Overlays for star charts

I enjoyed the read, and the practical astronomy. My SA2000 came with the
overlay that has the grid and the Telrad circle, although I have to admit
that I don't get enough practice.

The only problem I have with printed charts is the very fact that they
are arranged/plotted in RA/DEC. Yes, I do understand why.

I find it much easier to print charts from my favorite computer app
(which is SkyMap Pro for me) in ALT/AZ with the target(s) in the
center of the chart with the horizon straight down. That way, I have
less coordinate transformations to perform in my head while I'm
searching for the target. :-)

I can look at the ALT/AZ plot and immediately see that, ok, I need to
go slightly up and left of this or that star.

---
Michael McCulloch

I can look at the ALT/AZ plot and immediately see that, ok, I need to
go slightly up and left of this or that star.

This is true of course. But the disadvantage is such charts only work for a
specific location and time.

-Florian