Deep Sky Observing guides

The Vorontsov-Velyaminov Catalogue of Interacting Galaxies  (Part I) (Coming Soon - May 2013)  - Dr. Boris Vorontsov-Velyaminov of Sternberg Astronomical Institute, Moscow University, created this list of interacting galaxies in 1959.  A majority of the systems were found on the POSS plates from the Palomar 48-inch Schmidt astrograph.   The original Part I list contained 355 systems, many of which are listed by Dr. Halton Arp AFTER Dr. V-V did his list.  Note:  This observing guide will contain only the non-Arp VV objects as the Arp are covered in my publication, Observing the Arp Peculiar Galaxies.

The Vorontsov-Velyaminov Catalogue of Interacting Galaxies  (Part II) (Coming Soon - June - July 2013) - The objects consisted of 497 objects created in 1976.  The list starts with VV 356 and ending with VV852. 

Variable Galaxies (New) -

The Local Group  – Local group galaxies within our celestial backyard.  I've used SEDS and NED as sources to determine which members are within our "local" group or not.   Some of the Local Group Members are close enough where you can see some their globular clusters, H-II, OB regions and open clusters.  They are clearly marked and offers a great challenge for those with large telescopes.  (76 pages)  Updated March 2013

Selected Small Galaxy Groups   - Small Galaxy Groups inspired by the Astronomical League Galaxy Clusters Observing Club with some additional selections.  60+ groups.   8” or larger scope.   (151 pages) 
Updated March 2013

Galaxy Trios and Triple Systems   - Galaxy Trios inspired by Miles Paul’s list and by Astronomical League Galaxy Groups Observing Club.  There are much more than the two original lists, some very very challenging for large telescopes such as my 30" reflector.  Some lensed quasars are also included in this file, such as the Double Quasar in Ursa Major and Einstein’s cross in Pegasus.  200 trios and triple systems.   8” or larger scope. (257 pages)

Updated (April 2013):  Completed the KTG Catalogue by adding the rest of them, about 14 more.  Enhanced a few DSS images and finder charts to reduce clutter and increase clarity.  April 2013 - added 4 more trios.

Flat Galaxies - A selection of 170+ Flat Galaxies from the Revised Flat Galaxy Catalogue.  Many are dim and requires a large telescope.  I recommend a 16" or larger scope to tackle the majority of objects in this list.   Note:  This is the first release.  I am most likely to make revisions including adding new flat galaxies.  The Revision History page will list the revisions.   (193 pages)  
Minor update.  (March 2013)

Selected Shakhbazian Galaxy Groups  - Very challenging compact  galaxy groups, much more challenging than the Hickson Compact Galaxy Groups.  Dr. Shakhbazian el al published a list of 377 groups.  Selected 60+ groups.  A large scope, 20” or larger, is strongly recommended.  (76 pages)

The Rose Catalogue of Compact Galaxies

Abell Galaxy Clusters -  In 1958, Dr. George Abell complied a list using POSS1 plates consisting of 2712 galaxy clusters (limited to -27 degrees and above).  Later in 1989, Dr. Abell and Harold Corwin added an additional 1361 clusters.  I've selected 80+ Abell Galaxy Clusters for this observing guide for intermediate and advanced observers with large telescope.  16” or larger scope is recommended.  (432 pages) 
Minor update.  (March 2013)

Globular Clusters

Planetary Nebulae and Supernovae Remnants - Planetary nebulae, supernovae remnants and protoplanetaries that are observable above about -50 degrees declination.   About 350+ objects are included.  Many stellar planetaries are left out.  (322 pages)
Major update.  (April 2013):  Added 4 new planetary nebulae along with other many minor enhancements.

Deep Sky Forum Observing Guides

Object of the week 2012 - A guidebook comprising all of the 2012 'Object of the Week' as posted at Deep Sky Forum.  Members chose and discussed a different object every week.  You'll find a great selection objects varying in type and difficulty.  Many objects may require at least an 18" and dark skies.

Galaxy Illusions - A handy observing list for Larry Mitchell's and Jim Chandler's Texas Star Party Advanced Observing List.  Observe BOTH galaxies in at least 20 pairs to qualify for the pin.

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.

For the documents with a two page spread per object, if you want each object to appear on the same sheet (front and back), add or delete a blank page starting with the first object.

Inverting on a computer

In FoxIt, click on Tools\Preferences...  Then click on Documents on the left side.  Under Document Color Options, place a check box on Replace Document Colors.  Click on Custom Color radio button, change the page background to black and document text to white (or whatever you want).  Click on OK.

If you want to view in full screen with no borders...then click on Full Screen in the same left hand menu under Tools\Preferences...  remove all check marks except the last one.  Click on OK.

On my small laptop, I rotate the image clockwise (as I hold my laptop with the screen on the left hand side, you can rotate the other way around if you prefer the screen on the right hand side.)  Then press F11 for full screen.  See the page, Observing Aids, for photos.

Printing the Guides (two ways)

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).

If you have good observations, feedback, or any other comments on these guides.  Please email Alvin@faintfuzzies.com

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