Unlock the Cosmos: Your Guide to JB Cox's DWARF Scope Catalogues!
From Deep Sky Wonders to Tracking Comets: Leveraging These Expert Guides with Your Smart Scope.
Hey Astro-Nuts and DWARF-Wranglers!
If you've been part of the DWARF scope community for a while, or even if you're starting, you've likely come across the name JB Cox. JB is our celestial cartographer, spreadsheet sorcerer, and all-around astronomical guru who generously shares his meticulously crafted resources with all of us. His catalogues and tools are designed specifically with DWARF II and D3 users in mind, helping us plan our nights, understand what we're seeing, and get the most out of our excellent little telescopes.
This post is your central hub for understanding why these resources are valuable and how to use them to elevate your stargazing and astrophotography game. Get ready to dive in!
Go in-depth on these tools and much more at www.dwarfvision.com
1. The Transitional Objects Explorer (Comets, Asteroids, Meteors & Meteorites)
What it is: JB has lassoed the dynamic, ever-changing inner solar system into an astonishingly clever Excel spreadsheet! This isn't just a static list; it's a predictive powerhouse tracking the paths of comets (with apparitions for the next few years!), charting the courses of asteroids, pinpointing upcoming meteor showers, and even mapping where meteorites have made their grand entrance on Earth.
Why use it with your DWARF scope?
Plan for Cosmic Visitors: Want to catch a comet as it brightens or an asteroid as it makes a close pass by a deep-sky object (like our Flora/Leo Triplet project!)? This catalogue is your go-to planning guide for all upcoming solar system visitors.
Meteor Shower Prep: Know the peak times and radiant points for meteor showers, so you can set up your DWARF for wide-field captures or enjoy the show.
Understand Celestial Motions: This is a fantastic tool for visualizing how these "transitional objects" move against the backdrop of stars over time.
Download the.XLSM from the DwarfLab Facebook Post here.
Problem with Macros? Download the read-me-how-too here.
2. The Constellation Catalogue
What it is: JB has wrestled the 88 officially recognized modern constellations into a powerful Excel spreadsheet. It's a visual and descriptive guide, tabulated by hemisphere and optimal viewing periods, designed as a companion to his deep-sky object catalogues.
What it does:
Context is King: Understand the celestial neighbourhood you're imaging in. This catalogue helps you learn each constellation's key stars, boundaries, and lore.
Finding Faint Fuzzies: Knowing the constellation helps you orient yourself when searching for DSOs within its borders. The DWARF's GOTO is great, but understanding the "where" adds another layer to your observing.
Planning Sessions: Determine which constellations are best viewed at different times of the year from your hemisphere.
Download the.XLSM from the DwarfLab Facebook Post here.
3. The Messier Catalogue (JB Cox Excel Edition)
What it is: Charles Messier's famous list of 110 "nuisance" objects (that weren't comets!) has become the cornerstone for amateur astronomers. JB Cox has presented this historic list in his signature interactive Excel format, packed with information and visuals.
What it does:
The Classics: These are the brightest and best DSOs for Northern Hemisphere observers, perfect for capturing with your DWARF.
Messier Marathons: This catalogue is invaluable if you're attempting a Messier Marathon (trying to observe all 110 in one night, typically in late March/early April). The DWARF's GoTo makes this challenge more accessible than ever!
Learning the Sky: It’s a fantastic way to systematically explore a diverse range of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
Download the.XLSM from the DwarfLab Facebook Post here.
4. The Caldwell Catalogue (JB Cox Excel Edition)
What it is: Think of this as Sir Patrick Moore's "greatest hits" album, designed to complement the Messier list. It contains 109 dazzling DSOs that Messier overlooked, spanning both northern and southern skies. JB Cox has brought this fantastic list into his interactive Excel framework.
What it does:
Beyond Messier: Explore a newer (historically) set of brilliant targets, many of which are just as spectacular, if not more so, than some Messier objects.
Southern Sky Gems: Crucially, the Caldwell list includes many objects best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, making it a vital resource for our friends down south.
Pushing Your DWARF: These objects provide a great way to systematically explore diverse cosmic wonders and see what your smart scope can reveal.
Download the.XLSM from the DwarfLab Facebook Post here.
5. The Astronomical Distance Calculator & Other DSO Catalogue Links
What it is: JB often includes handy utilities and links within his spreadsheets. One such tool is an AU (Astronomical Unit) calculator. He also links Wikipedia pages for major catalogues like the NGC, Sharpless, or Caldwell.
Why use it?
Understanding Scale: When your DWARF targets comets, planets, or asteroids, their distances are often given in AU. The calculator instantly converts these to familiar kilometres or miles, helping you grasp the vastness you're imagining.
Quick Info Access: The direct links to Wikipedia for major catalogues (NGC, etc.) are super convenient for quickly looking up more information about an object you're planning to observe or have just captured.
How to use it:
AU Calculator: To use the AU calculator, type the AU value into the designated box in the Excel sheet, and the conversion will appear.
Catalogue Links: Click the blue hyperlinks within the spreadsheet to be taken directly to the relevant Wikipedia page for more in-depth information.
Download the ASTRO CALCULATORS.XLSM from the DwarfLab Facebook Post here.
Download the ASTRO CATALOGUES.XLSM from the DwarfLab Facebook Post here.
Meet JB COX
Many of you already know John (JB) Cox from the DWARF Lab community groups. His passion for astronomy started young, inspired by the likes of Sir Patrick Moore. After rediscovering serious stargazing in retirement with his DWARF II (and aspiring to a DWARF 3!), JB quickly became an invaluable contributor, creating these fantastic resources. His Excel catalogues, always gifted to the community, are a testament to his dedication and generosity (The Caldwell catalogue was a gift to all of us to celebrate his 80th birthday!). We're fortunate to have his expertise and willingness to share!
Say hello to JB on Facebook here!
