Deep Sky Field Guide To Uranometria 2000.0

Book
Categories:

Deep Sky Field Guide To Uranometria 2000.0

By Cragin, Lucyk, and Rappaport, 12.00" by 9.00", 408 pages, hardbound, published 1993, 5 Lbs. 1 Oz. ship wt., $49.95.

Note: This version of the DSFG is for the First Edition of U2000

The DSFG provides, by Uranometria 2000.0 chart number, basic "observable" catalogue information for some 14,000 nonstellar objects. In this way, it attempts to make dry catalogue listings more useful to the amateur observer in the field. The selection of deep-sky objects in Uranometria 2000.0 was based primarily on The Revised New General Catalogue of Nonstellar Astronomical Objects (RNGC) of Sulentic and Tifft. Additional objects not in the RNGC were added from Hirshfeld and Sinnott's Sky Catalogue 2000.0, Volume 2. This was particularly important for all types of nebulae and for open clusters, among which are large numbers of readily visible objects not included in the NGC. Sky Catalogue 2000.0 (and thus Uranometria 2000.0 ) also lists hundreds of mostly dwarf galaxies that are quite faint but which have low radial velocities ("redshifts"). These are considered to be relatively near us in space and thus of interest.

But the DSFG is not merely a chart-wise rearrangement of the RNGC and Sky Catalogue 2000.0. It was compiled from primary sources and includes much information that is not amenable to being put in strict tabular form. In addition, the DSFG greatly benefits from ten years of progress in our knowledge of the Universe and its constituents. During the course of this work, much new information has been assembled from technical papers buried in the professional literature. Magnitudes for hundreds of clusters in the Magellanic Clouds, for instance, are shown here for the first time in any publication intended for the amateur astronomer.

As a field guide, the information collected here includes only those things directly relevant to visual and photographic observers, such as dimensions and surface brightness. As far as possible, the values given are on scales appropriate for visual use.

Astrophysical information, such as the absolute magnitudes of clusters or the radial velocities of galaxies---things not seen but inferred from other measurements---are omitted, although they might be of interest in other contexts. Such esoterica can still be found in the relevant catalogues.

It is important to emphasize here that even after nearly 400 years of telescopic observation our collection of the most basic deep-sky data is far from complete. As encompassing as it is, the DSFG does not include everything, but is specific to Uranometria 2000.0 (about 9,000 optical nonstellar objects of various types).

Furthermore, data are provided in the notes column for another nearly 5,000 faint "field galaxies" within 30 arcminutes of "principal galaxies" (those plotted on the charts). In these notes you will find instances where the companion "field galaxy" is brighter than the plotted NGC galaxy. This suggests that there are other fairly bright but isolated galaxies omitted from both Uranometria 2000.0 and the DSFG--- a check through a comprehensive catalogue such as Nilson's Uppsala General Catalogue of Galaxies will reveal 12th and 13th magnitude galaxies that fit this circumstance.

In a similar way, the selection of planetary nebulae is not complete to any specific magnitude limit and is noticeably lacking in the southernmost reaches of the Milky Way. Limitations such as these derive partly from the catalogues used for Uranometria 2000.0 ---the information simply was not available when the source catalogues and the atlas were compiled; these are the types of problems that will always result when one tries to catalogue a body of knowledge that is constantly expanding.

Therefore, with respect to the selection of objects within the DSFG, one will find not only a wide range of different objects but also within each class of object no "fixed" cutoff. There is much here for observers using either small or large aperture instruments, and for most of us, this guide contains a lifetime's worth of observing challenges, uniformly presented. For those who take the time to become familiar with it, the DSFG should expand their success and enjoyment while at the telescope.

The DSFG presents data as 469 tables --- it is, fundamentally, 469 mini-catalogs, one table for each Uranometria 2000.0 map that plots at least one deep-sky object (maps 442, 464, and 469 do not). Each table is headed on either side by large bold numbers that correspond to its Uranometria 2000.0 map number. Within each table, deep-sky objects are further grouped into separate sections by type, starting with galaxies, then open clusters, globular clusters, bright nebulae, dark nebulae and finally planetary nebulae.

Other objects --- quasars, radio and X-ray sources, variable and double stars --- are not included because they were beyond the scope of this project. Within each section of a table, individual objects are listed in alpha-numeric order (Be, IC, NGC, etc.) and within each prefix group numerically. Thereafter, the NGC galaxies are listed in numerical order. This is yet another break from conventional catalogs where objects are listed in Right Ascension order. We have found that in these more compact tables, it is much easier to use names rather than the coordinates.

Two indexes, Name and Alternate Name, are also provided to enable rapid location of an object by map-table. Finally, the errata is presented sequentially by individual Uranometria 2000.0 map.

Catalogs every galaxy, open cluster, globular cluster, bright nebula, dark nebula and planetary nebula plotted in U2000 --- nearly 9,000 objects: 6,740+ galaxies, 380+ bright nebulae, 160+ dark nebulae, 187+ globular clusters, 520+ planetary nebulae and 930+ open clusters.
Since its introduction in 1987 Uranometria 2000.0 has become the standard by which all other atlases are judged. Now comes the "Rest of the Story" --- A deep-sky catalog unlike anything you have ever seen. One that is specifically designed to work with U2000 both in the field and at your desk.
Fully indexed. Where is NGC 4178? Look it up in the Index. It's a galaxy and can be found on map/chart 193. Where is the Pelican Nebula? Look it up in the Alternate Name Index. It's IC 5070, a bright nebula, found on map/chart 85.
Data for an additional 4,900+ galaxies within 30' of a plotted U2000 galaxy. To locate these objects you are given direction and distances for the plotted galaxy plus magnitude, dimensions, revised Hubble type, surface brightness and DDO luminosity class!
Data that tells you how big and bright the object is and almost all magnitudes are visual, not photographic! If the seeing is limited to mag 13.5, pick a chart and run your finger down the magnitude column to see what can be seen --- you'll see it faster with the DSFG and U2000!
Notes are provided in plain English with a minimum of codes and abbreviations. It's easy to use and easy to understand.
Hardbound, Smythe sewn for strength, opens to lay flat and covers are plastic laminated for durability.
408 pages, same size (9 by 12 inches) paper (70# acid free) and binding (hard covers) as Uranometria 2000.0 .

What the Reviewers said:

"This guide and its companion atlas are highly recommended for the large amount of information they contain and their utility to anyone undertaking astronomical observing. In the future, they will probably replace many of the catalogs now in use."

--Choice degree

"Overall, the book is as comprehensive a catalogue of deep-sky objects as most amateurs are likely to need and for those with a medium-to-large aperture telescope should provide a lifetime's worth of observational material. It is a fitting companion to the Uranometria 2000.0 star atlas and the authors and publisher can be justly proud of their achievement."

--Webb Society Quarterly Journal degree

"While in high school I laboriously copied a notebook full of basic information on deep sky objects from the Skalnate Pleso Catalog of the Heavens . The catalog---the best available at the time---was arranged by type of object, so I copied listings for more than a thousand objects and rearranged them by constellation so I could better explore the sky. My goal was to find every deep space object visible in my 8-inch reflector, and I needed lists of objects arranged so I could find them conveniently. I would have killed for the Deep Sky Field Guide to Uranometria 2000.0 and the accompanying Uranometria 2000.0 atlas. . . . This is a monumental work, and no observing amateur will want to be without it."

--The Planetarian

"The convenience of its assembled information alone justifies the investment even for an amateur who has the original catalogs."

--Sky & Telescope

"In the past there have been many fine atlases published and certainly Uranometria 2000 ranks amongst them as an excellent aid for the experienced observer. However previous atlases have not always been supported by the inclusion of detailed information about key objects. The latest addition provides a much needed true `field guide' for those who wish to observe and compare their own notes and drawings with the descriptions and notes listed. It will be a very welcome addition to the library of any active observer and is strongly recommended."

--Journal of the British Astronomical Association

"All deep-sky observers will want a copy of the Deep Sky Field Guide to plan their next observing session."

--Astronomy magazine

"In sum, The Deep Sky Field Guide contains an astonishing amount of data useful to the visual observer. It began as a labour of love on the part of its authors and is a must for adventurous observers with Uranometria 2000.0. degree"

--Stardust