Program: The Sky, version 4, level 5
files: mark_wagner_1d.zip, mark_wagner_50d.zip

Submitted by: Mark Wagner

I use two .sky files when observing. These are accessed by the File Open command which places you in the "documents" directory in _The_Sky_ (version IV, level 5).

mark_wagner_1d.sky provides a 1 degree FOV on screen. All stars and non-stellar objects are on in these setting, including object catalog identifications and object magnitudes.

mark_wagner_50d.sky provides a 50 degree FOV on screen. Only stars and constellation lines are turned on. I have stellar mag limit set to 6.2.

I begin with the 50 degree view to see where the object is located. This works nicely as there is no clutter on screen, just the Telrad circle and, stars and constellation lines.

Once I have the object centered, I save the 50 degree view file.

I then open the 1 degree file.

I find the object, then save the 1 degree file.

The 1 degree file has so much detail, it becomes easy to see the star patterns within your eyepiece FOV needed to track down the dimmest of objects, or to pick out such things as stellar planetary nebulae.

I change from the 50 to the 1 degree screen with every object.