking forward to trying it in the telescope. No real
resolution like there was in M47, but sometimes there was a hint of
tiny sparkles, like very fine gem dust in a mostly dark room.

But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark

Edward Smith wrote:
But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Dry erase markers seem to work just fine. They do rub off pretty
easily, though.

I like regular paper atlases. All unmarked atlases are pretty much
identical, but the markings I've made on my atlases identify them as
my own.

Brian Tung
The Astronomy Corner at http://astro.isi.edu/
Unofficial C5+ Home Page at http://astro.isi.edu/c5plus/
The PleiadAtlas Home Page at http://astro.isi.edu/pleiadatlas/
My Own Personal FAQ (SAA) at http://astro.isi.edu/reference/faq.txt

Edward Smith wrote:
But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Dry erase markers seem to work just fine. They do rub off pretty
easily, though.

I like regular paper atlases. All unmarked atlases are pretty much
identical, but the markings I've made on my atlases identify them as
my own.

Brian Tung
The Astronomy Corner at http://astro.isi.edu/
Unofficial C5+ Home Page at http://astro.isi.edu/c5plus/
The PleiadAtlas Home Page at http://astro.isi.edu/pleiadatlas/
My Own Personal FAQ (SAA) at http://astro.isi.edu/reference/faq.txt

But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark-
I have the deluxe laminated version, and used extra fine sharpie
markers to draw in the constellation lines. These are what I'll call
semi-permanent; they'll stay on under normal conditions, but can be
removed with rubbing alcohol if you find you don't like them (or make
a mistake during the drawing, which happened to me quite a bit).

For somewhat more temporary markings, I've hard (but never tried) that
the china markers (aka grease pencils, I believe) work quite well.

Chris Nicholl

But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark-
I have the deluxe laminated version, and used extra fine sharpie
markers to draw in the constellation lines. These are what I'll call
semi-permanent; they'll stay on under normal conditions, but can be
removed with rubbing alcohol if you find you don't like them (or make
a mistake during the drawing, which happened to me quite a bit).

For somewhat more temporary markings, I've hard (but never tried) that
the china markers (aka grease pencils, I believe) work quite well.

Chris Nicholl

I have the laminated white stars on black version. I've been looking for a
grease pencil, in white or some lighter color, to draw in the constellation
lines. I haven't been able to find one and only get puzzled looks from the
guys at the office supply stores. Any suggestions?

Previously someone has mentioned using 1/16" graphics tape for constellation
lines. That sounds like a great idea, but so far I've only been able to
find 1/8", which is too thick.

Jeff
http://www.mindspring.com/~jeffpo


"Chris Nicholl" wrote in message
om...
But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark-
I have the deluxe laminated version, and used extra fine sharpie
markers to draw in the constellation lines. These are what I'll call
semi-permanent; they'll stay on under normal conditions, but can be
removed with rubbing alcohol if you find you don't like them (or make
a mistake during the drawing, which happened to me quite a bit).

For somewhat more temporary markings, I've hard (but never tried) that
the china markers (aka grease pencils, I believe) work quite well.

Chris Nicholl

I have the laminated white stars on black version. I've been looking for a
grease pencil, in white or some lighter color, to draw in the constellation
lines. I haven't been able to find one and only get puzzled looks from the
guys at the office supply stores. Any suggestions?

Previously someone has mentioned using 1/16" graphics tape for constellation
lines. That sounds like a great idea, but so far I've only been able to
find 1/8", which is too thick.

Jeff
http://www.mindspring.com/~jeffpo


"Chris Nicholl" wrote in message
om...
But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark-
I have the deluxe laminated version, and used extra fine sharpie
markers to draw in the constellation lines. These are what I'll call
semi-permanent; they'll stay on under normal conditions, but can be
removed with rubbing alcohol if you find you don't like them (or make
a mistake during the drawing, which happened to me quite a bit).

For somewhat more temporary markings, I've hard (but never tried) that
the china markers (aka grease pencils, I believe) work quite well.

Chris Nicholl

Try some arts and craft stores. Or maybe graphic design supplies. Here's
one on the web:

http://www.stainedglassdirect.com/markpapbag.html

Bryan

Jeff Polston wrote:
I have the laminated white stars on black version. I've been looking for a
grease pencil, in white or some lighter color, to draw in the constellation
lines. I haven't been able to find one and only get puzzled looks from the
guys at the office supply stores. Any suggestions?

Previously someone has mentioned using 1/16" graphics tape for constellation
lines. That sounds like a great idea, but so far I've only been able to
find 1/8", which is too thick.

Jeff
http://www.mindspring.com/~jeffpo


"Chris Nicholl" wrote in message
om...
But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark-
I have the deluxe laminated version, and used extra fine sharpie
markers to draw in the constellation lines. These are what I'll call
semi-permanent; they'll stay on under normal conditions, but can be
removed with rubbing alcohol if you find you don't like them (or make
a mistake during the drawing, which happened to me quite a bit).

For somewhat more temporary markings, I've hard (but never tried) that
the china markers (aka grease pencils, I believe) work quite well.

Chris Nicholl

Try some arts and craft stores. Or maybe graphic design supplies. Here's
one on the web:

http://www.stainedglassdirect.com/markpapbag.html

Bryan

Jeff Polston wrote:
I have the laminated white stars on black version. I've been looking for a
grease pencil, in white or some lighter color, to draw in the constellation
lines. I haven't been able to find one and only get puzzled looks from the
guys at the office supply stores. Any suggestions?

Previously someone has mentioned using 1/16" graphics tape for constellation
lines. That sounds like a great idea, but so far I've only been able to
find 1/8", which is too thick.

Jeff
http://www.mindspring.com/~jeffpo


"Chris Nicholl" wrote in message
om...
But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark-
I have the deluxe laminated version, and used extra fine sharpie
markers to draw in the constellation lines. These are what I'll call
semi-permanent; they'll stay on under normal conditions, but can be
removed with rubbing alcohol if you find you don't like them (or make
a mistake during the drawing, which happened to me quite a bit).

For somewhat more temporary markings, I've hard (but never tried) that
the china markers (aka grease pencils, I believe) work quite well.

Chris Nicholl

But, back to my point. At first I had thought that I wanted to draw
the constellations into my Star Atlas 2000 (I have the deluxe
laminated version (black on white)).. I now think that I'm going to
hold off on that for a bit, but I am wondering what would be a good
marker to temporarily write on the maps with (something that will
wash/rub off). Things like comets that I might want to mark on the
map for a few nights but then get rid of.

I know I could just experiment, and I probably will with any ideas you
give me, but I thought I'd ask if you have any suggestions/experience.

Mark

Dull black crayons or, failing that......lipstick.