CA2206634C - System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations - Google Patents

System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2206634C
CA2206634C CA002206634A CA2206634A CA2206634C CA 2206634 C CA2206634 C CA 2206634C CA 002206634 A CA002206634 A CA 002206634A CA 2206634 A CA2206634 A CA 2206634A CA 2206634 C CA2206634 C CA 2206634C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
sky
map
viewer
geographic
tables
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002206634A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2206634A1 (en
Inventor
Samuel Lee
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LAWRENCE ALBERT J
Original Assignee
LAWRENCE ALBERT J
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US08/654,913 priority Critical patent/US5704653A/en
Application filed by LAWRENCE ALBERT J filed Critical LAWRENCE ALBERT J
Priority to CA002206634A priority patent/CA2206634C/en
Publication of CA2206634A1 publication Critical patent/CA2206634A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2206634C publication Critical patent/CA2206634C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09BEDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B27/00Planetaria; Globes
    • G09B27/04Star maps

Abstract

A system to help a viewer find stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations is disclosed. The system has a series of sky maps showing different views of the sky. One or more tables is provided for each map. The tables assist in corresponding the sky map to the sky. The tables have coordinates corresponding to times and dates and inform the viewer as to the direction in which he should look, the way in which the sky map should be oriented and whether the viewer should look high in the sky, low in the sky or in-between.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of astronomy and, in particular, to a system making it easy for non-skilled persons to locate stars, notably constellations and planets.
Background of the Invention Astronomers have been looking at stars since long before Galileo first used the telescope to view the heavens and, yet, are still finding new stars today. Many ordinary people also have an interest in looking at the stars, especially to try to find constellations. However, except by happenstance, ordinary people seldom see a constellation for which they are looking. The reason for this is that prior to the present invention there was never an easy system to use to locate stars and constellations. While there have been many patents issued on devices for finding constellations, none of them is simple to use.
Summary of the Invention The present invention makes it easy for even a novice to readily identify stars and constellations and to know when and where to look for them. It takes no more than a few minutes to learn how to use the invention, and it i_s so simple that even a child can readily learn it.
The invention is based on a series of maps which show the locations of stars and constellations, and a series of tables which tell how to orient the map, in what direction one should look and whether one should look high in the sky, low in the sky or in the middle. A device is also provided for orienting the person correctly when looking at the maps. A plurality of tables may be used with each map and there may be a geographic map for showing which table should be used depending on the geographic location of the individual.
Brief Description of the Invention These and other features of the present invention may be more fully understood with reference to the drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a geographical map for determining the latitudinal zone at which one should be looking;
Fig. 2 is one map of the sky according to the present invention;
Figs. 3A - 3C are a series of three tables with coordinates for using the map of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is an azimuth disk for orienting the person to use the map;
I5 Fig. 5 is another map of the sky according to the present invention;
Figs. 6A - 6C are a series of three tables with coordinates for using the map of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is yet another map of the sky according to the present invention;
Figs. 8A - 8C are a series of three tables with coordinates for using the map of Fig. 7; and Figs. 9A - 9D are planet locator tables.
Detailed Description Fig. 1 is a geographical map used in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. In the case of Fig. l, the map is primarily of the United States. The map could, of course, be of any geographic area of the world. The map shown in fig. 1 is divided into three sections: BOTTOM, MIDDLE and TOP. The geographical map is desirable in order to determine which of three tables (Figs. 3A - 3C) are used in connection with the maps. The map of Fig. 1 need be used only once for each geographic 1_ocation.
For_ example, a person living in Omaha, Nebraska, would always use the table marked MIDDLE {Fig. 3B). While a geographical map is the preferred means for determining which table to use because of the ease of using a geographical map, it is also possible to use another means to determine whether to use the BOTTOM, MIDDLE or TOP
table, e.g., a geographical index indicating the correct table for various cities. It is also within the scope of the invention to use an electronic locator which indicates BOTTOM, MIDDLE or TOP, or to use an 800 number, especially one treat automatically identifies the table to use by the location of the telephone from which the call is placed. It is further within the scope of the invention, but not preferred, to have only one table associated with each sky map, thus eliminating the need for the geographic map.
Fig. 2 is a sky map showing stars and constellations and is used in conjunction with the coordinate tables shown in Figs: 3A -3C and the azimuth disk shown in Fig. 4.
After determining whether to use the TOP, MIDDLE or BOTTOM
table of Figs. 3A - 3C by determining geographic location such as with the geographical map of Fig. 1, the next step is to use the coordinate tables of Figs. 3A - 3C. The coordinate tables, which are derived empirically, have dates as the X-axis and hours as the Y-axis. The embodiment shown in Figs. 3A - 3C shows hourly readings for time and bi-monthly readings for date. This is the preferred set-up. However, there could be more or less dates and more or less time. If the person from Omaha, Nebraska, is standing outdoors at 11:30 p.m. on June 1, the table coordinates intersect at the three-character indicator 8JH. The first character, the "8", is used in conjunction with the azimuth disk of Fig. 4.
The azimuth disk has an indicator arrow 10 for North and the numerals "1" through "8" spaced evenly around the disk. The arrow 10 is aligned so that it points halfway between the "4" and the "5". The azimuth disk is either held in the hand or placed on the ground and aligned to the North. Moth people know in which direction North is, and since exact precision is not required, a "guesstimate" is usually sufficient, at least to get started. An adjustment can be made to the azimuth disk after finding a particular constellation so that the azimuth disk points to true North. A compass can also be used for aligning the azimuth disk, and the azimuth disk can even have an inexpensive compass attached to it in place of arrow 10.
The first digit of each coordinate table of Figs. 3A, 3B or 3C
is used to determine where one stands with respect to the azimuth disk. The person physically moves in accordance with the data in the table. In the hypothetical example of coordinates 8JH, the person from Omaha would align the azimuth disk towards North and the physically move himself until he was at position "8" of the azimuth disk.
The second coordinate in the table is J. Fig. 2 has letters A, B, C, D, E, etc. about the perimeter. The viewer, standing at position "8" with respect to the azimuth disk, rotates the sky.map until coordinate J is pointing directly away from him. With the map of Fig. ~~, the map would be upside down with respect to the viewer.
The final coordinate indicates whether, for this sky map, one should be looking low, medium or high in the sky. In this case, since the letter is H, one should be looking high. It has been found that holding the sky map comfortably in front of the viewer, pointing in the proper direction (in this case, J) and moving the sky map Low, Middle or High according to the particular coordinate given makes the finding of the stars and constellations shown in the sky map simplicity itself.
In the sky map of Fig. 2, one can see constellations Little Dipper 14, Big Dipper 16, and Draco 18. It has been found to be desirable to indicate these names on the sky map. In the case of Fig. 2, the name Little Dipper appears between the S and the A, and an arrow 20 points to the Little Dipper 14. Similar indicators can be used for the other constellations and for other significant objects on the sky map, such as Polaris (the North Star) 12, Draco 18, the M=O1 spiral galaxy 22, Merak 24 and Dubhe 26.
There is preferably a series of sky maps and tables so that the entire sky is covered throughout the year. Additional maps are shown in figs. S and 7 and their corresponding tables are shown in Figs. 6A - 6C and 8A - 8C. Referring to Fig. 5, one can see the constellations Canis Major 28, Canis Minor 30, Monoceros 32, Columba 34, Eridanus 36, Lepus 38 and Orion 40, as well as a number of bright stars 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50, and also a number of deep sky objects 52, 53, 54 and 56. In Fig. 7, there are the constellations Canis Major 58, Columba 60, Eridanus 62, Caelum 64, S Dorado 66, Puppis 68, Carina 70, Lepus 72, Pictor 74, Pyxie 76 and Vela 78, as well as the bright stars Sirius 80 and Canopus 82.
Five galactic clusters 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 can also be seen Referring to Figs . 3A - 3C, 6A - 6B and 8A - 8C, there are some intersections of columns and rows that do not have coordinates. This is either because at the time of day no stars are visible due to sunlight or because the stars of that particular sky map are not visible on that particular night frm the geographical area shown in Fig. 1.
The planets of the solar system are also of interest to many people, especially the readily visible planets Venus, Mar, Jupiter and Saturn. Since all planets follow particular paths, astronomers know the constellation in or near which they will be appearing at a particular point in time. The coincidence of planets and constellations is so established that it is possible to create charts showing the constellations in or near which a particular planet will appear at a given point in time. Figs. 9a - 9D show such a table for each of the years 1999 - 2002. As shown in Figs.
9A - 9D, the visible planets are shown as the X-axis and the date is the Y-axis. The intersecting square shows the constellation in or near which a particular planet will be during a particular month. For example, in January of 2000, Jupiter will be located in or near the constellation Pisces. There are times when a planet is not in or near a constellation, but rather between two constellations. For example, in January of 2000 Venus will be between the constellations Scorpio and Sagittarius, and this is so indicated in the table of Fig. 9B.
The tables of Figs. 9A - 9D can be used in conjunction with the maps of Figs. 2, 5 and 7, and the corresponding tables 3A - 3C, 6A - 6C and 8A - 8C, and with such additional maps and tables as one cares to make. As previously indicated, it has been found that a series of 20 maps is best suited for the United States. For ease of cross-reference, there can also be a table (not shown) indicating which map contains which constellations. This helps not only to find the constellations but also to find the planets.
It is preferred that the sky maps and tables be hard copies, e.g., one foot by one foot in plastic or on cardboard, the latter suitably being in a spiral bound notebook. However, the information could also be displayed electronically, such as with a lap top computer. It is also within the scope of the invention to have the tables entered into a pager-sized device in which the coordinates are displayed on a screen the size of those used on a pager. The only data the user would have to enter would be the date, time and table desired. It is also possible to use transparencies for the sky maps, either to hold them up for viewing through or f_or attachment to binocu7_ars or a telescope.
Various other changes may be made for carrying out the instant invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will, therefore, be understood that the claims are intended to cover all changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments of the invention herein chosen for the purpose of illustration which do not constitute a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. In a system for aiding a viewer in the location of stars in the sky, (a) a series of sky maps, each sky map showing a different view of the sky and each sky map having stars positioned thereon, (b) geographic means for orienting each of said sky maps in relation to a viewer, (c) a series of tables, for association with said series of sky maps, with at least one table for each said sky map of the series each table including selected groups of coordinates, each group including (i) a first coordinate indicating the direction in which a viewer should look;
(ii) a second coordinate indicating the orientation in which the sky map should be positioned; and (iii) a third coordinate indicating whether the viewer should look high, middle or low in the sky of the sky map.
2. The system of Claim 1 wherein more than one table is provided for association with each said sky map, each said table applicable to a selected latitudinal zone.
3. The system of Claim 2 wherein said geographic means for orienting each sky map in relation to a viewer includes indicia establishing which of the tables apply to the viewer's geographic location.
4. The system of Claim 3 wherein said geographic means is a territorial map.
5. The system of Claim 4 wherein said territorial map is divided into latitudinal zones.
6. The system of Claim 3 wherein said geographic means includes an electronic earth positioning locator.
7. The system of Claim 1 in which said means for orienting a sky map in relation to a viewer is controlled by said first coordinate.
8. The system of Claim 7 wherein said geographic means for orienting each sky map includes an azimuth disk with indicia thereon circumferentially spaced with an indicator for establishing a North direction.
9. The system of Claim 8 wherein said indicia include the numerals "l" through "8" equidistantly spaced about the azimuth disk circumference.
10. The system of Claim 8 wherein said indicator includes an arrow representation located generally centrally of said azimuth disk.
11. The system of Claim 8 wherein said indicator is a compass.
12. The system of Claim 1 further including planet locating means for determining the location of at least one planet of a sky map.
13. The system of Claim 12 wherein said planet locating means includes a table having planets along the X-axis and dates along the Y-axis.
CA002206634A 1996-05-29 1997-05-30 System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations Expired - Fee Related CA2206634C (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/654,913 US5704653A (en) 1996-05-29 1996-05-29 System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations
CA002206634A CA2206634C (en) 1996-05-29 1997-05-30 System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/654,913 US5704653A (en) 1996-05-29 1996-05-29 System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations
CA002206634A CA2206634C (en) 1996-05-29 1997-05-30 System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2206634A1 CA2206634A1 (en) 1998-11-30
CA2206634C true CA2206634C (en) 2004-09-28

Family

ID=25679397

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002206634A Expired - Fee Related CA2206634C (en) 1996-05-29 1997-05-30 System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US5704653A (en)
CA (1) CA2206634C (en)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6056554A (en) * 1998-09-09 2000-05-02 Samole; Sidney Apparatus and method for finding and identifying nighttime sky objects
US6366212B1 (en) 1999-03-03 2002-04-02 Michael Lemp Celestial object location device
US7068180B2 (en) * 1999-03-03 2006-06-27 Yamcon, Inc. Celestial object location device
US6844822B2 (en) 1999-03-03 2005-01-18 Yamcon, Inc. Celestial object location device
US7471211B2 (en) * 1999-03-03 2008-12-30 Yamcon, Inc. Celestial object location device
US7201308B2 (en) * 2003-02-11 2007-04-10 Chelsea Samo-Lipman Methods for identifying and registering constellations
US20050030189A1 (en) * 2003-08-06 2005-02-10 William Foster Device for celestial object location relative to a user's gaze or its approximation
US7197829B2 (en) * 2004-05-04 2007-04-03 Acres John F Laser guided celestial identification device
US20050250085A1 (en) * 2004-05-07 2005-11-10 Yamcon, Inc. Viewing and display apparatus
US7010862B2 (en) * 2004-06-04 2006-03-14 Yamcon, Inc. Viewing and display apparatus position determination algorithms
US20060082872A1 (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-04-20 Acres John F Apparatus for making celestial observations
US20060235614A1 (en) * 2005-04-14 2006-10-19 Starvision Technologies Inc. Method and Apparatus for Automatic Identification of Celestial Bodies
US7477367B2 (en) * 2006-06-07 2009-01-13 Yamcon, Inc. Celestial object identification device
US20080168492A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-07-10 Meade Instruments Corp. Celestial Viewing System With Video Display
US20090254274A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-10-08 Kulik Victor Navigation system for providing celestial and terrestrial information

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US832527A (en) * 1905-10-05 1906-10-02 Leon Barritt Star and planet finder.
US2231071A (en) * 1940-03-19 1941-02-11 Thomas T Harvey Astronomical instrument
US2337587A (en) * 1942-05-05 1943-12-28 Mark Cook And George Cook Navigation guide
US2432958A (en) * 1943-12-13 1947-12-16 Republic Flow Meters Co Navigation instrument
US2495211A (en) * 1947-11-14 1950-01-24 Harold B Curtis Star finder
US2508027A (en) * 1948-01-31 1950-05-16 Philip E Hoffmeister Celestial position indicator and compass
US2755565A (en) * 1953-07-03 1956-07-24 Alkema Hendrik Star finder
US3003258A (en) * 1961-01-06 1961-10-10 Anthony J Stefano Universal world time and star map
US3257728A (en) * 1964-07-15 1966-06-28 Herbert A Blomquist Astronomical instrument
FR2215881A5 (en) * 1973-01-25 1974-08-23 Moliard Henri
US3863665A (en) * 1973-02-16 1975-02-04 Iv Valentine Hechler Anti-back-siphoning water supply valve and mixer
US4402672A (en) * 1981-11-12 1983-09-06 Lowe Jr Henry E Method for plotting and disseminating information on the paths of violent storms
US4938697A (en) * 1988-11-21 1990-07-03 Ben Mayer Multi-dimensional astral position finding device
US4970793A (en) * 1990-02-12 1990-11-20 Atamian George C Method and apparatus for determining the position of stars
US5419586A (en) * 1993-12-15 1995-05-30 Rand Mcnally & Company Bound cartographic material

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5704653A (en) 1998-01-06
CA2206634A1 (en) 1998-11-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2206634C (en) System for identifying stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations
US7221527B2 (en) Systems and methods for automated telescope alignment and orientation
AU778164B2 (en) Celestial object location device
US4970793A (en) Method and apparatus for determining the position of stars
US20030186205A1 (en) Interactive astronomical system and method
US4472144A (en) Celestial compass having rotatable means for organizing two distinct sets of astrological data
US5186630A (en) Universal sun-path dial
US4219944A (en) Wall mountable astrology set
US20030170595A1 (en) Educational chart for teaching reading and other subjects
US4702703A (en) Devices for aiding astronomers to locate stars and other celestial bodies
Venkateswaran Ragoonatha Charry and the observations of the total solar eclipse of 1868 from Vanpurthy (Wanparthy), India
GB2235805A (en) Educational globe toy
US2358075A (en) Training aid
US2495211A (en) Star finder
US2188041A (en) Astronomical device
JPH08335030A (en) Sunrise and sunset position assuming device including solar route and local time
US7201308B2 (en) Methods for identifying and registering constellations
US2006075A (en) Star and time finder
SU1693628A1 (en) Astronomical planisphere
Jacoby Astronomy: a popular handbook
JP2533338Y2 (en) Astronomical observation device
Sommer SPaRK-SIX Maps
CN2311756Y (en) Planet position measuring instrument
HAWKINS Sun, moon, men, and stones
Kleczek The Stars Around the North Pole

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed