Table of Contents
Advertisement
4. Features
The Constellation display includes the positions of 1056 fixed stars with a
brightness of the 4.8th magnitude or brighter, 169 major nebulae,galaxies
and star clusters, constellation boundaries and the ecliptic and the celestial
equator based on their positions for the year 2000.0. (Maximum magnitude
values are indicated for variable stars. Fixed stars are represented by a four
colour spectrum at 0.1 magnitude intervals).
The constellation dial not only automatically displays the present positions
of constellations but can also be used as a planisphere dial in which the
constellations dial is independently rotated.
The solar position display shows the position of the sun along the ecliptic
(the sun's apparent path on the celestial sphere during the year) on the 1st,
11th and 21st of each month (for 12 noon universal time over the mean
year). Times for sunrise and sunset as well as the number of daylight hours
are determined by looking on the horizon line on the transparent dial.
The altazimuth display lets you determine the altitude and azimuth of the
sun as well as the major fixed stars, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters on
°
the celestial sphere. (The equidistant almucanter lines at intervals of 15
on
the transparent dial are corrected for atmospheric aberration.
6.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
