Clear Sky Chart – www.cleardarksky.com Graphically shows cloud cover, transparency, seeing, darkness, wind, humidity and temperature data for specific observing sites across North America. Ability to save “favorites”.
Below are the Clear Sky Chart and Light Pollution Map provided by the MCCC Observatory located NW of Philadelphia.
Light pollution in urban centers creates a sky glow that can blot out the stars!
BMA2 has been working through the years to increase public awareness on the issue of light pollution and its deleterious effects on many aspect of life.
We continue to engage in discussions with local administrators, collaborate with local Public Libraries, host events, and are present on Social Media to provide information on light pollution, its effects on humans and nature, and on astronomy, and way we can help limit light pollution in our communities.
Map below illustrates the extent of light pollution in our area. Map is from – https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/s/g7nQC9FNR8ajBrUb5zZYw
Click on the Image below for an Interactive Lunar Map.
Data from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO); Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams –
Intellicast – www.intellicast.com Detailed weather data, tailored to your zip code. Useful radar summary shows speed and direction and height of storms
NOAA – http://www.noaa.gov Detailed weather data, tailored to your zip code. Hourly forecasts, maps, live looping radar maps
Astrospheric – https://www.astrospheric.com a rich compendium of data forecasting weather and seeing conditions for the user exact location.
Time and Date –Night Sky for Philadelphia, USA Interactive Sky map for Philadelphia.
https://www.astroleague.org Astronomy League
http://www.astronomycast.com/ Weekly astronomy podcast Southern Illinois University
Turn Left At Orion: Hundreds of Night Sky Objects to See in a Home Telescope – and How to Find Them – by Guy Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis
“[…]This unique guidebook to the night sky shows you how to observe a host of celestial wonders. Its distinct format of object-by-object spreads illustrates how deep-sky objects and planets actually look through a small telescope, while its large pages and spiral binding allow for use outside. Along with updated star names and astronomical information, this new edition provides links to a dedicated webpage with up-to-date tables and images, and an improved planets chapter. The many Dobsonian-friendly images and small telescope views have been revised to account for changes in modern telescope technology, such as larger field of view eyepieces.[…]” Book description from Amazon.com
NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe –by Terence Dickinson and Ken Hewitt-White
“[…]Stargazing enthusiasts of all levels of experience will discover much of value in an enduring reference conceived by one of the most respected names in amateur astronomy[…]” Book description from Amazon.com
Sky & Telescope’s Pocket Sky Atlas – by Roger W. Sinnott
“[…] a wonderfully detailed atlas so handy to take on trips and use at the telescope, thanks to its user-friendly size, convenient spiral-bound design, and easy-to-read labels. The charts show both constellation boundaries and stick figures to help you find your way[…]” Book description from Amazon.com
