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Way, Way, Way Above Cypress Lakes
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Sky Maps Above Cypress Lakes
The links above provide sky maps in several formats, each map centered directly above Cypress Lakes (28°10'39"N 82°0'10"W) and generated on-the-fly for the current moment in time.
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Sky Maps and Compass Directions
Compass directions (N, E, S, and W) are provided at the edge of each sky map, to help with orienting the map, and "synchronizing" directions between the map and the real sky above Cypress Lakes. To use a sky map correctly, you have to imagine that what you see in the dome of sky overhead can be satisfactorily represented on a flat computer screen or a flat printed piece of paper. The assumptions are that you can imagine that the direction at the bottom of the map should match the direction you are actually facing, and the direction at the top of the map would then match the direction that would be behind you. (It may seem, at first glance, that East and West are incorrectly reversed on a sky map - however, this apparent reversal is done intentionally, to allow for observing while looking up at the sky above Cypress Lakes instead of looking down at the ground.)
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North at the Top or South at the Top
When observing sky objects while facing towards a more-or-less southerly direction, it is easier if the sky map is arranged with South at the bottom (towards where the observer is facing) and North at the top (which would be behind the observer). Similarly, when observing sky objects while facing towards a northerly direction, it is easier if the sky map is arranged with North at the bottom (facing forward) and South at the top (behind). (Furthermore, these two map orientations allow constellation names to be displayed more-or-less in an upright position for ease in reading.) Note that East and West may, at first glance, seem reversed on these sky maps, but this is done intentionally, to allow for observing while looking up at the sky instead of looking down at the ground.
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Color Format
Colored sky maps are probably the easiest to view on a computer monitor. Color coding of constellation names and planet icons makes it easier to distinguish these items against a "busy" starry background on a computer screen.
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White on Black Format
Sky maps with white stars and text on a black background are probably the most realistic, and serious sky observers who may be using a laptop computer to assist them in the field may find them easier to read with the dim red flashlights they sometimes use to preserve night vision. (However, printing such sky maps is not recommended due to the amount of ink that would be needed.)
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Black on White Format
This is the probably the best choice for printing a sky map on a black and white printer. The white background allows for writing notes on a printed map, and it keeps the background from using up excessive amounts of ink when the map is being printed.
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Night Vision (Red on Black) Format
If you're taking your laptop computer outdoors to help with sky observing above Cypress Lakes, this format might be the best choice. All items on the map are displayed in red, which doesn't tend to degrade night vision as much as other colors. When using this laptop format, turn the display brightness control on your computer down to reduce the intensity to the minimum level at which you can still easily read the map.
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Printing Sky Maps
If you wish to print a sky map for outside sky observing above Cypress Lakes, you should do so just before going outside, since the sky maps generated on this site are for a particular moment in time (the current moment). However, since the sky turns only a fairly small amount in a fairly short period of time (and considering that most people's sense of compass directions is only approximate anyway), a printed sky map would still be quite useful for a while after being printed. Another printing option would be to print a sky map at an intended observing time, but printing it at about that time a day or two in advance - this succeeds because the amount the sky changes over a one- or two-day period is fairly small. (To conserve printer ink, it is suggested to print sky maps in a white on black format.)
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Laptop Computer Field Use
If you have a laptop computer, you can even take your laptop with you into the field for helping you with your sky observations above Cypress Lakes. If you refresh the sky map web page just before going outside, it will be sufficiently accurate, even though the sky is turning, for a while afterward. (And, if you are using a wireless internet connection and are observing outside within wireless range, you can even refresh the laptop sky map periodically in the field.) To minimize washing away your night vision each time you look at the laptop screen, it is suggested to display sky maps outside using the red on black) format and to turn the screen brightness down as much as possible (while still being able to read the map, of course).
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Sky Map Symbols :
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Sun |
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Mercury |
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Venus |
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Mars |
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Jupiter |
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Saturn |
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Uranus |
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Neptune |
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Pluto |
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