Resources

List of August Deep Sky Objects (courtesy of Observing Chair Dan Fairchild observing@tallystargazers.org) See Dan's list of deep sky object suitable for viewing or photographing this month.  It's buggy and hot, but if you can get a break through the clouds, don't let bugs and heat stop you from tracking down these deep sky objects. Dan says there are lots of wonderful globular clusters to find with your binoculars!

August 2025 Deep Sky Observing List

Other useful website links

• Astronomical League Observing Programs -- link to the Astronomical League's Observing Programs.  

• Stellarium Online Planetarium Program -- online planetarium app - helpful to determine what will be up at the sky at any given time or location.  

• DIY Planisphere -- A planisphere is a physical star chart in the form of a wheel that can be turned to show what constellations are up at any hour of the year. It is an ancient device that still has value today.  Many of us think planispheres do a better job than smartphone apps, when it comes to understanding the relationships in the night sky. This simple version can be downloaded and assembled with only scissors (and maybe some tape) -- see for yourself what a planisphere has to offer!

• Presentation on the Astronomical League Observing Programs (made for TAS members in 2023.)

• Universal Observing Log -- This log sheet will cover most, if not all, of the observing log requirements for Astronomical League programs (Messier, Double Star, Lunar, Binoculars).  Check the details for your program, but this sheet will probably include a a place for all the required information. 1 page PDF download.

• Messier Object Finder Charts -- Set of PDF finder charts and tracking log for the Messier objects.  These work best when used in conjunction with a smaller-scale star atlas such as the Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas or the Cambridge Star Atlas, or perhaps an electronic atlas such as Stellarium or Sky Safari. The charts provide a detailed finder chart for all the Messier objects.  Print out the set, then use them at the telescope as needed. For use in either the Messier or Binocular Messier observing programs.  Includes a handy log to help you keep track of when you observed each object, for use in the field at the telescope -- you'll be glad you filled this in when you are QCing your observing log for submittal to the Astronomical League.

• Monthly SkyCharts:  this is the same chart we hand out at public events.  It has a map of the current night sky and, on the back, objects you can see categorized by Naked Eye, Binocular, and Telescope stargazing. Skymaps.com is  commercial website with no affiliation to TAS.  The sky charts are a free download, but you may find other resources one the site that you would like to purchase! 

• Cloudy Nights  -- The Cloudy Nights forum is a great place to learn about astronomy, equipment, and browse the classifieds for gear

• Night Sky Network -- operated by NASA and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the Night Sky Network also hosts our own club's roster, events calendar, and other "back office" stuff. It has lots of great educational materials and outreach resources. TAS members are highly encouraged to register with the Night Sky Network as well, since our club roster, calendar, and member messaging system all work through NSN. 

• Actual Astronomy Podcast -- a great resource for learning about astronomy and telescopes, with knowledgeable, fun, down-to-earth hosts casually discussing the night sky and dispensing advice.  Definitely worth listening to!

• Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars -- great little book by David Chandler. Don't let the title fool you -- binoculars are only the beginning for this book, which is actually a terrific introductory astronomy course in just a few pages.  On the David Chandler website.  

• Sky Atlas For Small Telescopes and Binoculars -- by David Chandler.  An inexpensive, easy to use sky atlas for beginners or anyone with binoculars or a small telescope.  Similar in format to the out-of-print Edmund Mag 5 Star Atlas or Norton's Star Atlas, this book has covers the entire sky in a handful of maps. The facing page for each map has a list of objects, organized by constellation, specifically selected to be interesting and easy(ier) to find with a binoculars or a small telescope (and small here means a 60mm/2.5 inch refractor!) This won't be your last star atlas, but it would make a great first one, and you'll probably come back to it again and again. 

• Class Presentation: Measuring the Sky.  Class star map handout for presentation.

• "Space Rocks: The Mineral Composition of Meteorites" at https://brite.co/education/space-rocks-the-mineral-composition-of-meteorites/