Talk:Table of stars with Flamsteed designations
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Table format[edit]
I thought it would be worth having a discussion section about the layout of table. One edit has been made prototyping a new layout. I think most people will agree with me that the previous/existing layout has significant problems. Perhaps it would help to have a list of issues to be addressed by any rework?
- the table width is obviously more than any display can ever fit;
- wrapping of cell contents is inconsistent and in general causes too many line breaks in names;
- similarly column widths can be forced by one long entry, producing lots of whitespace;
- full constellation names are missing;
- editing the article as a whole is presumably unmanageable for many (it is for me), so we have a slightly clunky grouping of constellations.
The new table partially addresses the first two issues in my list. Some displays still won't be able to fit it without scrolling. There are still some line breaks but these could be (99% at least) be forced onto one line, although they probably could in the previous layout at the expense of an even wider table. I'll hold off on expressing my opinions and possible improvements for later, perhaps some others will comment. Lithopsian (talk) 20:12, 17 August 2017 (UTC)
- The new format is easier to work with and has fewer display problems. I agree that sections with several constellations is clunky. Why not a separate section and table for each constellation? That way the constellation name (spelled out) can be used as a heading, and the first column of the tables eliminated. (Three separate tables for Eastern Hydra, Hydra/Crater, and Western Hydra -- with an explanatory paragraph -- would probably also help make Flamsteed's scheme clearer.) I don't think we need sections or tables for constellation with no Flamsteed numbers. -- Elphion (talk) 20:40, 18 August 2017 (UTC)
- Only five years on, and I've made a number of changes to the table layout. Perhaps not perfect, but hopefully much improved. Lithopsian (talk) 15:57, 13 January 2023 (UTC)