Brian Rachford's amateur astronomy page

This page will be the place where I talk about my telescope, post observing reports, and maybe even some how-to information. I am gradually adding contect, so check back often!

Background information

• A brief history of my interest in amateur astronomy.
• My telescope

Observing reports, sketches, etc.

• My old observing reports
  These are mostly naked-eye and binocular reports from the Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp eras in 1996 and 1997, but also a couple of more recent reports. These have been "html-ized" from the reports that I posted to sci.astro.observing, with some enhancements.
• The Herschel 400 Chronicles
  This page is devoted to my 5+ month "speed survey" of the Herschel 400 list, and includes raw text versions of my observing reports during that time, which include many more objects than just the ones from the H400 list. Under heavy development at the moment.
• My most recent reports posted to sci.astro.observing can be found with this Google search. I'll put these up here when I get the time.
• My sketches (Most recent sketch: 29 August 2003)

Object lists

• My Hickson Compact Galaxy groups page. Information on Hickson groups that are within range of small telescopes.
• A different way of assessing galaxy detectability based on galaxy photometry taken through apertures of different sizes. Contains all the Messier and Herschel 400 galaxies.
• A different way of assessing globular cluster detectability. This is a companion piece to the galaxy analysis. Includes all but the faintest Milky Way globulars.
• I've observed about 600 deep-sky objects (not including double stars) with apertures from naked-eye to 6", and will be putting up a list or lists of recommended objects soon.

Contact information

Back to my home page

File last modified: 17 December 2004