Locate Mode

The SkyScout has a database of over 6,000 celestial objects that are divided into six custom catalogs that include:

Tonight's Highlights - In addition to the many customized object lists, SkyScout also has a Tonight's Highlights feature that uses the internal GPS system to display a custom list of all the best objects visible from your exact location and time. Tonight's Highlights is a useful tool for both novice and experienced users. Remember to view Tonight's Highlights each time you use SkyScout since displayed objects will change as new objects appear in the sky.

Planets - All nine planets in our Solar System plus the Moon.

Stars - This catalog is separated into the following useful categories:

Brightest 20 - A list of the 20 brightest stars in the sky in order of their apparent magnitude.

Common Name - An alphabetical list of the brightest stars by common name.

Double Stars - An alphabetical list of stars that are part of a multiple star system.

Variable Stars - An alphabetical list of stars that are known to vary in brightness.

SAO Number - Allows you to directly enter a known SAO (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory) catalog number from a partial list of the brightest stars in this catalog.

Hipparcos Number - Allows you to directly enter a known Hipparcos catalog number from a partial list of the brightest stars in this catalog.

Constellation - A complete listing of all 88 constellations in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. You can view only the 12 constellation of the Zodiac or an alphabetical list of all Constellations as well as a guided tour of each star in the constellation. See Exploring Constellation and Asterisms section below.

Observing Tip

Since many of the SkyScout's object lists are quite long, the Constellations, Common Name Star and Double Star lists are broken up into convenient alphabetical groupings for quicker access. For example, if you would like to select the star Polaris from the Common Name star list, scroll down to the Naos to Prijipati group and press the select button. This will display a list of the individual stars from Naos to Prijipati, including the star Polaris.

Deep Sky - Based on the popular Messier object list of deep sky objects, this catalog is broken-up in the following customized list:

Galaxies - A list of the most popular Galaxies outside of the Milky Way.

Common Name - A list of all Messier objects with common names.

Messier Objects - A complete list of all Messier objects.

Nebulae - A list of diffuse nebulae and star forming regions.

Planetary Nebula - A list of famous planetary nebulae.

Globular Clusters - A list of the brightest of these ancient star clusters.

Open Clusters - A list of the best Open Clusters from the Messier list.

Asterisms - A list of some of the most famous star patterns in the sky. Similar to the constellations, there are many recognizable patterns of stars (such as the Big Dipper and The Northern Cross) that are not actually constellations, but are equally well known.

Observing Tip

Although many of the Deep Sky objects are relatively bright, some of them may not be visible with the naked eye. However, SkyScout makes an excellent companion for binoculars or a small telescope that will allow you to see all the Deep Sky objects.