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The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society
Presents:
The C.A.A.S. Sky Guide, version 1.0
By Gary Williams and Brian Mitchell
Contents
--------
I. Disclaimers and Usage Conditions
II. System Requirements
III. About CAAS Sky Guide
1. What is CAAS Sky Guide?
2. List of required files
IV. How to use CAAS Sky Guide
1. Disabling the Sound
2. Configuration
3. Constellation Quiz
4. Star Quiz
5. Messier Object Quiz
6. Constellation Charts
V. About The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society
VI. Appendices
A. Messier Objects List
B. Constellations List
C. CAAS Sky Guide Quiz Stars
D. The Greek Alphabet
E. Acknowledgements
Part I - Disclaimers and Usage Conditions
USE THIS SOFTWARE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
This software is distributed as is and is without warranty of any
kind, expressed or implied. Neither the programmer, the Central
Arkansas Astronomical Society, nor anyone connected with them are
liable for any damages including but not limited to lost data caused by
the use or the misuse of this software, or the loss of profit or any
other commercial damage. By using this software, the user specifically
acknowledges this disclaimer.
This software may not be distributed or sold for commercial gains
and may not be changed or altered in any way. All related files must be
included when being distributed.
If you find this program to be of value, we encourage you to show
your approval by sending such financial support as seems appropriate.
The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society is involved in many worth-
while public education projects, this software representing one such
effort. As a non-profit group, we are continually seeking financial
assistance for our public programs, and your help will be greatly
appreciated. Supporters of this program will be recognized in future
versions. We can be reached at the following address:
C.A.A.S.
P.O. Box 38
Roland, Ar 72135
We thank you in advance for your support.
Part II - System Requirements
o 80286 processor (a math co-processor is not required
but is recommended for faster operation)
o 640k RAM
o VGA color graphics
o DOS 3.2 or higher
Part III - About CAAS Sky Guide
1. What is CAAS Sky Guide?
The CAAS Sky Guide is not just for beginning amateur astronomers,
but for adept amateurs who have gotten away from the practice of
recognizing constellations and "star hopping", or anyone who simply
would like to learn the constellations, Messier Objects, and some of
the brighter stars.
Note that CAAS Sky Guide is not a planetarium program and does not
claim to compete with such as that is not the program's purpose. The
CAAS Sky Guide was written to aid you, along with the sky atlas charts
that you use when you observe, in learning the night sky by testing you
on constellations, the brighter stars, and Messier Objects.
2. List of required files
The following is a list of files that should be included with the
copy of CAAS Sky Guide that you have received. If any files are missing
or appear to have been changed, please delete that copy and request a
new one from the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society.
- CSG.DOC - This document - your "manual".
- CSG.EXE - The executable program for systems without math chips.
- CSG87.EXE - Math coprocessor version.
- BOUNDS.DAT - The remaining data files must reside unchanged in
- CONFIG.DAT your CSG directory for correct operation.
- CONST.DAT
- CONSTLST.DAT
- EGAVGA.BGI
- LINES.DAT
- MESSIER.DAT
- MTYPELST.DAT
- STARLST.DAT
- STARNAME.DAT
- STARS.DAT
- TITLE.DAT
Part IV - How to use CAAS Sky Guide
1. Disabling the Sound
CAAS Sky Guide is complete with little chirps when you make an
incorrect guess, misspelled guess, or when trying to enter an invalid
entry in the configuration. If you wish to disable the sound, adding a
-Q, /Q, or Q on the command line with accomplish the task. The command
line is not case sensitive.
2. Configuration
Each of the quiz and charting options found on the main menu may be
customized through the configuration option of the main menu. Though
all main program options use the same configuration values, unique
settings are kept for each. Your configuration choices are retained on
disk from one session to the next.
* Field of View
The field may be set to any value (in degrees) between 15 and 180.
A 90 degree field is optimal for displaying a large portion of the sky
and better simulating how you would see the sky when observing, allowing
more constellations and stars to be seen. This proves helpful when
trying to identify a more difficult constellation.
* South Limit
By setting a Southern Limit, CAAS Sky Guide will not quiz you on any
objects below what is visible from your latitude. Constellations whose
centers are less than the southern limit will not be displayed. The
acceptable values are between minus 90 (-90) and plus 45 (45). This
option does not affect the Constellation Chart feature, so if you
choose a constellation below the selected Southern Limit, it will be
displayed.
To determine your local maximum southern declination, simply subtract
your latitude in whole degrees from 90. The absolute value of the
result is the lowest negative declination visible from your site. If
you are unsure about the best value to enter here, use -35.
* Coordinate Grid
Enabling the Coordinate Grid will display the Right Ascension and
Declination grid in the background.
* Constellation Boundaries
Enabling the Constellation Boundaries outlines the official borders
of the constellations. Constellation Boundaries may be set to display
all, only 1 (the constellation selected), or none.
* Constellation Lines
Enabling the Constellation Lines displays a familiar constellation
design connecting the stars. Constellation Lines may be set to display
all, only 1 (the constellation selected), or none.
* Constellation Labels
Turning the Constellation Labels on will display the official
3 letter abbreviation of the constellation names.
* Star Labels
Enabling the Star Labels will display the common proper names of the
brighter stars to the right of each star.
* Messier Objects
Enabling the Messier Objects will display a small circle where each
Messier Object is located in the sky.
* Messier Labels
By enabling Messier Labels, the number of each Messier Object will
be displayed next to each object.
3. Constellation Quiz
Once you have the Constellation Quiz Configuration set up the way
that you like, you can begin this challenge. Depending on how you have
configured this feature, it can be as easy or as difficult as you wish
(enabling Constellation Labels for beginners or disabling everything
for experts!).
When you are trying to identify a constellation, take your time and
note the bright stars and try to recognize other constellation patterns
around the objective. Just as in the real night sky, some of the
constellations are large and easily recognizable while others are small
or dim and more difficult.
The answer must be the 3 letter IAU abbreviation for the
constellation. If you are unsure of the abbreviation, or simply need to
see a list of the constellations, F1 will bring up a pop-up window
displaying the constellation names and abbreviations in alphabetical
order by constellation. You can scroll to the next page by simply
hitting any key. ESCape will close the window.
It is highly recommended that you configure the Constellation Quiz
with a fairly large field of view, such as 90 degrees. Doing so is very
helpful in that you may recognize a nearby constellation and therefore
be able to identify the constellation in question. Often in practice, a
constellation is identified by recognizing another constellation.
In the event that you have all constellation boundaries turned on
during the quiz, the constellation to be identified will be outlined by
bright cyan as opposed to the normal cyan.
In the event that you have all constellation lines turned on during
the quiz, the constellation to be identified will have the
constellation lines bright red as opposed to the normal red.
4. Star Quiz
The Star Quiz can also be configured to be as easy or as difficult
as you like, including enabling the Star Labels.
When beginning the Star Quiz, a small window will ask for a limiting
magnitude for the stars. Remember that with star magnitudes, lower
values denote brighter stars. Stars used in the quiz range from
magnitude -1.5 to 3.5. The limit you specify must be within a range of
1 to 5.
The star to be identified will be circled on the screen. Take your
time when trying to identify a star and study the constellation and
surrounding star patterns.
The answer must be the common name of the star and must be spelled
entirely and correctly. By hitting F1, a pop-up window will appear
displaying the abbreviated Greek letter designation, the 3 letter
constellation abbreviation, star magnitude, and common proper name of
each star. The list is in alphabetical order by star name within
constellation. You can scroll to the next page by hitting any key
or ESCape will close the window.
It is recommended that a large Field of View be used, such as 90
degrees, which will simulate how you would see the night sky better.
5. Messier Quiz
The Messier Quiz, like the other two, can be configured for any
level of difficulty that you wish including displaying the Messier
Labels.
When the Messier quiz begins, you will be asked whether you wish to
be quizzed on the M numbers of the objects, the object types, or both.
You will first be asked to identify the indicated object. The answer
is entered simply as the number of the object. Note that M102 is not in
the quiz as it is an error in the Messier List and is the same object
as M101.
If you asked for the object type questions, you will next be asked
for that information. The F1 key will list the possible answers.
In this quiz, each answer, whether for object ID or type, counts as
a separate point. Even if you miss an ID question for instance, you will
still receive credit for a correct object type answer.
6. Constellation Charts
This routine is to help in you to become familiar with the night
sky. By enabling or disabling the options in the Constellation Charts
Configuration, you can set this feature up any way that you like,
displaying what you choose.
Note that enabling everything will clutter the screen and
overlapping of labels can occur.
You can center the screen on either a constellation (by using the 3
letter IAU abbreviation) or by entering a Messier Object number. By
hitting F1, the pop-up window will appear displaying the constellation
list with the abbreviations.
Part V - About The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society
The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society (CAAS) is a nonprofit
Arkansas corporation with 501(c)3 tax status. Membership is the society
is open to all persons with an interest in astronomy. The Society
exists to facilitate public education, amateur research, and
recreational astronomy activities.
The Society publishes a monthly newsletter, and Regular members
receive the Reflector from the Astronomical League. Regular "club"
meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at the club's
observatory. There are also other special club activities scheduled
from time to time including outings on clear dark weekends. The
Society owns and operates the River Ridge Observatory, which is located
north of Little Italy, Arkansas, about thirty minutes from Little Rock.
The Society also maintains a program in association with a number of
area schools through which students are introduced to astronomy and the
night sky.
If you are interested in astronomy, and particularly if you think
observational astronomy is a hobby you would like to learn more about,
you should consider becoming a member of CAAS. The first years dues
are only $25.00. If your interest goes beyond this, but you do not
believe you have the time to take advantage of a full membership in
CAAS at the moment, or live too far out of town to participate
regularly, you can become a corresponding member of CAAS for only
$12.00 a year. You will receive the club's newsletter and notice of any
public events scheduled at the club's observatory. Also, for two
dollars more, you can receive the Astronomical League's Reflector,
which will give you national news related to amateur astronomy. Thus,
for $14.00 a year, you can receive two publications which will keep you
abreast of astronomy related events locally and nationally, while you
make a contribution to supporting astronomy related activities and
public education.
If you would like more information on the Society, please contact
us.
Voice line (recorder): (501) 372-1367 and leave a message
BBS data line : (501)
or write : C.A.A.S.
P.O. Box 38
Roland, AR. 72135
Part VI - Appendices
Appendix A - Messier Objects List
Below are listed the Messier Objects in numerical order with the
constellation they are located in and each object type.
M 1 Taurus Diffuse Nebula M 56 Lyra Globular Cluster
M 2 Aqarius Globular Cluster M 57 Lyra Planetary Nebula
M 3 Canes Venatici Globular Cluster M 58 Virgo Spiral Galaxy
M 4 Scorpius Globular Cluster M 59 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy
M 5 Serpens Globular Cluster M 60 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy
M 6 Scorpius Open Cluster M 61 Virgo Spiral Galaxy
M 7 Scorpius Open Cluster M 62 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster
M 8 Sagittarius Diffuse Nebula M 63 Canes Venatici Spiral Galaxy
M 9 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster M 64 Coma Berenices Spiral Galaxy
M 10 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster M 65 Leo Spiral Galaxy
M 11 Scutum Open Cluster M 66 Leo Spiral Galaxy
M 12 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster M 67 Cancer Open Cluster
M 13 Hercules Globular Cluster M 68 Hydra Globular Cluster
M 14 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster M 69 Sagittarius Globular Cluster
M 15 Pegasus Globular Cluster M 70 Sagittarius Globular Cluster
M 16 Serpens Nebula & Cluster M 71 Sagitta Globular Cluster
M 17 Sagittarius Diffuse Nebula M 72 Aquarius Globular Cluster
M 18 Sagittarius Open Cluster M 73 Aquarius Open Cluster
M 19 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster M 74 Pisces Spiral Galaxy
M 20 Sagittarius Diffuse Nebula M 75 Sagittarius Globular Cluster
M 21 Sagittarius Open Cluster M 76 Perseus Planetary Nebula
M 22 Sagittarius Globular Cluster M 77 Cetus Spiral Galaxy
M 23 Sagittarius Open Cluster M 78 Orion Diffuse Nebula
M 24 Sagittarius Star Cloud M 79 Lepus Globular Cluster
M 25 Sagittarius Open Cluster M 80 Scorpius Globular Cluster
M 26 Scutum Open Cluster M 81 Ursa Major Spiral Galaxy
M 27 Vulpecula Planetary Nebula M 82 Ursa Major Irregular Galaxy
M 28 Sagittarius Globular Cluster M 83 Hydra Spiral Galaxy
M 29 Cygnus Open Cluster M 84 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy
M 30 Capricornus Globular Cluster M 85 Coma Berenices Elliptical Galaxy
M 31 Andromeda Spiral Galaxy M 86 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy
M 32 Andromeda Elliptical Galaxy M 87 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy
M 33 Triangulum Spiral Galaxy M 88 Coma Berenices Spiral Galaxy
M 34 Perseus Open Cluster M 89 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy
M 35 Gemini Open Cluster M 90 Virgo Spiral Galaxy
M 36 Auriga Open Cluster M 91 Coma Berenices Spiral Galaxy
M 37 Auriga Open Cluster M 92 Hercules Globular Cluster
M 38 Auriga Open Cluster M 93 Puppis Open Cluster
M 39 Cygnus Open Cluster M 94 Canes Venatici Spiral Galaxy
M 40 Ursa Major Double Star M 95 Leo Spiral Galaxy
M 41 Canis Major Open Cluster M 96 Leo Spiral Galaxy
M 42 Orion Diffuse Nebula M 97 Ursa Major Planetary Nebula
M 43 Orion Diffuse Nebula M 98 Coma Berenices Spiral Galaxy
M 44 Cancer Open Cluster M 99 Coma Berenices Spiral Galaxy
M 45 Taurus Open Cluster M100 Coma Berenices Spiral Galaxy
M 46 Puppis Open Cluster M101 Ursa Major Spiral Galaxy
M 47 Puppis Open Cluster M102 * Same object as M101 *
M 48 Hydra Open Cluster M103 Cassiopeia Open Cluster
M 49 Virgo Elliptical Galaxy M104 Virgo Spiral Galaxy
M 50 Monoceros Open Cluster M105 Leo Elliptical Galaxy
M 51 Canes Venatici Spiral Galaxy M106 Canes Venatici Spiral Galaxy
M 52 Cassiopeia Open Cluster M107 Ophiuchus Globular Cluster
M 53 Coma Berenices Globular Cluster M108 Ursa Major Spiral Galaxy
M 54 Sagittarius Globular Cluster M109 Ursa Major Spiral Galaxy
M 55 Sagittarius Globular Cluster M110 Andromeda Elliptical Galaxy
Appendix B - Constellations List
Below are listed the 88 constellations and the official 3 letter IAU
abbreviations for each one.
Andromeda AND Lacerta LAC
Antlia ANT Leo LEO
Apus APS Leo Minor LMI
Aquarius AQR Lepus LEP
Aquila AQL Libra LIB
Ara ARA Lupus LUP
Aries ARI Lynx LYN
Auriga AUR Lyra LYR
Bootes BOO Mensa MEN
Caelum CAE Microscopium MIC
Camelopardalis CAM Monoceros MON
Cancer CNC Musca MUS
Canes Venatici CVN Norma NOR
Canis Major CMA Octans OCT
Canis Minor CMI Ophiuchus OPH
Capricornus CAP Orion ORI
Carina CAR Pavo PAV
Cassiopeia CAS Pegasus PEG
Centaurus CEN Perseus PER
Cepheus CEP Phoenix PHE
Cetus CET Pictor PIC
Chamaeleon CHA Pisces PSC
Circinus CIR Pisces Austrinus PSA
Columba COL Puppis PUP
Coma Berenices COM Pyxis PYX
Corona Australis CRA Reticulum RET
Corona Borealis CRB Sagitta SGE
Corvus CRV Sagittarius SGR
Crater CRT Scorpius SCO
Crux CRU Sculptor SCL
Cygnus CYG Scutum SCT
Delphinus DEL Serpens SER
Dorado DOR Sextans SEX
Draco DRA Taurus TAU
Equuleus EQU Telescopium TEL
Eridanus ERI Triangulum TRI
Fornax FOR Triangulum Australe TRA
Gemini GEM Tucana TUC
Grus GRU Ursa Major UMA
Hercules HER Ursa Minor UMI
Horologium HOR Vela VEL
Hydra HYA Virgo VIR
Hydrus HYI Volans VOL
Indus IND Vulpecula VUL
Appendix C - CAAS Sky Guide Quiz Stars
Below are listed the stars used in the CAAS Sky Guide star quiz.
Each line lists the Greek letter designation, official 3 letter IAU
constellation abbreviation, star magnitude, and common proper name.
Ga1 And +2.3 Almach The Leo +3.3 Cherton
Alp And +2.1 Alpheratz Bet Leo +2.1 Denebola
Bet And +2.1 Mirach Alp Leo +1.4 Regulus
Alp Aql +0.8 Altair Del Leo +2.6 Zosma
Gam Aql +2.7 Tarazed Alp Lep +2.6 Arneb
Alp Aqr +3.0 Sadalmelik Bet Lep +2.8 Nithal
Bet Aqr +2.9 Sadalsuud Al2 Lib +2.8 Zubenelgenubi
Del Aqr +3.3 Skat Bet Lib +2.6 Zubeneschamali
Alp Ari +2.0 Hamal Bet Lyr +3.5 Sheliak
Bet Ari +2.6 Sheratan Gam Lyr +3.2 Sulafat
Alp Aur +0.1 Capella Alp Lyr +0.0 Vega
Bet Aur +1.9 Menkalinan Bet Oph +2.8 Cebalrai
Alp Boo -0.0 Arcturus Alp Oph +2.1 Rasalhague
Eps Boo +2.4 Izar Eta Oph +2.4 Sabik
Eta Boo +2.7 Muphrid Eps Oph +3.2 Yed Posterior
Bet Boo +3.5 Nekkar Del Oph +2.7 Yed Prior
Gam Boo +3.0 Seginus Eps Ori +1.7 Alnilam
Bet Cap +3.1 Dabih Zet Ori +1.8 Alnitak
Del Cap +2.9 Deneb Algedi Gam Ori +1.6 Bellatrix
Iot Car +2.3 Aspidiske Alp Ori +0.5 Betelgeuse
Eps Car +1.9 Avior Lam Ori +3.4 Meissa
Alp Car -0.7 Canopus Del Ori +2.2 Mintaka
Bet Car +1.7 Miaplacidus Bet Ori +0.1 Rigel
Bet Cas +2.3 Caph Kap Ori +2.1 Saiph
Alp Cas +2.2 Schedar Alp Pav +1.9 Peacock
Bet Cen +0.6 Hadar Gam Peg +2.8 Algenib
The Cen +2.1 Menkent The Peg +3.5 Biham
Alp Cen -0.0 Rigel Kentaurus Eps Peg +2.4 Enif
Alp Cep +2.4 Alderamin Zet Peg +3.4 Homam
Bet Cep +3.2 Alfirk Alp Peg +2.5 Markab
Gam Cep +3.2 Errai Eta Peg +2.9 Matar
Bet Cet +2.1 Deneb Kaitos Mu Peg +3.5 Sadalbari
Alp Cet +2.5 Menkar Bet Peg +2.4 Scheat
Omi Cet +2.0 Mira Bet Per +2.1 Algol
Eps Cma +1.5 Adhara Zet Per +2.9 Atik
Eta Cma +2.4 Aludra Alp Per +1.8 Mirfak
Zet Cma +3.0 Furud Alp Phe +2.4 Ankaa
Bet Cma +2.0 Mirzam Alp Psa +1.2 Fomalhaut
Alp Cma -1.5 Sirius Alp Sco +1.0 Antares
Bet Cmi +2.9 Gomeisa Be1 Sco +2.6 Graffias
Alp Cmi +0.4 Procyon Ups Sco +2.7 Lesath
Alp Col +2.6 Phact Lam Sco +1.6 Shaula
Bet Col +3.1 Wazn Alp Ser +2.7 Unukalhai
Alp Crb +2.2 Alphecca Gam Sgr +3.0 Alnasl
Alp Cru +1.1 Acrux Zet Sgr +2.6 Ascella
Gam Cru +1.6 Gacrux Eps Sgr +1.9 Kaus Australis
Bet Cru +1.3 Mimosa Lam Sgr +2.8 Kaus Borealis
Del Crv +3.0 Algorab Del Sgr +2.7 Kaus Media
Gam Crv +2.6 Gienah Sig Sgr +2.0 Nunki
Alp Cvn +2.8 Cor Caroli Eta Tau +2.9 Alcyone
Bet Cyg +3.1 Albireo Alp Tau +0.9 Aldebaran
Alp Cyg +1.3 Deneb Bet Tau +1.7 Elnath
Gam Cyg +2.2 Sadr Alp Tra +1.9 Atria
Del Dra +3.1 Altais Eps Uma +1.8 Alioth
Iot Dra +3.3 Edasich Eta Uma +1.9 Alkaid
Gam Dra +2.2 Eltanin Nu Uma +3.5 Alula Borealis
Bet Dra +2.8 Rastaban Alp Uma +1.8 Dubhe
Ta1 Eri +3.4 Acamar Del Uma +3.3 Megrez
Alp Eri +0.5 Achernar Bet Uma +2.4 Merak
Bet Eri +2.8 Cursa Zet Uma +2.1 Mizar
Gam Eri +3.0 Zaurak Omi Uma +3.4 Muscida
Gam Gem +1.9 Alhena Gam Uma +2.4 Phecda
Alp Gem +1.6 Castor Iot Uma +3.1 Talitha
Eps Gem +3.0 Mebsuta Mu Uma +3.1 Tania Australis
Bet Gem +1.1 Pollux Lam Uma +3.5 Tania Borealis
Eta Gem +3.3 Propus Bet Umi +2.1 Kochab
Alp Gru +1.7 Al Na'ir Gam Umi +3.1 Pherkad
Bet Her +2.8 Kornephoros Alp Umi +2.0 Polaris
Alp Her +3.1 Rasalgethi Gam Vir +2.8 Porrima
Alp Hya +2.0 Alphard Alp Vir +1.0 Spica
Zet Leo +3.4 Adhafera Eps Vir +2.8 Vindemiatrix
Gam Leo +2.0 Algieba
Appendix D - The Greek Alphabet
1. Alpha 7. Eta 13. Nu 19. Tau
2. Beta 8. Theta 14. Xi 20. Upsilon
3. Gamma 9. Iota 15. Omicron 21. Phi
4. Delta 10. Kappa 16. Pi 22. Chi
5. Epsilon 11. Lambda 17. Rho 23. Psi
6. Zeta 12. Mu 18. Sigma 24. Omega
Appendix E - Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge Richard Berry for his sky plotting logic
around which this program was designed. We also thank Bob Ainsbury of
Technojock Software for his toolkit used for the program's menus.