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Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 2:43 pm
by kt4hx
From the scuttlebutt that I've read and based on the link below, it seems an updated version of the S&T JPSA is in the works and purportedly to be released later this year.

As to what changes will be made, well that is anyone's best guess at this point. But based on the medallion shown on the cover at the link, it states "Now with lists of newest stars and carbon stars." Beyond that we will have to wait and see I reckon. I know some have opined that some additional detailed charts and a companion guide with data about all the objects plotted would be nice. :)


Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:02 pm
by helicon
Looking forward to this publication. As I've started collecting more atlases (Uranometria, IDSA, Pocket Sky, Sky Atlas 2000) this sounds like a helpful update.

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:18 pm
by Don Quixote
Thank you Alan.
This JPS is the first atlas I purchased. It has served well. It will be interesting to see what they do. Of course I will "need" one for my "Library". :-)

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:37 pm
by kt4hx
helicon wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:02 pm Looking forward to this publication. As I've started collecting more atlases (Uranometria, IDSA, Pocket Sky, Sky Atlas 2000) this sounds like a helpful update.
Glad to see you've started your own collection Michael. While for many the electronic charts have supplanted printed atlases, but for some of us, we still deeply appreciate an atlas that can be held in the hand and leafed through. They are a work of art, in my view, and infinitely useful. Since no one atlas does everything correctly, they all bring something to the table. :smile:
Don Quixote wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:18 pm Thank you Alan.
This JPS is the first atlas I purchased. It has served well. It will be interesting to see what they do. Of course I will "need" one for my "Library". :-)
I too have the JPSA, though it was nothing more than addition to my collection. I have always liked and appreciated the PSA layout and wider view charts. They are really useful for learning the sky or gaining orientation. For the JPSA specifically I like its larger print and easier to read charts as compared to the original. I find they are excellent charts for naked eye, binoculars and smaller apertures with their inclusion of 1,500 DSOs, though I wish they had bumped up the stellar limit just a bit more. :)

Here is a link to my review of the JPSA about three and a half years ago when it first came out.

http://www.astronomyforum.net/astronomy ... ation.html

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:39 pm
by helicon
kt4hx wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:37 pm
helicon wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:02 pm Looking forward to this publication. As I've started collecting more atlases (Uranometria, IDSA, Pocket Sky, Sky Atlas 2000) this sounds like a helpful update.
Glad to see you've started your own collection Michael. While for many the electronic charts have supplanted printed atlases, but for some of us, we still deeply appreciate an atlas that can be held in the hand and leafed through. They are a work of art, in my view, and infinitely useful. Since no one atlas does everything correctly, they all bring something to the table. :smile:
Don Quixote wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:18 pm Thank you Alan.
This JPS is the first atlas I purchased. It has served well. It will be interesting to see what they do. Of course I will "need" one for my "Library". :-)
I too have the JPSA, though it was nothing more than addition to my collection. I have always liked and appreciated the PSA layout and wider view charts. They are really useful for learning the sky or gaining orientation. For the JPSA specifically I like its larger print and easier to read charts as compared to the original. I find they are excellent charts for naked eye, binoculars and smaller apertures with their inclusion of 1,500 DSOs, though I wish they had bumped up the stellar limit just a bit more. :)

Here is a link to my review of the JPSA about three and a half years ago when it first came out.

http://www.astronomyforum.net/astronomy ... ation.html
When it comes to observing information - I'm pretty much all on paper except for Deep Sky Objects Browser (now Telescopius). Sort of old fashioned that way I guess.

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:43 pm
by KingNothing13
I do like physical chart books (I have SkyAtlas 2000 and the PSA), but I find I never use them. I am always using SkySafari.

If I were to use them, it would be indoors - I don't think I would want them out with me, for various reasons.

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 6:10 pm
by pakarinen
KingNothing13 wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:43 pm I do like physical chart books (I have SkyAtlas 2000 and the PSA), but I find I never use them. I am always using SkySafari.
Same for me. Why drag out a book, a stand/table, red light, etc. when you can go tappy-tappy on your phone?

When not scopeside though, I much prefer printed atlases for researching targets and such. My favorite is my ancient Norton's. I just wish the DSOs were printed a little bigger - they can be tough to find on the charts at times. Or I wish the JPSA used something aside from dot size to indicate magnitudes.

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 6:21 pm
by Bigzmey
I hope they not just make it larger, but add more resolution (i.e. stars to star hop).

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 8:34 pm
by kt4hx
Bigzmey wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 6:21 pm I hope they not just make it larger, but add more resolution (i.e. stars to star hop).
I doubt the physical size will increase beyond the current Jumbo edition. I also doubt that they will plot deeper than the very popular PSA format already used. After all, that is what their Sky Atlas 2000 does. It brings more stars and objects to the observing table, so no use to re-invent the wheel. The current PSA format is so popular and well entrenched in the hobby, I am not sure they will change the basic premise. But all that said, I could be wrong - who knows at this time. :)

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 8:46 pm
by kt4hx
KingNothing13 wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:43 pm I do like physical chart books (I have SkyAtlas 2000 and the PSA), but I find I never use them. I am always using SkySafari.

If I were to use them, it would be indoors - I don't think I would want them out with me, for various reasons.
The key here is that we each do what we prefer. I personally do not like having electronics in the field to add any extra light beyond my red light used for reading charts and making notes. I have tried using a laptop a few times in the past and simply didn't care for extra fiddling. But that is me and what works for me.

I realize that some if not many would call my approach old fashioned, and I do understand that, even if I disagree. For me there is a bond and reliance that I build with an atlas that becomes a trusted friend in the field. Currently that position is held by Interstellarum, with Uranometria being a secondary. Couple that with my affinity for manual star hopping and I am in celestial heaven so to speak. :)

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:28 pm
by KingNothing13
kt4hx wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 8:46 pm
KingNothing13 wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:43 pm I do like physical chart books (I have SkyAtlas 2000 and the PSA), but I find I never use them. I am always using SkySafari.

If I were to use them, it would be indoors - I don't think I would want them out with me, for various reasons.
The key here is that we each do what we prefer. I personally do not like having electronics in the field to add any extra light beyond my red light used for reading charts and making notes. I have tried using a laptop a few times in the past and simply didn't care for extra fiddling. But that is me and what works for me.

I realize that some if not many would call my approach old fashioned, and I do understand that, even if I disagree. For me there is a bond and reliance that I build with an atlas that becomes a trusted friend in the field. Currently that position is held by Interstellarum, with Uranometria being a secondary. Couple that with my affinity for manual star hopping and I am in celestial heaven so to speak. :)
I am not one of those who would call it old fashioned - as you said - do what works for you - that's what matters.

Do what you need to do, to get as much enjoyment out of this hobby (and other hobbies) as possible.

It's also why I do not like it when (on other forums, never noticed it here or on AF) star hoppers bad-mouth, or seem to come off arrogant when others are talking about their goto systems or push-to systems. You are not them, you don't know their situation or circumstances. Back off!

Personally, I like both! And have done both! I just usually don't have books out with me. When I do decide to have a star hop night, I'll likely print out the C level tri-atlas sheets that I would need and reference them.

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:44 pm
by Don Quixote
I have to confess....I like star hopping....I also like the leasure of a goto night...But I LOVES ME my Atlases, and I have spent many a rainy day planning my next campaign with the IDSA, my Uranometria, and the JPS laid out on my table right next to my Skysafari app!



Unfortunately I have planned a heck of a lot more lately than I have been able to execute ! :-)

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:48 pm
by kt4hx
KingNothing13 wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:28 pm
kt4hx wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 8:46 pm
KingNothing13 wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:43 pm I do like physical chart books (I have SkyAtlas 2000 and the PSA), but I find I never use them. I am always using SkySafari.

If I were to use them, it would be indoors - I don't think I would want them out with me, for various reasons.
The key here is that we each do what we prefer. I personally do not like having electronics in the field to add any extra light beyond my red light used for reading charts and making notes. I have tried using a laptop a few times in the past and simply didn't care for extra fiddling. But that is me and what works for me.

I realize that some if not many would call my approach old fashioned, and I do understand that, even if I disagree. For me there is a bond and reliance that I build with an atlas that becomes a trusted friend in the field. Currently that position is held by Interstellarum, with Uranometria being a secondary. Couple that with my affinity for manual star hopping and I am in celestial heaven so to speak. :)
I am not one of those who would call it old fashioned - as you said - do what works for you - that's what matters.

Do what you need to do, to get as much enjoyment out of this hobby (and other hobbies) as possible.

It's also why I do not like it when (on other forums, never noticed it here or on AF) star hoppers bad-mouth, or seem to come off arrogant when others are talking about their goto systems or push-to systems. You are not them, you don't know their situation or circumstances. Back off!

Personally, I like both! And have done both! I just usually don't have books out with me. When I do decide to have a star hop night, I'll likely print out the C level tri-atlas sheets that I would need and reference them.
I have seen some contentiousness expressed from both sides of the star-hop or push-to/go-to argument over at AF. But it was only the odd occasion. There are snobs on both sides of that argument, just as there are on the idea of using printed charts versus laptops/tablets/phones in the field, and even visual versus AP. Its just the nature of some to believe their way is best and anything else is wrong or at least a waste of time. :naughty:

Personally I've only had one foray into the push-to realm. When I first had my truss structure for the 17.5 inch dob I added an Argo Navis system to it. I tried it once thinking it might be an interesting and useful addition. But honestly I didn't care for it at all. I removed and sold it thereafter and haven't considered it since. I grew up doing star hopping and that is what I am most comfortable with and take the most pleasure in. Unlike some I've talked with, I've never considered using push-to or go-to as cheating. Its just another means to an end, but a means that I choose to eschew. I take profound pleasure from star hopping, but I know not everyone feels the same way. :)

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 10:39 pm
by Bigzmey
Don Quixote wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 9:44 pm I have to confess....I like star hopping....I also like the leasure of a goto night...But I LOVES ME my Atlases, and I have spent many a rainy day planning my next campaign with the IDSA, my Uranometria, and the JPS laid out on my table right next to my Skysafari app!



Unfortunately I have planned a heck of a lot more lately than I have been able to execute ! :-)
There is no wrong way to enjoy the sky. I prefer manual mounts and bull's eyeing a target with red dot adds another level of satisfaction. Also, I am still a newb as far as GoTo goes and at this point in time it is actually faster for me to locate targets manually. :lol:

BUT! I learned to appreciate utility of GoTo for outreach or under light polluted skies.

I used printed atlases and charts for years, but then learned to appreciate utility of SkySafari and even enjoy controlling the scope from SkySafari.

So, I am like you Mark: with phone with SkySafari in my hand, IDSA on the table next to me, manual or GoTo scope in front, and starry skies above - Does not get better than this! :D

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 10:48 pm
by Bigzmey
pakarinen wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 6:10 pm
KingNothing13 wrote: Wed Jul 31, 2019 5:43 pm I do like physical chart books (I have SkyAtlas 2000 and the PSA), but I find I never use them. I am always using SkySafari.
Same for me. Why drag out a book, a stand/table, red light, etc. when you can go tappy-tappy on your phone?

When not scopeside though, I much prefer printed atlases for researching targets and such. My favorite is my ancient Norton's. I just wish the DSOs were printed a little bigger - they can be tough to find on the charts at times. Or I wish the JPSA used something aside from dot size to indicate magnitudes.
Now days I do star hopping using SkySafari 95% of the time. However, I never leave home without IDSA. There is always one or two targets which SkySafari have difficulties with and then IDSA to the rescue!

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2019 4:37 pm
by Unitron48
I have the 2015 version...and find it useful. Will be interested to see what the changes are. I wouldn't want it any larger!!

Dave

Re: Jumbo Pocket Sky Atlas update in the works?

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2019 1:13 pm
by pakarinen
I'm now toying with the idea of deconstructing my JPSA - take out the charts and maybe laminate them so I can mark them up with a china marking pencil (do they still make those?) or something. That could be a useful adjunct to my SS screen, especially if I'm using my phone instead of an iPad. As a book lover though that's bordering on sacrilege and blasphemy. Or I could print charts from messier-objects.com or similar and put them in plastic sheet protectors.

I'd probably be more likely to use single charts scopeside rather than taking out a whole atlas. If this #%$#% high cloud doesn't clear, I'll have the whole 3-day weekend to ponder that.