Downloadable Observing guides

The Local Group  – Galaxies within our celestial backyard visible in the US (above about -50 dec).  Associated globular clusters, H-II, OB regions and open clusters are marked and some cases labeled.  (55 pages, 3.2 MB)

Selected Small Galaxy Groups   - Small Galaxy Groups inspired by the Astronomical League Galaxy Clusters Observing Club with some selected additions.  60+ groups.   8” or larger scope.   (128 pages, 9.6MB)

Selected Galaxy Trios   - Galaxy Trios inspired by Miles Paul’s list and by Astronomical League Galaxy Groups Observing Club.  Five lensed quasars are also included in this file, such as the Double Quasar in Ursa Major and Einstein’s cross in Pegasus.   115+ trios.   8” or larger scope. (134 pages, 5.0 MB)

Selected Shakhbazian Galaxy Groups  - Very Challenging small galaxy groups, much more challenging than the Hickson Groups.  Compact Groups of Compact Galaxies.  60+ groups.  A large scope, 25” or larger is strongly recommended.  You can try with a 16 or 20”, but won’t get very many, but fun.  (76 pages, 3.0 MB)  UPDATED: May 1, 2009

Abell Galaxy Clusters -  Selected Abell Galaxy Clusters for advanced observers with large telescopes.  80+ clusters.  16” or larger scope is recommended.  (430 pages, 17.0 MB)

Globular Clusters - All globular clusters above -50 degrees declination.  This list includes all Messier, NGC and Palomars and Terzans.  There are a few “impossible” globulars, such as the two 2MASS globulars, in this list as well.  90+ globulars.   Most are doable with a 8” scope.  (111 pages, 3.4 MB)

Planetary Nebulae - Planetary Nebulae and Supernovae remnants that are observable above about -50 degrees declination.   About 350+ objects are included.  Many stellar planetaries are left out.  UPDATED: August 30, 2009.  Added 6 new planetary nebula, mostly new ones posted on AmAstro and Cloudy Nights. Listed Astronomical League requirements  (322 pages,  15 MB)

There will be more coming in the future.  Keep checking back.

All guides features a naked eye finder chart, telescopic finder chart and labeled (if applicable) negative DSS image.  All laid out for use at the eyepiece.

Note: These documents are best printed on both sides of the paper to maximize the usefulness on the field as the two-page spreads are built to be used together.  It is best to coil bind the pages.  Kinko's or any similar printing business can do that for you.

There are two ways to print these out

1. If you have access to a duplex printer, then you’re set.  

2.  If you are using a standard laser printer, then...

• Print odd pages in reverse order

• Take the just printed stack and place it in the paper tray facing up and upside down (top of page closest to you).

• Print even pages in reverse order.

 If you have any good observations, feedback, or any other comments on these guides.  Please email at faintfuzzies at att dot net.