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Sky Publishing: Sky & Telescope`s Pocket Sky Atlas
| Brand | Sky Publishing |
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| Availability | available |
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Reviews
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Aug 23, 2009
Great atlas
Pros:Compact, lies flat, cheap
Cons:Pages aren't waterproof - but this hasn't proved to be a problem
Comments:This was the second atlas I purchased, after becoming dissatisfied with the Cambridge Star Atlas. All the problems of the Cambridge atlas are addressed by the S&T Pocket Sky Atlas: it's small and compact and lays flat (or even folded back on itself), yet still shows stars to m7.6 and deep-sky objects to between m8 and m12 (depending on category) on clear and easy to read charts. Finally it also plots the outline of constellations as we all learnt them, rather than just the official boundaries - this was a particular bug-bear of mine re the Cambridge Atlas.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
In summary, this is a great atlas, which is a pleasure to use at the scope. And it's only $20.May 13, 2008A Great Little Atlas
Pros:Perfect size; Easy to use/read; Cost
Cons:None
Comments:I've had a copy of Wil Tirion's SkyAtlas 2000.0 for over 20 years and still use it to prepare for a viewing session. However, it normally stays inside - not only to protect it from the elements, but its size (16”x11”) makes it a bit awkward to use at the scope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
When I saw Sky and Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas available for $14, I ordered a copy and it has turned out to be a very useful tool for finding those faint fuzzies.
The atlas is small enough (9”x6”) to hold in your lap at the eyepiece or set on a small table at your side with your other accessories. But it is not small enough to keep in your pocket...as the name implies. I think the compact size is perfect and anything smaller would be too small for me.
The charts are very easy to read and placed in a very convenient order. A beginner will be navigating like a pro in no time. The charts are clearly marked with bold letters at the top corner and there are no page numbers to interfere. A “contents” table at the front of the booklet has a very convenient table listing the charts in monthly order, as well as viewing time (morning, evening, and midnight).
A very sturdy ring binding allows the pages to lie flat, a necessity as far as I'm concerned. In the back of the publication you will find a general index that is neatly organized in categories. Stars, galaxies, open clusters, globular clusters, bright nebulae, dark nebulae, planetary nebulae, a Caldwell catalog, and a Messier catalog.
I think that Roger W. Sinnott has done an excellent job of providing both the beginning and seasoned astronomer with a very useful and practical sky atlas.Mar 27, 2008A really great "small" atlas!
Pros:Small; Well made; Convenient
Cons:None
Comments:I have found this to be the handiest little atlas for my use! I find it rather reminiscent of the old "Skalnate Pleso", but of course much smaller in size and more convenient in the field.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The quality is quite good and is easy to use. It is especially handy if you use a Telrad reflex sight in combination with a TelGuide illuminated overlay with Telrad rings. This make star hopping a breeze.
Not really a complaint, but something I'd like to see is the addition of a plastic measuring overlay (like the larger desktop atlases) for those of us that still like to use setting circles.Oct 26, 2007Sky and Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas
Pros:Small; Thorough for small (<12") scopes
Cons:Pages are not laminated
Comments:I love this little sky atlas. It's small and convenient to use in the field. Combined with a good astronomy program and Moon atlas, it's all the atlas an amateur astronomer really needs. The paper is heavy duty and fairly dew resistant. I use it with my Go-To to try and find the interesting objects in a particular patch of sky. My only complaint is that the the catalog for some objects aren't the same catalogs in my Celestron Go-To.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesSep 24, 2007Sky and Telescope's Sky Atlas
Pros:Very portable; Spiral bound; Quality paper; Great index; Very inexpensive.
Cons:Could be water resistant.
Comments:This is a wonderful little sky atlas that is inexpensive, highly detailed and very useful. However, it probably won't fit into the average pocket because of its 9"x6" dimensions. That aside, the atlas is spiral bound and printed on quality paper that appears to be somewhat tear resistant.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
All the major stellar and non-stellar objects are listed, as are nebulae, clusters, Caldwell objects, and of course the Messier Catalog. The Milky Way is shown in two shades to denote fringe and bright areas. Stars are shown down to 7.5 magnitude and constellation figures are outlined in bright green. There is so much more to like about this atlas, but I suggest you buy a copy and see for yourself. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Highly recommended.Sort by
