How many stars ... -- Sky Guide
Hours (RA): 00 . 01 . 02 . 03 . 04 . 05 . 06 . 07 . 08 . 09 . 10
11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 19 . 20 . 21 . 22 . 23
Note: right now, three hours are available (RA 00 - 02), but I will link up new hours
as I get the chance. Over 2,000 objects are in the database right now.
Here's a Google Sky file which will automatically update as new content is added:
HowManyStars KML
Hour 00:
Constellations in this hour of the night:
Plan:
This will be a detailed guide to the sky. Objects covered:
- All bright stars down to magnitude 6.00V.
- Multiple stars with a primary component brighter than magnitude 8.
- Variable stars with a maximum brighter than magnitude 9, range at least 0.25 magnitudes.
- Fainter stars of special interest
- Deep sky objects down to magnitude 13.
- Fainter deep sky objects of special interest.
This is meant for an intermediate audience. The beginners need site where the
basic are explained to them, and the advanced users are probably already tapped
into various databases.
Features:
- Icons to highlight interesting points about each object
- Sortable listings of object types
- Thumbnail images of all deep-sky objects.
- Quick links to searches and archives
- Built-in indexes of important sites
Instead of just another pile of numbers, I am trying to build a space where you
can quickly find items of interest.
Have a look around.
Not included:
- Explanations of the basic astronomical objects
- Ancient star names and stories about "pictures in the sky" with no scientific value
These can be found elsewhere.
I don't want to run advertisements or clutter up the screen with a lot of
gadgets. I want to focus on the sky. Don't you?
The Future...
I'm still correlating data sources and getting the basic tools in place.
But optimally I'd like to have astronomy news linked to objects, as it happens.
I'd like to have supporting memberships (to help fund this huge effort), and
trusted editors who can help add new content. I would also like to build a
network of observers with telescopes who can help keep a steady stream of new
images rolling in.
CREDITS & references
Original contents are Copyright 2005-6 by scott virtes
Images and data from outside sources are copyright by their respective teams and
institutions.
See credits for more info.